| Chin Augmentation (Augmentation Mentoplasty)
A retruded chin is usually an inherited condition that can worsen with age-related bone absorption.
Chin augmentation can help to reshape an overly short or retruded chin or to balance other facial features, such as a prominent nose or protruding lips.
An implant of silicone, fat, or other biocompatible material may be inserted under local anesthesia with sedation through an incision hidden in the mouth or from an incision placed just under the chin. While numbness can last several months, most swelling resolved over the first ten days.
Chin augmentation with synthetic materials yields a permanent improvement, although there is a risk of infection or displacement. Injected fat has the disadvantage of variable survival and loss over time.
In more severe cases of chin retrusion, underprojection, or asymmetry, a sliding genioplasty may help. Under general anesthesia, a section of the jaw is removed with an oscillating saw and advanced forward, where it is secured with a titanium plate and screws. A more dramatic result can be achieved that with placement of a surgical implant.
The cosmetic effect is more noticeable from the side than straight on. As a secondary benefit, a protruded mouth may appear to be less prominent following chin augmentation alone.
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