Chin surgery is a facial cosmetic procedure that achieves several outcomes:
- Chin reduction
- Chin re-shaping
- Chin augmentation
- Reduction of chin fat (i.e. a double chin)
Although the chin is sometimes overlooked, it has a significant influence on the overall appearance of your face.
If you feel like it’s too big, too small, has too much extra fat or looks out-of-sync with your other features, then this procedure may be right for you. To learn more about it, please call the practice of experienced Baltimore plastic surgeon Dr. Ronald Schuster at 410-902-9800.
Why Some People Get Chin Surgery
Here are some of the most common reasons people undergo this procedure:
- Weak or recessed chin
- Asymmetrical chin area
- Excess fat deposits beneath the chin
- A chin that is too large or wide
- Facial profile that looks unbalanced or ill-proportioned
- Facial asymmetry or facial features that don’t seem to go together
See the before-and-after gallery of Dr. Schuster’s patients to get an idea of the results.
It may make sense to combine chin surgery with another procedure like rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery or a neck lift. Sometimes, a combined approach is the best way to achieve a consistent, natural result. Dr. Schuster will meet with you so he can listen to your concerns and goals. He’ll examine your facial anatomy and chin characteristics so that he can make tailored recommendations specific to you.
Chin Surgery Techniques
Below are some of the ways this procedure is completed.
- Augmentation: Dr. Schuster will choose from a variety of implant sizes and shapes to create the prominent, strong chin you are envisioning. He has the experience to tailor the implant to your facial features, so that the final result is natural and flattering.
- Â Small incisions inside the mouth or under the chin are used to insert implants. Sometimes implants are not the best solution, and instead the chin bone needs to be cut and moved. Dr. Schuster will be able to advise you honestly about which is the best procedure for your chin.
- Reduction and/or re-shaping:Â Using a small incision inside the mouth or under the chin, Dr. Schuster can re-shape the bone to alter and improve the appearance of the chin.
- Non-surgical changes:Â It is very popular and easy to create big changes in the chin with non-surgical fillers and BOTOX Cosmetic.
Chin surgery is most often outpatient, so you will return home after surgery, once Dr. Schuster has made sure your recovery is on track. You’ll need to take about a week off from work, but the recovery generally has minimal discomfort. You should be able to get back to your full range of activities after two weeks.
Chin implants provide lasting results. In many cases, results are permanent. Aging will change your face, but you should continue to enjoy your new chin shape and size throughout the years.
How is chin surgery performed?
The most common procedure performed on the chin is chin augmentation. This enhances the projection and height of the chin. The majority of the time it is performed with the placement of an implant. In a minority of patients the chin bone is cut and moved. A less frequent procedure is to reduce the size of the chin. This can include the reduction of the skin and soft tissues as well as possibly the bone.
How Long Does Chin Surgery Take?
Chin surgery may take anywhere from slightly under 1 hour to 3 hours. The exact duration depends on several factors, including the technique used, whether any other procedures will be combined into this appointment, and what needs to be done in your individual surgery. Placement of a chin implant typically takes an hour or less.
How Long Does it Take to Recover From Chin Surgery?
There are different phases to surgical recovery. First, you will return home and not do much more than rest. You should walk around periodically, but clear your schedule for the day of surgery and for about 1 week following. For most types of jobs, people can return to work after just a few days or up to 1 week of downtime. All regular activities, including strenuous exercise, can generally be resumed after 2 weeks.
What Type of Anesthesia is Used During Chin Surgery?
You may be under general anesthesia, or local anesthetic combined with sedation.The type used will depend on the steps in the procedure, including whether bone needs to be adjusted. You and Dr. Schuster will discuss your anesthesia options during the consultation. We will ask whether you have any known allergies. Ultimately, Dr. Schuster recommends the anesthesia option that he knows will provide the best experience for you.
What Are Chin Implants Made Of?
Most chin implants are made of silicone. Medical-grade silicone material is biocompatible, so it doesn’t create adverse immunological reactions. Silicone is not toxic when embedded in living tissue. This semi-solid material is molded in a variety of shapes and sizes so that your results can be closely tailored to your expectations.
How Long Will Results From Chin Surgery Last?
Aging also tends to affect the long-term results. Although the implant will maintain its shape, the skin and supportive tissue of your face will lose elasticity as the years pass. This may cause some drooping of the chin, but your chin will look perkier and better defined than it would without the implant.
What Are the Risks Associated With Chin Surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, chin augmentation does carry the risk of certain side effects and complications. Dr. Schuster ensures you fully understand all risks so that you can make an informed decision.
Potential risks of chin augmentation include:
- Infection
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia
- Hematoma
- An implant that eventually shifts or rotates
- Scarring
You can mitigate the risks of surgery by choosing an experienced, qualified surgeon. Your surgeon should have extensive experience in the specific procedure you are choosing to undergo. Dr. Schuster is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He has been performing plastic surgeries, including chin augmentation, for many years. He completed a Fellowship in craniofacial surgery and has an extensive knowledge of facial anatomy. He is personally committed to achieving the results you have in mind.
Arrange a Chin Surgery Consultation in Baltimore
Ready to find out if chin surgery is a good match for your goals? To arrange a consultation at the cosmetic surgery practice of Dr. Ronald Schuster, please call our staff at 410-902-9800. We are proud to provide quality care and results for people from our area, including Towson and Owings Mills.
*Individual results may vary
