CHIN AUGMENTATIONN WITH IMPLANT
Why a Chin Augmentation?
Some people are unhappy with the way they look in side view. They feel that they may have what most describe as a “weak chin”. In some, it may be in combination with a prominent nose, which can compound the feeling of an under-projected profile. For many people, by augmenting the chin area, it can restore balance to lower face and jaw line.
Types of Augmentation?
It is first necessary to understand that in some people, the underlying cause of a weak profile may be more than just the chin. It may, in fact, be the entire jaw and the lower row of teeth may be set back as well. The true correction of this usually requires much more than chin augmentation. It may require surgical restructuring of the lower jaw in which bones are cut and moved. Dr. Corey does not perform this type of surgery but he may be able to help you identify this if present. Direct Chin Augmentation is usually performed one of two ways. Your own bone can be cut and moved into a more aesthetic position or it can be achieved through a small implant made of various materials. The use of an implant is the technique that Dr. Corey uses.
Surgical Procedure
Incisions can be placed on the inside of the mouth or underneath the chin through the skin, where many of us already have a scar from our misadventures with a bike!! Implants can come in various shapes, materials and sizes depending on your particular need. Many implants today are contoured so as to give a gentle result rather than a distinct “button” sitting under the skin. Dr. Corey usually uses a soft silicone rubber implant that he then anchors to the bone with several small wires to minimize the chance of slipping out of place. This is performed under General Anesthesia.
Post Operative Recovery
A small skin tape is placed over the incision and the stitches dissolve. There is some chin and lower jaw swelling but most patients can be back out in public in +/- 5 days. There may be some numbness to the area and the lower lip may look and feel just a bit stiff for some time. This is almost always temporary and gets better gradually over time.