SINGAPORE ASSOCIATION OF PLASTIC SURGEONS

Chin Surgery

CHIN SURGERY

Dr Chia Hui Ling
Aesthetic surgery of the chin is performed to improve the facial profile. Central to the lower third of the face, the chin is an important feature to consider when harmonizing the facial features. A chin augmentation will correct a weak chin and also improve the definition of the jawline.

Surgically, the chin may be enhanced by advancement of the chin bone (genioplasty) or with chin implants, and reduced by bony reduction surgery. Alternatively, the use of dermal fillers or fat grafting is also commonly used to conservatively enhance the chin projection and length.

Reduction of the submental fat, or double chin surgery, will also improve the facial profile and jawline aesthetics. This surgery may be performed on its own, or in addition to chin surgery. Your plastic surgeon may advise that jaw (orthognathic) surgery is carried out to correct how your teeth fit together (occlusion) and to improve your overall facial profile.  

TREATMENT

Have a thorough discussion with your plastic surgeon, including the surgical goals, any medical conditions, drug allergies, medications and previous surgeries. The expected outcomes, scar placement, risks and other treatment options should be explained to you. For chin augmentation with implants, do discuss the type of implant materials (eg. Medpore, Silicone) and the shape of the implant that is suitable for you.
  • Preparing for Surgery

    Your surgeon will advise you to avoid blood-thinning medications, anti-inflammatory drugs or herbal supplementations as they can increase the risk of excessive bleeding during surgery. 

  • Surgery

    Chin Implants:

    A chin implant surgery is carried out as a day surgery procedure, under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with intravenous sedation. Implant may be inserted through a cut inside the mouth (lower buccal sulcus) or through a skin cut under the chin. The surgery takes around an hour.  The swelling and bruising may last for 1 – 2 weeks.


    Genioplasty:

    This surgery is usually performed from inside the mouth, along the lower buccal sulcus. The lower segment of the chin bone is cut and pushed forwards to augment the chin. or moved backwards or shaved down to reduce the chin. Plates and / or screws are placed to fix the new bone position. There will be more swelling, compared to a chin implant and lasts around 2 weeks. The final result is seen usually after 3 months.


    Chin Fillers / Fat Graft:

    Injection of dermal fillers and fat graft is an another way to augment the chin. The results are more subtle and suitable for those looking for, or needs, less enhancement. The effects of fillers are temporary and lasts for a few months to a few years, depending on the type of fillers. Fat grafting results are more durable but after each fat grafting session, a portion of the fat injected will resorb and having another session of fat graft is common.


  • Post-Surgery Care

    Bruising and swelling are expected after surgery. Major swelling should subside by 1 to 2 weeks for chin surgery. The final results is often apparent after 3 months. You may be given a compression garment after genioplasty.

COMPLICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT

Risks of Chin Surgery include:
  • Bleeding 
  • Infection
  • Skin numbness (temporary or permanent)
  • Asymmetrical results
  • Implant migration
  • Unfavorable scarring
  • Need for revision surgery
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