Some men and women are born with a weak jawline, which make the chin appear as though it blends in with the neck. Chin augmentation surgery with implants (mentoplasty) is a cosmetic surgery offered by Dr. Clinton Webster that helps strengthen the features of the lower jaw. Oklahoma City individuals who opt to have chin implant surgery do so because they feel their chin does not fit within the natural angles of their profile. This surgery is performed with a synthetically produced flexible silicone implant that can lengthen the size of the chin and create a newly defined shape. During the initial consutlation, Dr. Webster will discuss the various shapes and sizes these implants come in and a treatment plan will be created that is specific to the patient’s aesthetic goals.
A common technique for this procedure uses a silicone implant that is moved through an incision made under the chin. The implant is then placed directly over the bone along the lower jaw. A pocket might be constructed to hold it, which may involve shaving the jawbone to help fit the implant in place. Surgical sutures will be used to attach the implant to the chin bone. In some cases, the incision will be made on the inside of the mouth. Immediately after surgery, medical tape or a compression dressing will be applied to help protect the implant while the jaw recovers.
Chin augmentation is an outpatient procedure that is performed under general anesthesia at an accredited surgical facility. The entire surgery typically takes about an hour to complete, but it could take longer depending on the technique used. Recovery from this surgery usually takes about 4-6 weeks. During this time, the swelling, discomfort and numbness that occurs in the chin and lower lip will gradually improve. Most patients are pleased with their results and feel that they have a stronger, more defined profile because of the surgery.
Chin implants are designed to offer patients a sharper, stronger look to their jaw line. Those who have a “double chin” may be better candidates for a liposuction procedure where the fat within the chin and neck is removed. Sometimes this technique alone can create a new profile and look without needing to have an implant procedure.
It will be very normal to feel numbness and a change in skin sensation following chin augmentation surgery. As the implant gets used to its new habitat, nearby tissue and jaw line structures will also get used to having it there. Several weeks after surgery, this heightened sensation will begin to subside and, over time, normal sensitivity will gradually reappear. It may take up to a full year for patients to regain full sensitivity.
Scarring is very minimal with chin augmentation surgery because the incision is placed either on the inside of the mouth, where it is completely hidden, or it is made under the chin. Even the incision done under the chin will be mostly concealed or hard to see during social situations.
In addition to chin augmentation with implants, some individuals may be suitable candidates for genioplasty. This is a procedure that reshapes the chin by surgically repositioning the chin bone. This procedure is more complex than implants alone and is sometimes considered a reconstructive surgery. In some cases, genioplasty will be done in combination with neck liposuction and chin implants.
