Chin is the lowest part of ones face and whose position with respect to your nose and your entire face makes you feel more confident about yourself. Chin augmentation as the name suggests is a cosmetic procedure which aims at enhancing the appearance of your chin either by the use of implants or by reshaping your bone. The procedure is also referred as mentoplasty or genioplasty by surgeons. Since it is a cosmetic procedure it definitely helps you in building up your self-esteem thereby making you more comfortable and confident about the way you look.
Are you a suitable candidate for a chin augmentation procedure ?
Chin augmentation is done in individuals whose facial structures primarily the bones have fully developed and the position of the chin is a little behind the other structures of the face specially the nose. The condition with a receding chin is often referred to as microgenia. Hence the primary aim of a chin augmentation surgery is to enhance and balance the appearance of chin in respect to the entire face.
When is a chin augmentation procedure not advised ?
Chin augmentation is a surgical procedure which is used for cosmetic corrections and hence is not recommended when certain functional aspects need to be addressed. Chin augmentation is not advised in individuals who have had receding chin due to traumatic injury or individuals who do not have a normal occlusion (a normal bite). Individuals who are diagnosed with systemic medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, bleeding and clotting disorders and other ailments need to consult a general physician to get a waiver for the surgery as these conditions effect the recovery and outcome of the procedure.
How do you prepare for a chin augmentation procedure ?
Once you have decided to get a chin augmentation done your operating surgeon will explain to you the procedure and the risks, benefits and outcome of the procedure. The initial examination will consist of a detailed history taking with an overall examination to determine if the procedure could be suitable for your requirements. The investigations related to the procedure also include X-rays of your head and neck to determine the relation of your chin bone with the other structures of your face. Advanced X-ray techniques may include an OPG (orthopantamogram, to study your teeth and associated bones) and a Lateral Cepahalogram (to check the position of your facial bones and structures in a lateral view. Routine blood investigations might be done to prepare you the surgery. Occasionally the surgeon will also take pictures of your face to understand your facial profile, for better planning of the procedure. If you are on any medication like aspirin or blood clotting agents, it is advised to inform your treating surgeon about the same before the procedure as these medicines need to be either stopped or tapered before posting you for the surgery. Also if you smoke and consume alcohol you have to stop it before deciding to go ahead with the surgery.
Is the chin augmentation procedure performed under the influence of anaesthesia ?
Yes, the procedure is mainly performed under the influence of general anaesthesia and sedation. Ask you treating surgeon about the about the type of anaesthetic agent which will be used during the procedure.
How is the chin augmentation procedure performed ?
A chin augmentation procedure is performed by a surgeon or a team of surgeons who are trained in cosmetic surgeries of the face and neck region. After the administration of anaesthesia, the surgeon will give an incision either at the base of the chin or at inside your oral cavity, between the gum line and your lower lip. Intraoral incisions are mostly preferred as the chances of scarring are lesser. The augmentation can be performed either by the use of implants (your own body fat or artificial implants) or by reshaping and recontouring your chin bone. It is essential to ask your surgeon prior to the procedure so as to which type of technique will be suitable for you. Once the incision is place, the muscle and the fat are separated to place the implant or the bone is exposed to make it more sharp. The surgical site is then closed with absorbable or non-absorbable sutures. If intraoral incisions are given usually a pressure pack is given for an hour to stop the bleeding and in case of incision below the chin, a bandage may be applied to aid in healing and prevent any infection at the surgical site. The entire chin augmentation procedure takes about one to three hours.
What precautions need to be taken after a chin augmentation procedure ?
The procedure involves a surgery hence you might feel pain or soreness once the effect of the anaesthetic starts fading. Your doctor will put you on pain medication and medication to reduce your swelling. It takes about a week to resume your normal activities. It is also advised to visit your consulting surgeon for routine follow ups to monitor your recovery. If an intraoral technique was used your doctor will modify your diet to a liquid diet which is not very cold or hot to aid in healing of the surgical wound.
What are the risks and complications associated with chin augmentation procedure ?
The complications may be associated with the type of anaesthesia used. The complications may range from nausea, vomiting, gastric upset and headache to infection, bleeding, dislodgement of the implant used, effect on the teeth and the occlusion. Damage to the nerve of the chin may occur rarely during a chin augmentation procedure. If any of the complications are evident, you are advised to seek consultation with your treating surgeon at the earliest.
What is the outcome of a chin augmentation procedure ?
Chin augmentation is successfully being performed for about one or two decades in individuals who are not satisfied with the positioning of their chin with respect to their face. Since it is a cosmetic procedure it definitely improves one’s self confidence, but it is always advised to have realistic expectations as a cosmetic surgery can improve your appearance but certainly cannot change it completely. If you wish to get a chin augmentation procedure done, it is essential to understand the procedure, its risks, benefits, outcome and suitability for your requirement.
How to find cosmetic surgeons for chin augmentation procedure ?
Now you can find cosmetic surgeons for chin augmentation procedure from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple cosmetic surgeons, cost estimates for chin augmentation procedure from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a cosmetic surgeon for chin augmentation procedure.
Find and choose a cosmetic surgeon for chin augmentation procedure on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.