Chin augmentation, also known as mentoplasty or genioplasty, is a surgery designed to bring harmony to the features of the face. Chin surgery strengthens the appearance of a receding chin by increasing its projection and prominence. Chin augmentation can be a very satisfying procedure for those people who feel that their chin does not “match” their face.

The Best Candidate

The best candidate for chin augmentation is one who wants to aesthetically improve the appearance of their chin. It is important to remember that chin surgery can create a more balanced look on the face, but it cannot, however, create perfection.
Chin surgery can be performed on men and women at almost any age. It is recommended, however, that younger patients wait until their final growth spurt has occurred so that all facial features have reached their permanent appearance. For girls, this age is about fifteen to sixteen, for boys, about seventeen to eighteen.
The patient should be in good health and physical condition, stable psychological state, and have realistic expectations of the surgery. As with any cosmetic procedure, the surgery will help to improve the overall appearance of the problem area, but it may not live up to your preconceived ideal. The surgery will attempt to create a more harmonious balance of your face, which can help to make you more self-confident and happy with the appearance of your chin. Be sure to discuss your expectations with Dr. Heddle, as well as your support network.

The Office Visit

During your initial consultation, Dr. Heddle will ask for your detailed medical history. Be sure to tell Dr. Heddle if you smoke or are taking any drugs, medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, have any allergies or if you have any gum or dental problems (since the incision may be inside the mouth). Also during this initial visit, Dr. Heddle will ask questions about your emotional and psychological outlook on the surgery. While the surgery is ultimately a deeply personal decision, help and advice is available for you, so feel free to ask questions and express your concerns.
It is important that clear communication is developed between you and Dr. Heddle. Dr. Heddle will help you to determine what is possible to achieve with the surgery. It may be helpful to provide Dr. Heddle with photos of people who have facial features similar to those you would like to have in order to clearly communicate what you would like to achieve with the procedure.
During the consultation, Dr. Heddle will feel the underlying structure of your chin, the facial muscles that surround it and may also tug at the facial skin to determine elasticity.

Preparing for the Surgery

Dr. Heddle will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including what you should/should not eat and drink, smoking and avoiding certain vitamins and medications prior to the procedure. It is very important to follow these guidelines in order to make the surgery go smoothly.
Plan to have someone with you on the day of the procedure who can drive you home afterwards and stay with you for the first 48 hours if needed.
An additional precaution is to set up a mini-recovery area in your home before the surgery. This recovery area may include: plenty of ice or cold compresses, clean towels, two to three medium-filled pillows for elevation, a thermometer, pain medication prescribed by Dr. Heddle, magazines and books.

How the Surgery is Performed

Depending on the amount of augmentation needed, chin augmentation surgery can last from 45 minutes to an hour and a half. The technique, the incision placement area and the amount of time needed for the procedure will be discussed during the consultation appointment, and will vary according to the unique needs of the patient.
Chin augmentation surgery involves moving the chin bone forward to increase the prominence and improve the overall shape of the chin. The incision is either placed underneath the chin, which will remain well-hidden, or inside the mouth.

Upon request, Dr. Heddle will also explore the option of a chin implant. A silicon chin implant of the proper size and shape will be selected by Dr. Heddle and will be inserted into the chin area. The implant will be inserted through an incision on the inside of the mouth and sutured into place. The chin will either be taped or a head wrapping will be used to minimize swelling and discomfort and to help the implant heal properly in the face.

After the Surgery

During the first several days following surgery, it is normal to experience some discomfort, swelling and possibly bruising in the chin area. It is also normal to experience some temporary difficulty or slight pain when smiling and talking. You will notice your chin will be swollen and firm. It is important to apply cold compresses and keep your upper body elevated above your heart in order to minimize the amount of swelling experienced.
For the day of the surgery, your diet will be restricted to clear liquids, which will be progressively advanced to a regular diet as the days go on. The tape or head wrapping will be removed within a few days following the surgery.
For incisions placed inside the mouth, it is important to keep your mouth clean and to steer clear of touching the incision with your tongue or finger to avoid infection. Listerine may be used several times a day until the incisions are healed properly to keep the area clean.

Getting Back to Normal

The majority of chin augmentation patients will be up and about the same day of surgery. While you may feel well enough that day, it is important to rest and give yourself plenty of recovery time; you should take care to rest as long as your body needs. Most of your regular activities will be restricted, most notably those involving straining, bending and/or lifting for up to ten days post-surgery. You should be able to return to work within one week of the surgery.

While the healing process may take some time, you can expect the results to be worth the wait. The surgery is personally rewarding and the changes can bring about substantial gains in your self-esteem.