Chin Augmentation / Genioplasty

What is genioplasty?

Genioplasty procedures are typically undergone by people who wish to alter the physical appearance of their chin. Due to this, many see genioplasty as another type of plastic or cosmetic surgery even though there are medical conditions that may require the intervention of an oral & maxillofacial surgeon.

An example of this is retrogenia, or a receding chin. Retrogenia can lead to obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night.

There are two main types of genioplasty: sliding and implant augmentation.

Dr. Hashemian uses an instrument, such as a saw or another appropriate piece of equipment, to cut the chin bone away from the remainder of the patient’s jaw during a sliding genioplasty. The chin is repositioned by having it slide forward or backward to correct the problem, whether it is a receding or protruding chin.

Dr. Hashemian can also correct asymmetrical chins by sliding or reshaping one side of the chin to match the other.

Using surgical screws, Dr. Hashemian is able to reattach a jaw and chin bone after repositioning it. He can also reshape, elongate, or otherwise enhance a person’s chin through the use of plastic or silicone implants. These would be placed as needed around the existing chin bone.

During this procedure, an implant may be elected to be placed over the chin bone, securing it with stitches or screws as needed. Dermal filler injections are another alternative to a genioplasty but they are not permanent.

This form of augmentation uses injectable fillers to shape and enhance your chin.

Useful Links:

• Procedure
• Recovery
• Benefits

Procedure

Prior to your surgery, Dr. Hashemian will provide an evaluation of both your chin and your medical history to help better prepare both you and him for the surgery ahead.

During the consultation, he will review a person’s medical history and current health status. Dr. Hashemian will ask the individual to describe what they hope to achieve from the procedure, measure the person’s face, and take X-ray and CT images of their jaw.

Once he identifies the most suitable option, Dr. Hashemian can make recommendations and start planning the procedure.

For a sliding genioplasty, this may involve deciding where and at what angle to cut the chin bone. Dr. Hashemian will also need to consider the personnel and equipment required for the procedure.

He will go over with you and decide whether to use implants, filler injections, or a combination of both along with the material of the implant and the fillers.

In most cases, people need to avoid eating and drinking at least 6–8 hours before surgery as chin augmentation procedures require general anesthesia. Although people may be able to go home after their surgery, they need to make transportation arrangements beforehand.

Recovery

Pain can be reduced through the usage of over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses. After 1 week, most people can return to their daily activities.

People can reduce pain and swell with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery recommends that people lie on their backs with their heads elevated for 1–2 weeks following surgery.

Before the individual is discharged, one of the assistants will go over post-operative care instructions with them.

These instructions may include:

• dosage and timing for taking oral antibiotics
• tips for managing pain and swelling
• how to rinse the mouth with water or oral antiseptic
• how to remove and replace wound dressings
• switching to liquid or soft food for the first few days
• avoiding strenuous activity for 3–4 weeks

The type of procedure, the extent of surgical changes, how quickly you heal, and any complications such as infections can severely affect recovery times. After the procedure is finished, a person can go back to work after 7 days barring any complications.

The chin may appear completely healed within a few weeks. However, complete recovery occurs when there are no more signs of residual swelling, which can take 3 months.

People who have sliding genioplasty or implant surgeries should attend regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Hashemian to monitor their healing and address any complications. However, all surgical procedures carry a risk of side effects and complications.

Genioplasty procedures can lead to temporary side effects, such as:

• redness or bruising
• tenderness or pain
• swelling
• loss of sensation or numbness

Possible complications of genioplasty include:

• infection
• damage to nerves or tooth roots
• allergic reaction to filler or implant material
• changes in implant position

Benefits

Genioplasty procedures can alter the aesthetic appearance of a receding, protruding, or misaligned chin.

The location and size of the chin plays an integral role in balancing other facial features, such as the nose, forehead, and cheeks, which contributes to overall facial harmony and offers significant benefits for people who are dissatisfied with their chin.