Chin Surgery

A well defined chin line is a major factor in the appearance of the face and the face in profile. Chin surgery can be undertaken to either augment or reduce the size of the chin. Surgery, performed by Dr. M. Zakir Sabry, to correct bite problems can be done at the same time as chin surgery.

Augmentation

A chin augmentation is a surgical procedure to reshape or enhance the size of the chin. It may be done either by inserting an implant or by moving or reshaping bones. Chin implants are very commonly done in conjunction with rhinoplasty or facial liposuction in order to achieve balance and harmony to the face.

Reduction

The reason for a wide face may be thick and wide jawbones or thick and bulky muscles in the lower face. Correction usually entails filing down the bone and then removal of part of the muscle. This technique does not adversely affect jaw function; it will only reduce the fullness of the lower face. The final result is a softer angle and a smoother, more oval-shaped jaw line.

Murray Hill Plastic Surgery & Vein Center Chin Surgery

Chin Surgery Consultations

During your chin surgery consultation with Dr. M. Zakir Sabry, he will answer questions you may have about the procedure and will discuss any safety concerns related to the surgery.

 

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Preparation

Dr. Sabry will have you get x-rays taken of your face and chin. These x-rays will show what part of the chin to operate on. Dr. Sabry will discuss whether to use an implant or your natural bone or fat. If the best option for you is an implant, he will review the wide variety of implant sizes and shapes available and guide to you the ones that will optimally fit your anatomy and give you the best outcome. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to quit smoking for 6-8 weeks prior to your procedure.

Procedures

Dr. Sabry augments the chin by making an incision either in the natural crease line just under the chin or inside the mouth, where gum and lower lip meet. Dr. Sabry may use your real bone or fat tissue, or an implant to augment your jaw line. By gently stretching the jaw tissue he will create a space where an implant or your harvested fat, muscle or bone can be inserted. The incision will be closed with fine sutures. If the incision is made inside the mouth, there will be no visible scarring. If the incision is made under the chin the scar will be visible, but is usually imperceptible and will fade in due time.

In chin reduction surgery the incisions are made either in the mouth or under the chin. The bone is sculpted to a more pleasing size and shape. In the case of orthognaathic surgery Dr. Sabry will make an incision inside the mouth and reposition the facial bones. The procedure, depending on the extent of the work to be done can take up to approximately three hours.

The surgical procedure is usually done under general anesthesia, or with local anesthesia and sedation.

Recovery

Immediately after surgery Dr. Sabry will apply a dressing that will remain in place for two to three days. There will be some soreness and tenderness. Post-operative discomfort can be controlled with prescribed medications. Chewing may be difficult immediately after chin surgery:  a liquid and soft food diet may be required for a few days. Most patients feel a stretched, tight sensation after the surgery, but this usually subsides in a week.

After approximately six weeks, most swelling will be gone, and you can enjoy the results of your procedure. Dr. Sabry may ask you to limit rigorous activity for the first few weeks after surgery. Normal activity can be resumed after approximately ten days.

Complications

Under Dr. Sabry’s expert and meticulous care all measures are taken to minimize the potential for complications. They are rare and usually minimal but may include:

Bruising, movement of the implant, swelling, damage to the teeth, numbness, blood clots, infection, chronic pain, scarring, asymmetry to the face.