Chin augmentation
Also called
Augmentation mentoplasty
Genioplasty

What it is?
             Surgucally reshapin or enhancing size of chin is chin augmentation.

Normal anatomy
             The mandible, or lower jaw, determines much of the facial profile and the alignment of the upper and lower teeth. The teeth must be properly aligned for a normal dental bite.

                                       

             Osteotomy, a horizontal cut is made through the jaw bone (mandible) with a bone saw or chisel. The lower portion of the separated bone is moved forward to the desired position and wired in place. The neurological nerves are carefully protected. The incision is closed with sutures and an external pressure dressing is applied. There is no visible scarring since the surgery is performed through an incision inside the mouth.

Description
             Chin augmentation is surgery usually done to balance the face by making the chin longer compared to the nose. Surgery may be performed in the surgeon's office, a hospital, or an outpatient clinic. You will have x-rays taken of your face and chin, which the doctor will use to determine what part of the chin to operate on. One surgical approach is to make a cut inside the mouth along the lower gum. This gives the surgeon access to the chin bone. The surgeon uses a bone saw or chisel to make a second cut through the jaw bone. The jaw bone is moved forward to the desired position and wired or screwed in place. The cut is closed with stitches and a bandage is applied. Since the surgery is performed inside the mouth, you can't see any scars. When you need only a little bit of chin augmentation to round out the chin, the surgeon may use real bone or an implant made of silicone, Teflon, or Dacron. For this procedure, a cut is made either inside the mouth or outside under the chin. A pocket is created in front of the chin bone and under the muscles, and the implant is placed inside. The cut is closed with stitches and a bandage is applied. The scar is barely visible. Surgery to correct bite problems can be done at the same time as chin surgery.

Why the Procedure Is Performed
             People with weak or receding chins (microgenia), but who have a normal dental bite are best candidates for chin augmentation. Before your surgery, discuss your expectations about looking and feeling better with the plastic surgeon. Keep in mind that the desired result is improvement, not perfection.

Risks
The most common complications of chin augmentation are:
1) Bruising
2) Movement of the implant
3) Swelling

Other possible complications include:
1) Damage to the teeth
2) Loss of sensation

Rare side effects include:
1) Blood clots
2) Infection
3) Nicotine from smoking can delay healing.
Cut


                                       

             One surgical approach is to make an incision inside the mouth along the inferior sulcus (a landmark inside the jaw) to gain access to the chin bone. There is no incision made on the skin.

After the Procedure
             You will feel some discomfort and soreness, which you can easily control with medication. You might have to stick to a liquid diet for a day or two. You can resume light activity the day of surgery.
                                       

             There is some discomfort and soreness, which is easily controlled by medication. A liquid diet may be advised for a day or two. Light activity can resume the same day as surgery. Return to work and usual activity is allowed within 7 to 10 days. Within a week of surgery, the external dressing is usually removed.

Prognosis
             Patients should be able to return to work and your usual activity within 7 to 10 days. You'll probably have the outside bandage removed within a week of surgery

Reference:  MedlinePlus