Chin surgery, or mentoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to alter the size or shape of the chin in order to improve facial proportion. Mentoplasty can involve an augmentation (in which an implant is inserted to increase the size of the chin) or a reduction (in which part of the bone is removed to decrease the size of the chin).
There are a few different methods for performing a chin surgery, differentiated by the type of procedure (augmentation or reduction) and the placement of the incisions. Liposuction may be used in conjunction with chin surgery in order to contour the area and improve the overall appearance of the face.
Procedure Walk-Through
- Preparation: There are a few pre-operative measures patients should take to prepare for mentoplasty. First, you should cease taking any anti-inflammatory or blood-thinning vitamins, herbs, or medications (such as aspirin) for two weeks before surgery. Second, if you smoke, it is imperative that you quit for at least fourteen days before and after surgery, as smoking can delay and impair the body’s ability to heal. Finally, if you are over the age of 45, you must receive medical clearance from an independent physician prior to undergoing surgery.
- Anesthesia: Most patients will receive general anesthesia for chin surgery, although it is possible to opt for a local anesthetic with a sedative. Your options will depend on the type of procedures being performed in your particular chin surgery.
- At the start of the surgery, Dr. Vallecillos will make small incisions either inside the mouth or underneath the chin to gain access to the underlying tissue. If you are undergoing a chin augmentation with an implant, a pocket will be created and the implant will be inserted. If you are undergoing a chin reduction, a portion of the Mandible bone (the bone that comprises the lower portion of the jaw, including the chin) will be removed. Liposuction may also be performed as an ancillary procedure to remove fat deposits in the chin and neck area and improve the contour of these regions. Dr. Vallecillos will discuss beforehand if this is a good option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a candidate for chin surgery?
You should consider chin surgery if you wish to change the size or shape of your chin to improve the overall appearance and proportion of your face. Mentoplasty can be performed as an augmentation procedure with implants to increase the size of the chin, as a reduction procedure to decrease the size of the chin, or to alter the shape of the chin.
What is the recovery time for chin surgery?
Recovery time varies, but most patients should allow themselves a few days of post-operative rest. Dressings are usually removed within a few days after surgery. Chewing can be difficult during the recovery period, so patients should consume soft foods and liquids only to avoid excess pain and movement. Swelling can persist for up to six weeks. Dr. Vallecillos will provide you with a comprehensive recovery plan.
Are there risks or side effects with chin surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, risks of mentoplasty include infection, numbness, and scarring. Carefully following your pre- and post-operative guidelines, as provided by Dr. Vallecillos, will help reduce this risk.
How long do the results last?
If no complications arise, the results of chin surgery should be permanent.