Improving Your Chins

The chin is an important facial feature, particularly so in evaluating one's profile. There are two distinct reasons for cosmetic surgery to the chin; the first is to rejuvenate a sagging chin and the second is to improve or correct a receding chin, thus enhancing the profile. We want the chin to harmonize with your facial features giving good definition and balance with your facial structure. The operation to rectify a loose or drooping chin is usually the lower facelift operation, described in the ' Facelift ' leaflet. The operation to rectify a receding chin involves the insertion of a small silicone implant just in front of the jaw bone. A receding chin is a common problem and may be associated with deformity of the nose. Minor degrees of 'receding' chin often become more noticeable with age. The implants have a subtle enhancing effect on the face and are rarely conspicuous yet very successful. The implants used to improve the chin are shaped to the required contour and are inserted through a small incision inside the mouth. The procedure therefore leaves very little ,if any, scarring. The procedure is usually performed under sedation combined with local anaesthesia (twilight) or general anaesthesia if a rhinoplasty is performed as well. Post operative care instructions will be given by the surgeon and should be carefully followed. Problems are rare, but complications can occur. Extrusion of the implant sometimes occurs, generally as a result of infection. A further procedure will then be required to re-insert the implant at a later date. Displacement of the implant can occur even if the implant was correctly inserted initially. Further surgery would then be required to put it back in the right place. Infection is uncommon and usually responds readily to antibiotic treatment. If it does occur it can lead to extrusion of the implant. Numbness of the lower lip occurs quite frequently, but it is usually a temporary phenomenon. Sensation usually returns to normal after regrowth of the nerve endings in the chin area. All these are possible complications but in reality are unlikely to occur, but nevertheless should be discussed fully with your consulting surgeon. Finally, the improved shape of the chin and balance of the face, especially in profile, should be permanent once the wound around the implant has fully healed. The receding chin is a common condition and its treatment can be very satisfying allowing for marked facial balance..