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Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Handbook |
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Chin Augmentation
The chin is just as important in the profile as is the nose. Often in association with rhinoplasty and sometimes just by itself, the profile of the chin can be changed. If the chin protrudes, it can be reduced by drilling away some of the bone under the chin pad or if the teeth do not fit properly, by moving the entire jawbone backwards, thereby improving the occlusion of the teeth and the appearance of the chin. If the chin does not protrude sufficiently to create an aesthetic profile, it can be built up with a small, hard silicone rubber implant. The implant can be placed through a small incision underneath the chin or through an incision inside the mouth. Both techniques have advantages and disadvantages. It is our experience that implants placed from below the chin have a lower infection rate and cause much less discomfort than those placed through the mouth. The major risks with a chin implant are infection, extrusion of the implant, or some displacement of the implant. In fact, in as many as 5% of cases, the implant slips and needs to be removed or adjusted. Interestingly, when the implant is removed, it often leaves some scar tissue and a very improved profile. Another occasional complication with the insertion of chin implants is injury to the nerve that supplies sensation, that is feeling, to the lower lip. This nerve comes out of the bone close to the area where the chin implant must sit. It is sometimes injured, and while there is always some spontaneous recovery, that recovery is never complete.
The chin implant does not take long to insert. When performed alone, it can be done in the office, and when done with a rhinoplasty it is performed at the same time. There will be three small bandage strips over your chin; these come off four days after surgery, the same time that the rhinoplasty dressing comes off. No further dressing is necessary. The small scar under your chin generally heals well, and because of its placement under the chin, is not easily seen.
Terence Davidson, M.D., F.A.C.S.
UCSD Otolaryngology Division
200 West Arbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92103-8895
(619) 543-6631 |