Chin Surgery
Conveniently located to serve Columbus OH
Genioplasty, or chin surgery, is the technical name for this plastic surgery procedure, which helps enhance the projection and improves the definition of the chin. There are basically two ways to perform a chin augmentation; one is by cutting the jawbone (mandible) and advancing it forward to increase its prominence, the other is to insert a prosthetic implant. If you want to add more definition to your jawline and lower face, try chin surgery in Columbus.
What Is Chin Surgery?
Chin surgery is done to restore balance and harmony to your facial features. It can enhance your appearance by changing the dimensions and projection of the chin.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates for chin surgery include people with small chins but no pronounced overbite. Their entire lower jaw should be set back, and their upper teeth should meet the lower ones appropriately, signifying good dentition. Good candidates for the procedure include those with a stable bone structure and good skin. Patients must have realistic expectations of the surgery’s outcome.
People with no lower teeth may have a weak bone structure that makes them unsuitable for chin surgery, because there may be less or no room for an implant. Candidates should not be smokers to avoid negatively affecting the healing process.
Sliding Genioplasty
The former procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient. The incision is inside the mouth under the lower lip through which the bone is exposed. A saw is used to make a horizontal cut in the bone so that the chin can be slid forward and held in place with wires or, more commonly, small titanium plates and screws. This is known as an advancement or sliding genioplasty. Dr. McMahan does not perform a sliding genioplasty. These are normally done by oral surgeons.
Implant Genioplasty
Most cases, however, are performed under local anesthesia with oral sedation in an office operating room for insertion of an implant. The prosthesis is typically a silastic (solid silicone) implant that can be inserted through an incision inside of the mouth or, more commonly, through a short incision under the chin. In these cases, the chin muscles are elevated off of the bone, creating a pocket just barely larger than the implant on the anterior surface of the chin, extending to the side for several centimeters to accommodate the wings of the implant that are gradually tapered.
Consultation
During your consultation with Dr. McMahan in Columbus, Ohio, you can thoroughly discuss the overall final effect you are looking for. The two most common procedures performed at the same time as a genioplasty are liposuction of the neck, which is also done as an office procedure, and rhinoplasty, which is done at an out-patient surgery center. Both procedures in addition to the chin surgery can have a significant effect on the balance of the face when seen in profile.
During the consultation, you will be asked about your complete medical history, including previous surgeries, pre-existing medical conditions, and current medications, vitamins, and supplements. Dr. McMahan will examine your face, including the underlying bone structure and the skin, and will discuss the benefits and possible risks of the procedure.
Post-Operative Care
Although you will be allowed to return home after you spend some time under observation in the office, your taped chin must be given good care until the stitches are removed. You will be advised to avoid exertion and excessive chewing for a few days. In addition, you will be instructed to keep your head elevated as much as possible and to use ice packs to reduce discomfort, bleeding and swelling.
Recovery
There is usually relatively little discomfort with a genioplasty though pain pills will be prescribed in the event that they are needed for a few days. There is also typically relatively little bruising, especially if you carefully follow the postoperative instructions of head elevation, ice and minimal chewing for the first 36-48 hours and you strictly avoid taking the medications on the list you will be provided that can increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery.
Activity
A split piece of foam tape is placed over your chin to help hold the implant in place for a few days which you should leave on as instructed and, obviously, you must avoid physical activities such as basketball where you could potentially sustain trauma to your chin for a few weeks.
The Cost of Chin Surgery
The total cost of getting chin surgery is usually affected by the surgeon’s fees, the price of the anesthesia, the complexity of the procedure, and any other cosmetic procedures you might want done. It is best to contact Advanced Aesthetic & Laser Surgery for a more realistic estimate of the price of the procedure.
Book an Appointment
Are you looking forward to having a more defined and stronger jawline with chin surgery in Columbus? Improve your profile with a chin implant. Contact us today to book your consultation.