Chin surgery is a type of cosmetic surgery that reshapes the chin by either enhancing it with an implant or reducing the bone.

Men or women who are in good health and who want to improve the appearance of their chin or jaw may be good candidates for chin surgery.

Before getting chin surgery, you will need to have a preoperative consultation with your surgeon. During the consultation, your surgeon will thoroughly examine your chin and jaw and discuss your options for implants, if applicable. The surgical procedure will be described in detail, including risks and limitations.

The surgeon will give you preoperative instructions as to what you can or cannot eat or drink before surgery, which medications you should take or avoid, and a list of things you will need to have on hand for your recovery. During your consultation, the surgeon will answer any questions you might have, so come to your appointment prepared.

Your surgery may be performed using either a local (awake) or general (asleep) anesthetic depending on your preferences and the extent of your procedure.

To enhance a weak chin (chin augmentation), the surgeon will make an incision either in the natural crease line just under the chin or inside the mouth, where the gum meets the lower lip. The tissue is stretched to create a space where the chin implant will be inserted. Once the implant is in place, fine sutures are used to close the incision.

In chin reduction surgery, incisions are made either in the mouth or under the chin. The bone is then sculpted to the desired size. For orthognathic surgery (surgery to correct teeth and jaw disorders), an incision will be made inside the mouth and the facial bones will be repositioned. The procedure, depending on the extent of the work, takes from less than an hour to approximately three hours.

You may be able to go home the day of your surgery, but you will need someone to drive you. Immediately after surgery, the surgeon usually applies a dressing that will remain in place for two to three days. During chin surgery recovery, you will experience some discomfort or tenderness. Your surgeon can prescribe pain medication as needed.

Chewing will probably be limited immediately after chin surgery, and a liquid and soft food diet may be required for the first few days. Most patients feel a stretched, tight sensation, which usually subsides within a week.

The stitches are removed within a week after surgery. Most of the swelling will disappear in about six weeks, and you will be able to see the results of your procedure.

Most people return to work between one week and 10 days after surgery, but it could be several weeks before you feel completely up to speed.

You may be required to wear a compression or other support garment (see below for post-surgical support garment options), and limit your activities for a few weeks following surgery.

Facial Surgery (Support) Garments
In the days and weeks following chin surgery, your doctor may instruct you to purchase and wear a compression garment. These are designed to help improve and increase blood circulation, rid your body of potentially harmful fluids, decrease your post surgery recovery time and reduce swelling. They also help the new skin fit the body’s contours allowing you to recover faster. To purchase a chin surgery support garment, click on the links below. Among your garment options facial compression wraps, and skin support straps.

These garments are typically worn immediately after your surgery. They are generally worn continuously for several weeks, so you may want to purchase more than one.

Contour® is America's 1^st choice in premium quality post-surgical compression garments for women and men. Contour® has 25 years of experience with design, fabric and craftsmanship so Contour® garments fit every subtle contour of the body, offering unprecedented comfort during the recovery process. ContourMD website also offers helpful information on recovery tips and sizing charts.

Although both genioplasty and mentoplasty are relatively safe procedures, all surgery comes with some risk. Potential complications may include:

• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Poor wound healing
• Infection
• Reactions to anesthesia
• Scarring
• Temporary or permanent numbness

Many of these complications can be avoided if you closely follow your surgeon’s instructions.

Chin surgery costs vary based on a number of factors including:

• Type of surgery
• Geographic location
• Facility fees
• Surgeon expertise and demand

Costs can range from around $3,000 to around $10,000.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons www.plasticsurgery.org

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery www.aafprs.org

University of Rochester Medical Center www.stronghealth.com