Chin Augmentation

An underdeveloped chin is frequently associated with a profile imbalance, and if out of proportion with the rest of the facial features a face can look unusual. Chin augmentation can help to even out the proportions of the face, and someone who is sensitive about their looks can go about day to day activities again without feeling self conscious. The chin augmentation procedure is undertaken as a method of increasing the profile the chin.

Chin augmentation is a simpler and much less painful alternative to cutting the jaw bone itself (sliding genioplasty). The implants are made of solid, moulded silicone, which gives the most natural looking result.

The surgery takes about an hour and is carried out under general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic with sedation. Small incisions are made either inside the lower lip, which conceals scarring, or just underneath the chin to minimise visible scarring. A pocket is then created over the front of your jawbone and the implant is inserted. The implant will be specially selected to the correct size and shape to give you your desired results.

Chin Reduction

Chin reduction is a procedure available to those with a protruding chin. People often feel discomfort with their appearance because of a large or protruding chin which can make the other facial features look out of proportion and imbalanced. This imbalance can be corrected by surgery, and rebalancing the face can lead to the rest of the facial features being in proportion with one another.

There are various types of surgery available to those considering chin reduction, however the two types most commonly performed are sliding genioplasty or chin osteotomy. The first, sliding genioplasty, is performed by dissecting the chin bone and sliding it backwards, in order to reduce the projection of the chin. The second type, chin osteotomy, involves the removal of excess bone or, if the positioning of the teeth is abnormal, the separation of the part of the jaw in which the teeth are set, the removal of a section of bone, then a move to push the jaw backwards.

The former, sliding genioplasty, is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. An incision is made through the bottom lip and the surgeon cuts the bone with an electric saw. Having slid the bone into its new position, the bones are wired into their new position. The result can be very slight or rather dramatic, depending on individual needs. Because this surgery is complicated it usually takes about 90 minutes.

An osteotomy is a controlled surgical fracture of bone. Chin osteotomy is a very complex procedure and is always carried out under general anaesthetic as it could take several hours to complete. An incision is usually made inside the mouth on the lower lip, which keeps any visible scarring to a minimum. Once the bone(s) has been cut they are secured by surgical wire, which will remain there permanently.