Chin
Re-Shape
Indications
You may be unhappy with the side profile of your face due
to the chin being undershot compared to the upper jaw, or
if the chin is too protruding. In either case cosmetic surgery
can be undertaken to improve the side profile.
Anaesthetic
The operation is normally performed under a general anaesthetic.
Technique
Undershot Jaw
There are 2 ways of treating an undershot jaw. One is to
use an inert implant. This may be inserted in a pocket made
via an incision either through a skin crease on the undersurface
of the jaw or through a tissue between the lower lip and
front teeth. The implant is inserted into the pocket and
the incision closed. The position of the implant may be
helped by inserting a suture through the skin which is removed
during the first 4 days. The suture inside the mouth is
normally uses dissolvable sutures. If an external skin crease
incision below the chin is used sutures may well be removed
at 5 days or dissolvable sutures may well be used.
The alternative method of improving the contour of an undershot
jaw is by removing the lower part of the jaw-line and moving
it forward. This is a more invasive procedure and is normally
done using the incision underneath the jaw. The removed
bone is then plated in position and the incision closed.
This is usually more painful and is associated with more
swelling than insertion of the inert implant.
Chin Reduction
If the chin is jutting out too far the lower part of the
jaw may be removed to improve the cosmetic contour. This
again is normally done by an incision in the skin crease
on the under surface of the chin. Sutures are normally inserted.
Length of Operation
Both operations normally take between anything from 30 minutes
to 1½ hours.
Time in Hospital
You are normally kept in hospital overnight. During the
first few days there will be some swelling and bruising
which normally settles over the next few weeks.
Time off Work
It is normally recommended that you take 7 - 10 days off
work. It is important if an implant has been inserted to
avoid any undue pressure or disturbance on the chin as this
may well cause the implant to move.
Risks and Complications
There might well be some temporary numbness of the lower
lip and chin after surgery in this region. Very rarely this
will turn out to be permanent. There may well also be some
weakness of the muscles around the angle of the mouth. If
excessive bone has been removed some loosening of the teeth
may occur. Rarely the implant can be rejected by the body
and be forced out, an allergic reaction to the implant may
occur and this is very similar to an infection in that the
operated area becomes very tense, red and painful. In this
case it is important to remove the implant to allow the
infection to resolve. The implant may well be inserted at
a later date as long as there is no evidence of allergy.
It is important both prior to the surgery and afterwards
that you follow good hygiene standards for the mouth as
this is often the source of any infection.
Outcome/Prognosis
Most people are satisfied with the improvement although
it is important to have realistic expectations for any form
of cosmetic surgery. The use of photographs pre-operatively
may well help for reassurance that the operation that you
are about to have is in your best interest.
