If you look in the mirror and feel that your chin is not balanced with the rest of your facial features, there is help. Chin augmentation in Annapolis by double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Namita Murthy can be a safe and permanent solution to provide jaw definition and facial harmony for both men and women.
What is Chin Augmentation?
Chin augmentation, also known as genioplasty or mentoplasty, is done to change the shape, size and projection of your chin. A weak chin can be turned into a strong jawline. The best candidates for chin augmentation are individuals with small or receding chins (microgenia), but who have a normal bite. There are both non-surgical and surgical options available to make these changes.
Dermal fillers can be used to provide augmentation and contouring to your chin. A permanent option is a chin implant, made from silicone, a biocompatible material, that is molded to your jaw bone to provide your new chin contour. Either option will look and feel natural.
Chin augmentation can differ by sex. Men often look for chiseled sharp lines while women want softer lines. Each surgery is individualized to match your specific wishes and needs.
Benefits of Chin Augmentation
Throughout history, a strong chin has been considered attractive when it comes to facial balance. Chin augmentation offers an opportunity for those who want a more defined jawline and a balanced facial appearance to create a more harmonious and more traditionally attractive profile as well as balance other facial features. Chin augmentation can slim the neck and contour a wide face. When the lower one third of the face is brought into balance with the rest of the face, other facial features stand out, such as high cheekbones and large eyes. If you are looking for a more attractively shaped chin, chin augmentation by non-surgical treatments or surgery could be right for you.
Chin Augmentation Works Well with Other Facial Enhancement Procedures
Surgical chin augmentation can be combined with rhinoplasty (nose surgery) to balance your entire face for stunning results. If you are hoping for more than a change in your chin, Dr. Murthy will discuss this with you during your first consultation.
When having a facelift, the addition of chin augmentation may improve your overall facial appearance. Your face will look rejuvenated and younger, and you will have the definition of an improved jawline.
Another popular combination is chin augmentation with a neck lift procedure. Each addresses slightly different issues, but together, they improve the lower face and neck.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Chin Augmentation
Not everyone is interested in having surgery, or you may not be a good candidate for surgery due to other health issues. This does not mean you cannot improve your jawline. You have options, such as using a dermal filler to change the shape of your jawline.
Specific fillers such as RESTYLANE® and RHA® are made for use along your jawline. Dr. Murthy places them in the office using local anesthetic if needed. There is virtually no downtime, and you can return to your usual activities with minimal limitations.
Mild swelling and a little bruising where the filler was placed are normal. Post-treatment pain is easily taken care of by over-the-counter pain medications. You will see results immediately that will improve over the following week. For most people, a dermal filler used to improve your jawline will last about one year.
Fillers, although a temporary solution, are good first steps to give you an idea of what a difference an enhanced chin can make. Then if you desire a permanent fix, you can opt for the surgical implant. Fat grafting is sometimes an option as well.
Preparation for Chin Augmentation Surgery
Before any treatment, Dr. Murthy will discuss what your goal is for the appearance of your chin. She will also talk about any other facial plastic surgery procedures such as rhinoplasty, a facelift, or neck lift, that might be an addition to the chin implant based on your goals.
Dr. Murthy will review your medical history, analyze the condition of your skin, and examine your facial structure. She will answer your questions and address any concerns you have. It is important to be at a stable weight since significant weight loss or weight gain after chin augmentation may create changes you do not like and could require a chin augmentation revision.
You will be instructed to stop any medications or supplements that could increase bleeding. You may also be asked to stop other medications depending on the extent of your surgery and the type of anesthesia you are going to use.
What to Expect During Chin Augmentation Surgery
Chin implant surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure with either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.
Dr. Murthy will make a small incision on the inside of your mouth or underneath your chin. The chin implant is placed in front of the chin bone and underneath the muscle. The implant is attached with either sutures or screws to ensure it stays in place. The incision is then closed. Surgery usually lasts less than an hour.
You will rest and be monitored until you are ready to leave for home. If you had general anesthesia or sedation, you should not drive yourself. You should enlist a friend or family member to drive you home and stay with you the night after your surgery.
What is Recovery Like After Chin Augmentation Surgery?
Dr. Murthy will outline your post-surgical care during your consultation to give you plenty of time to prepare before your surgery. She will discuss with you what to expect and how to care for your incision.
Recovery is different for each patient, but you can expect some swelling and bruising where the implant is placed. Your scar is often not readily visible because the surgical incision is made inside the mouth or below the chin. You will need to sleep face up with your head elevated for one to two weeks. You will likely be able to return to work and other normal activities within a week, however, strenuous activities may need to wait a few more weeks. Dr. Murthy will be available for any concerns you may have throughout the healing process.
What Are the Risks of Surgical Chin Augmentation?
The most common complications are swelling, bruising, and movement of the implant. Other complications can include damage to your teeth during the procedure and temporary loss of feeling in your lower lip and chin. Numbness can last up to three months. Feeling a stretching sensation is normal and will usually disappear in one week. Subtle swelling can be present for up to six weeks.
Rare problems related to this surgery include blood clots, infection, pain that will not go away, and numbness or other sensation changes in the skin of your jaw. Infections can lead to wounds that do not heal properly and unexpected scarring. It is natural for your body to form a capsule of tissue around the implant. It should stay soft, but in a few patients, this capsule can become firm and contracted. This capsular contracture can create discomfort and could change how you look.
To improve wound healing, we expect our patients to avoid smoking for four weeks before and four to six weeks after their chin augmentation in Annapolis.
What Will Chin Augmentation Accomplish?
When all the swelling has disappeared, you will notice an improved profile. Age will change your face in other ways, but the contour of your chin should remain. Any scar under your chin will fade, or in the case of those in the mouth, be completely hidden. You may notice an improvement in the balance and proportion of your facial features and the appearance of a double chin may be reduced. You should have an improved definition of your neck and jawline.
Why Should I Choose Dr. Namita Murthy for Chin Augmentation?
Dr. Namita Murthy is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and hair restoration specialist. Her focus is on facial plastic surgery that results in a natural look. If you are looking for chin augmentation in Annapolis by a highly trained and experienced facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Murthy looks forward to discussing ways to get the chin contour you want.
The Aesthetics of Confidence
When you are confident, it shows. Not just in your behavior or your vibe, but in all you do.
If you are self-conscious about a particular area of your body, that shows as well. Imagine the freedom that comes with not worrying about your look when you make your way through life; the freedom of knowing you are putting your best self out there. That is the aesthetics of confidence. Make an appointment today to begin your journey.