| GPL | Chin Surgery |
|---|---|
| Procedure | The chin can be enhanced or reduced by moving and fixing the chin bone (=sliding genioplasty or mentoplasty). A sliding genioplasty involves a cut inside the lower lip, through the chin bone to move the chin and fixation with metalwork. Enhancement can also be achieved with a chin implant using an incision under the chin. A small localised prominence can be removed with a burr also using an incision under the chin. In some patients, the chin pad can be pushed down when smiling (=dynamic chin ptosis). This can be addressed by excising some soft tissue using a cut under the chin. If the bite is affected, a dental opinion should be sought prior to aesthetic correction. This operation is sometimes combined with a rhinoplasty to achieve more balance. I do not use drains routinely. The wounds are repaired with sutures under the skin which do not require removal and dissolve within four months. Soft food and mouth wash are advisable for one week after sliding genioplasty. |
| Scars | Inner lower lip for sliding genioplasty. Underneath the chin for implants, burring of localised prominences and correction of dynamic chin ptosis. |
| Operation time | 3 hours for sliding genioplasty 1.5 hours for chin implant, burring of localised prominence and correction of dynamic chin ptosis. |
| Anaesthesia | General for sliding genioplasty and reduction of localised prominences. Local for implants and for correction of dynamic chin ptosis. |
| Hospital Stay | Day Surgery > (Overnight) |
| Benefits | Aesthetic, Psychological |
| Risks | Bleeding, Infection, Scar problems (stretched, thick, abnormal pigmentation, red, retracted etc.), Skin discoloration, Wound separation, Slough, Necrosis (bone, skin, tissues), Pain, Nerve injury (Numbness, weakness, paralysis), abnormal chin & lip muscle movements, Cold insensitivity, Tooth injury, Bruising, Swelling, Overcorrection, Undercorrection, Asymmetry, Chin ptosis, Contour irregularities, Lower lip retraction, Aesthetic imperfections, Seroma, Need for further surgery (including implant removal), Allergic reaction, Chest infection, Heart attack, Stroke, Blood clots in legs & lungs Sliding genioplasty: Non-union, Malunion, Fixation failure, Palpable metal / bone edge, Metalwork extrusion, Neck laxity Implant Surgery: Implant extrusion / displacement, Capsular contracture, Bone erosion, Palpable implant, Chin ptosis and abnormal chin & lip muscle movements after implant removal Bone burring: Bone irregularity, Chin ptosis, Remaining asymmetry |
| Risk factors | Smoking / contraception / flights within 6 weeks of surgery, overweight, high blood pressure, bleeding tendency (Stop herbal products or supplements for two weeks before surgery), diabetes, poor oral hygiene |
| Optimising factors | Diet rich in Vitamin C and protein, plenty of fluids, fresh air, scar massage, sun protection |
| Discomfort | 1 - 2 weeks |
| Bruising | 2 - 3 weeks |
| Recovery | Light activities 2 weeks, Driving 3 weeks, Physical work & sports 6 weeks |
| Acceptable appearance | 2 - 4 weeks for most patients (This is subjective) |
| Final result | 6 - 18 months |
| Alternatives | No Surgery, Make-up, Fillers, Fat transfer, dental or maxillofacial treatment if the bite is affected; an alternative to sliding genioplasty is burring through a cut under the chin. However, this can flatten the chin and make it droopy (chin ptosis). |
Anstey Hall
Maris Lane
Cambridge
CB2 9LN
