Mentoplasty Surgery

What is Mentoplasty

Chin surgery (sometimes called mentoplasty) reshapes the chin to improve the patient’s profile. Often performed in combination with a nose job, chin surgery begins by putting the patient under intravenous anesthesia or general anesthesia.

The surgeon makes an incision either in the mouth or under the chin. If liposuction of a double chin is necessary, the incision is under the chin for easier accessibility throughout the entire procedure.

Beauty and attractiveness are determined in a subjective manner and aesthetic features differ according to each individual's unique preference. Nonetheless, there are certain profiles and contours that cause an individual to appear more or less attractive.

When speaking of an aesthetically acceptable profile, it can be said that the chin must be located within 2-3 millimeters behind an imaginary line that is drawn vertically, going from the base of the nose down to the front portion of the chin.

A "weak chin" is a condition in which the chin is retropositioned greater than 2 to 3 millimeters. In women, a slight degree of retropositioning is acceptable and even desired aesthetically. However in men, a strong jaw line that gives a masculine appearance is preferred.

 

The Purpose of Mentoplasty

Mentoplasty may be done for several reasons: 

• To correct malformations of the chin resulting from developmental abnormalities of the bones in the jaw. Sometimes the jawbones continue to grow on one side of the face but not the other, leading to facial asymmetry. In other instances a part of the jawbone is missing; this condition is known as congenital agenesis of the jaw.
• To reshape a chin that is out of proportion to other facial features.
• As part of gender reassignment surgery. The size and shape of the chin and lower jawline are somewhat different in men and women. Some people choose to have mentoplasty as part of their gender transition.
• As part of craniofacial reconstruction following trauma or cancer surgery.
• As part of orthognathic surgery. Orthognathic surgery involves repositioning the facial bones in order to correct deformities that affect the patient's ability to speak or chew normally 

• Demographics Statistics

  In spite of the fact that chin deformities are the most common facial abnormality, mentoplasty is not one of the more frequently performed procedures in plastic surgery.In 2002, there were 18,352 mentoplasties performed in the United States, compared to 117,831 face lifts and 282,876 liposuctions. Most mentoplasties are done in combination with rhinoplasties.According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 7% of patients who had mentoplasties in the United States in 2002 were 18 or younger;35% were between the ages of 19 and 34; 40% were between the ages of 35 and 50, while another 15% were between 51 and 64. Only 3% were over 65. With respect to sex, women account for 69% of mentoplasty patients; only 31% are men.

  Preparation

  Patients should stop smoking and discontinue all medications containing aspirin or NSAIDs for two weeks prior to mentoplasty. If the surgeon is planning to make a submental incision, the patient should use an antibacterial facial cleanser for two days before surgery.Patients scheduled for an intraoral approach should rinse the mouth with mouthwash three times a day for two days before surgery. They should not eat or drink anything for eight hours prior to the procedure.

  Recovery From Surgery

  Patients should have someone drive them home after the procedure. They are given medication for discomfort and a one-week course of antibiotic medication to reduce the risk of infection.

  Most patients can return to work in seven to 10 days. 

  Other aspects of aftercare include the following:

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    a soft or liquid diet for four to five days
    

    
    

    raising the head of the bed or using two to three pillows

    
    

    rinsing the mouth with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and warm water two to three times daily

    
    

    avoiding sleeping on the face and unnecessary touching of the chin area

    
    

    avoiding vigorous physical exercise for about two weeks

    
    

    
    

    Risks

    In addition to infection, bleeding, and an allergic reaction to the anesthetic, the risks of insertion of a chin implant include:

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      deformity of the chin following an infection

      
      

      injury to the major nerve in the chin, leading to loss of feeling or paralysis of the chin muscles

      
      

      erosion of the bone beneath the implant 

      
      

      moving around or dislocation of the implant

      
      

      extrusion (pushing out) of the implant

      
      

       

      
      

      Specific risks associated with sliding genioplasties include:

      
      

      under- or over-correction of the defect

      
      

      injury to the major nerve in the chin

      
      

      failure of the bone segment to reunite properly with the other parts of the jaw

      
      

      damage to the roots of the teeth

      
      
      

      hematoma (a collection of blood within a body organ or tissue caused by leakage from broken blood vessels; it can damage the results of a mentoplasty by causing pressure that distorts the final shape of the chin

      
      

      Patients may also experience a stretched, tight sensation which typically subsides within a week. Swelling and bruising is also likely to occur.
      Swelling generally reaches maximum and begins to subside 1 week after the operation. The chin dressing is generally kept in place for two or three days following surgery
      The stitches are usually removed or dissolve on their own within about five to seven days after mentoplasty. Immediately after surgery, chewing may be limited and following a liquid and soft food diet may be necessary during the first few days.  
      Patients are typically able to return to work and other normal activities within about ten days after surgery. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities for the first few weeks after surgery. In addition, activities which can bump the face should be avoided for about six weeks.

      Costs and Insurance Issues

      Chin augmentation is a surgical procedure aimed toward making the chin look longer in comparison to the nose, and involves reshaping or enhancing the appearance of the chin. The average cost of this procedure is $1,936.In the UK expect to pay around £3,200. Abroad, expect to pay from around £1,370 (India) to around £1,642 (South Africa).