One of the most straightforward and most satisfying
procedures in plastic surgery is chin augmentation.
Enhancement of the deficient chin can make a dramatic
difference in one's facial profile.
Like the nose, although not as well appreciated, the
position of the chin not only plays an important role on
the silhouette of the face and neck but helps form an
impression (accurate or not) on one's character. A
well-defined chin that is in proportion to the rest of the
face suggests favorable character traits and portrays an
image of strength. Conversely, a recessed or weaker chin
can cast quite the opposite image.
The decision (need) to perform chin augmentation is
dependent on an assessment of the chin as it sits relative
to the rest of the face. This is done exclusively by a
profile assessment where a straight line is dropped down
from the junction of the nose and forehead with the face
looking straight forward and as level as possible. Where
the most projecting point of the chin rests relative to
this vertical line determines whether chin augmentation is
beneficial, and how much, to one's facial profile. If it
rests anywhere behind this line, then chin augmentation
will be helpful. How much it sits behind this line in
millimeters also helps one choose the amount the chin must
be brought forward. This number determines the thickness in
millimeters of the chin implant or how much the chin bone
must be advanced.
The most common method of chin augmentation is with a
silicone rubber (silastic) implant. Implant placement is
very simple and uncomplicated. Through a small incision
under the chin, the implant can be inserted onto the bone
and screwed into place. This direct approach makes it easy
to place a chin implant of any size or shape, of which
there are numerous styles and thicknesses from which to
choose. The extended (anatomic) styles are my personal
favorites as they blend into the surrounding jawbone the
most naturally. The results from chin implant augmentation
are instantaneous although there will be some temporary
swelling (no bruising) from having to lift up the chin
muscle to put it into place.
Complications from chin implants are quite few. The most
common would be implant asymmetry but I avoid this problem
by using a small screw to hold the implant in proper
position so it can never move after surgery. Implant
shifting around the pocket is the cause of this
complication. Bleeding and infection, while possible, I
have yet to see. Sometimes, the chin and lower lip will
'move funny' for awhile afterwards due to temporary
swelling and the muscle being manipulated. In other words,
the chin area will seem quite stiff after surgery which
does impact on how the lower lip may move. This is a
self-solving problem as the swelling goes away.
Chin enhancement is a wonderful procedure that is
relatively simple surgery with an immediate and dramatic
effect on improving one's facial balance and proportion.
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Dr Barry Eppley is a board-certified plastic surgeon in
private practice at Clarian Health in Indianapolis,
Indiana. He writes a daily blog on trends in plastic
surgery at http://www.exploreplasticsurgery.com
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