The chin defines the structure of the face and provides balance to an individual’s facial features. Some people do not develop a prominent chin, and a cosmetic advancement, called genioplasty, can help dramatically improve the facial profile of those patients whose overall facial form is balanced, except for a localized deficiency in the forward projection of the chin region.
Chin implants can usually be placed in a single surgical procedure and can be done as a same-day outpatient surgical procedure. Chin augmentation can be achieved by manipulating the jaw bone and an addition of a prosthesis, which offers better definition and function. Sometimes, a piece of the patient’s own bone can be used from another location within their body (like the pelvis or ribs) to build a more defined chin. To perform the procedure, a very small incision is made usually beneath the chin or within the mouth to ensure an optimal result. This form of treatment is the best permanent option for correcting a weak or recessive chin. The implant material used is designed to carefully wrap around the contours of the existing bone structure of the chin to create a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing outcome.
For some patients, cosmetic implants cannot correct a recessive chin and a more extensive surgical procedure, called orthognathic surgery, is necessary to correct the jaw’s functional problem. Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is a surgical alteration of the jaw and face to help treat conditions like sleep apnea and TMJ disorder. During your initial consultation, Dr. Weber will examine your facial structure to determine a treatment plan to create a more prominent chin and enhance facial balance. For an expert evaluation of your face, chin, and jaw, we urge you to contact Northern Westchester Oral Surgery to schedule a consultation.