Chin reshaping is a surgical procedure to improve the shape of the chin and jaw line and create a more balanced facial appearance.
It is also known as mentoplasty or genioplasty. A small or receding chin can be augmented or an overly prominent chin can be reduced.
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Chin reduction is achieved by reshaping, re-positioning or removing part of the bone. |
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Chin augmentation increases the chin by inserting implants (and/or injecting fat taken from another part of the body) or by sliding a section of bone forward. |
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These procedures are frequently performed at the same time as a face lift or nose reshaping to improve facial structure and balance. Chin reshaping will not correct a double chin caused by excessive fat in the chin/neck area. The surgical solution for this may be liposuction on its own or in combination with a neck lift.
Are there non-surgical alternatives?
In the case of chin augmentation, the desired effect may be achieved by injecting soft tissue fillers. The results are temporary (see facial fillers). There are no non-surgical alternatives for chin reduction.
What types of implants are used for chin augmentation?
Implants come in a variety of materials, which include silicone and other man made materials such as porex or hydroxyapatite. Tissue from another part of the body may also be used (see fat transfer). The option chosen will depend on the particular circumstances.
What are the risks?
Overall, this is a safe procedure with few complications. However, like all cosmetic procedures there are risks involved. There are general risks associated with surgery and risks specific to this procedure. Your surgeon will discuss these with you during your consultation. The most common problems are considerable bruising and swelling. Other problems are rare and include implant displacement, nerve injury causing numbness, reaction to anaesthesia, infection and bleeding. |