What Is Chin Reduction Surgery?
Chin reduction (osseous genioplasty) is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of an overly large or too prominent chin. The ideal facial shape is about balanced proportions, and for some people, a large chin (macrogenia) can distort the profile of the face making other features, such as the nose, appear too small. Chin reduction aims to restore natural aesthetic balance to the face by altering the mandible (lower jaw) to more balanced portions and shape.
Am I a Good Candidate for Chin Reduction?
Chin reduction surgery is ideal for patients who have a large or protruding chin (too long or too wide), but a normal occlusion or bite. Before surgery, we will use 3D imaging software to ensure there is no interference with the roots of your lower teeth or mental nerve (a sensory nerve that provides sensation to the front of the chin and lower lip and buccal gingivae of the mandibular anterior teeth and the premolars). And, as with any surgery, we will perform a full consultation with you to determine a specific course of action.
What Happens During and After Chin Surgery?
To ensure an optimum result, highly detailed facial mapping is performed prior to your procedure, along with “model surgery” on either a dental cast or within 3D-modelling “virtual surgery” software. Using medical imaging data from CT scans, CBCT imaging, and occlusal anatomy data, the 3D computer visualization allows for a complete simulation of the procedure including surgically accurate placement of surgical osteotomies and bony movements.
Whilst corrective jaw surgery is performed primarily to correct functional problems of the jaw, your appearance may also be altered. This is where the orthognathic surgeon’s skill meets that of the plastic surgeon: to be able to not only address the mechanical issues of how the jaws work together but also to possess the aesthetic sense of an artist to ensure a pleasing result.
Most genioplasty operations are performed through incisions made inside of the mouth to ensure no external or visible scarring. Through the internal incision, your surgeon will access the chin and shave and reshape the bone. Once the procedure is completed sutures are placed internally inside the lower lip. Schedule your consultation now.