Mentoplasty
Mentoplasty or chin surgery is the surgical procedure that is designed to restructure the chin region of the face. These surgeries can either reduce or enlarge the size of the chin. Often physicians will perform this procedure to balance the facial features making a more pleasing profile. Often this procedure is done in conjunction with a Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) in order to give balance and symmetry to the face.
Chin augmentation can be accomplished with an implant or with bone advancement. They can be done for congenital deficiency, age related bone re-absorption, facial trauma or aesthetics. Under anesthesia, incisions can be made from either inside the mouth (trans-oral) or under the chin. A trans-oral approach avoids the external scar and is often preferred by the surgeon. After the incision is made the implant is then inserted in front of the lower jaw, deep within the tissue, to alter the contour of the face. It is held in place with dissolvable sutures. The most popular versions of the chin implant are made of either Gortex or silicone. In the instance of using bone advancement for augmentation, the chin is extended and positioned with wires or a bone plate.
Often this surgery is performed in combination with liposuction. If liposuction is needed, an incision will be made under the chin to remove excess fatty tissue and redefine the chin or neckline. For a chin reduction an incision is made in either the inside of the lower lip or under the chin. Then a bone burr or drill is used to reduced and reshape the chin bone to create a more natural appearance. General costs for chin surgery range from $3000-4500 for chin implants. |
