Chin surgery can augment or reduce the size of your chin, creating a more balanced and proportionate appearance.

Who can benefit from chin surgery?

Ideal candidates for cosmetic chin surgery are in good health and have realistic expectations. Younger patients may wish to have chin surgery to repair birth defects while older patients may wish to add definition to the lower face and neck area. Chin surgery may treat:

• Overly prominent chin
• Weak or receding chin
• Disproportionate chin size
• Asymmetric chin contours

Chin surgery may be performed in conjunction with other procedures such as liposuction to help shape facial contours, or nose reshaping to compliment the new shape of the chin.

What to expect during your chin surgery

Prior to your procedure, local or general anesthesia is administered. Chin augmentations may be performed with chin implants or through surgical advancement of the bone. An incision is made either inside the mouth (under the lower lip) or hidden underneath the chin. For implants, a pocket is created over the chin bone and a biocompatible implant is inserted. For surgical advancement, the chin bone is separated, moved forward slightly and surgically attached with plates, screws and wire.

Chin reduction uses a similar incision pattern to access the underlying bone. The chin bone is reduced or reshaped using a surgical tool such as a bone burr or bone drill. Following all chin procedures, incisions are secured with sutures. Internal incisions are often closed using dissolvable stitches.

After your chin surgery

Bandages are placed against external incisions to prevent swelling and infection. Internal sutures should be washed after eating until they dissolve on their own in 7-10 days. The head should be elevated following surgery to minimize swelling, which should subside in 1-3 weeks. There may be some pain for the first few days, which can be managed with medication if necessary.

A specific recovery timeline will be discussed after surgery. Normal activities can often be resumed in 1-2 weeks, and more strenuous activities in 3-6 weeks. You will need to keep the area protected from accidental impacts and sun exposure. Incision lines will fade within 12-18 months.

Understanding the risks of chin surgery

As with any surgical procedure, there are some possible complications with chin surgery including infection, bleeding, asymmetrical appearance, skin irregularities, atypical scarring and changes in sensitivity. All possible risks will be discussed in-depth prior to your procedure. You will also be provided with specific instructions to minimize your risk of complications.

If you’re ready to take the next step

If you are interested in more information about chin surgery, contact us to schedule a consultation in Kansas City. During your consultation, you may bring up any questions or concerns you may have, look through our photo archives, and thoroughly discuss issues such as your goals, expected recovery and payment options.