Chin Augmentation

Chin augmentation is often performed in conjunction with rhinoplasty and at times with a facelift in combination with a necklift. A weak or recessive chin can be caused by a number of factors.   Chin augmentation serves to balance out a patients deficiency that they may have in the lower third of the face.  Chin augmentation not only can increase the projection of the chin but can also increase the width of the chin and strengthen the jawline.

The most common approach to augmentation genioplasty is with the use of specially designed implants which are entirely non-reactive with your body.  Occasionally a patients unusual anatomic condition will necessitate that cuts in the bone of the chin be made in order to advance the chin and address other facial issues.   The implants are placed through a small incision in a crease of skin beneath the chin or via an intraoral route depending on your surgeons preference.  The implant is placed in a pocket beneath the skin and soft tissues of the chin whose size and location is determined prior to surgery.  The implant is usually secured in place with an absorbable suture and the skin is closed with a very small suture.  A bandage is applied to the area surrounding the implant to minimize swelling and maintain the position of the implant. Your bandages and sutures will be removed in 5-7 days.

Swelling can be expected for about a week to ten days. Transient numbness of the lower lip may occur especially when lateral augmentation of the chin is required.  This may caused by stretching of the nerve fibers which provides sensation to the lower lip and the swelling of the soft tissues of the chin. 

A thorough preoperative evaluation and with the use of advanced computer imaging software Dr. Schoenfeld will be able to show you how augmentation genioplasty can enhance your overall facial appearance.

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