Chin augmentation: Difference between revisions

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'''Chin augmentation''' is a surgical procedure designed to ''increase'' the prominence of the [[Chin|chin]]. Although this operation is usually done for [[Cosmetic Surgery|cosmetic reasons]], to attain more ideal facial contours, it is also performed for the reconstruction of the face because of a birth defect or trauma.   
'''Chin augmentation''' is a surgical procedure designed to ''increase'' the prominence of the [[Chin|chin]]. Although this operation is usually done for [[Cosmetic Surgery|cosmetic reasons]], it is also performed for the reconstruction of the face because of a birth defect or trauma.   


The chin is one of the more important features in the human face, because the shape of the mid-area of the lower face so strongly influences the overall appearance of both the face and neck. Like the nose, and the rest of the jaw, the chin is one of the features in people that shows [[Sexual Dimorphism|sexual dimorphism]]. That term means that two different forms exist according to gender, male and female, and the proportions of the chin do differ in women and men.  
The chin is one of the more important features in the human face, because the shape of the mid-area of the lower face so strongly influences the overall appearance of both the face and neck. Like the nose, and the rest of the jaw, the chin is one of the features in people that shows [[Sexual Dimorphism|sexual dimorphism]]. That term means that two different forms exist according to gender, male and female, and the proportions of the chin do differ in women and men.  

Revision as of 12:04, 21 February 2007

Chin augmentation is a surgical procedure designed to increase the prominence of the chin. Although this operation is usually done for cosmetic reasons, it is also performed for the reconstruction of the face because of a birth defect or trauma.

The chin is one of the more important features in the human face, because the shape of the mid-area of the lower face so strongly influences the overall appearance of both the face and neck. Like the nose, and the rest of the jaw, the chin is one of the features in people that shows sexual dimorphism. That term means that two different forms exist according to gender, male and female, and the proportions of the chin do differ in women and men.

The surgical procedures to change the form of the chin are called mentoplasty, and include more than simple augmentation. Some mentoplasty procedures result in reduction of the chin, and others in lengthening or otherwise changing proportions. Changes in the shape of the bone structure of the chin are made by making cuts in the bone of the jaw and moving the pieces into a desired placement.

Augmentation of the chin can be brought about by the placement of a synthetic material or tissue graft under the soft tisues of the chin, by making the bone cuts called mandiblar osteotomies and advancing them forward to create more chin projection, or by some combination of procedures, like using both osteotomies and implants.

Evaluation of the chin

Artists have recognized the aesthetic proportions of the human face for many centuries. This woodcut, done by Luca Pacioli in 1509, shows one way to formulate ideal aspects between masculine features.

Would a particular face benefit in appearance from chin augmentation? Answering that question requires assessing the area of the chin in relation to the lips, teeth, nose, jaw and neck in all three planes: vertical, horizontal, and transverse. A receding chin is deficient in a horizontal plane, but may actually be excessive (very tall) in a vertical plane. In complex cases like that, a good result may require both a vertical reduction and a horizontal augmentation.


Types of chin augmentation procedures

Implant

Synthetic

Synthetic implants are commercially available to surgeons in a limited array of various shapes and sizes. They are made out of both solid and semi-solid materials.

Most often, an incision is made either in the mouth, or under the chin. Every incision will cause a scar, but the placement of the incision is chosen so that the surgeon has needed access, and the well-healed scar is likely to be camoflauged. In this case it is either at the base of the inner lip, or in the skin crease already present under the chin.

The muscle that covers the bony chin is called the mentalis muscle. This muscle is usually divided so that the implant can be placed beneath it, and then the mentalis muscle is rejoined so that its bulk helps position and cushion the new implant.

Tissue grafts

Performed in conjunction with other cosmetic surgery

Although a change in the dimensions of the chin can markedly alter the appearance for the better in many people, it is only rarely that patients consult cosmetic surgeons to request a change in that particular feature."More commonly, requests focus on seemingly more obvious problems, such as reduction of a large nose or correction of sagging skin of the neck and jowls"(reference for quote:Jonathan M. Sykes,Travis T. Tollefson, John L. Frodel Jr.:Chapter 34 – MENTOPLASTY AND FACIAL IMPLANTS Chapter in Cummings: Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery, 4th ed., Copyright © 2005 Mosby, Inc.)

Rhinoplasty

Face lift

When there is excessive lax soft tissue of the lower face from aging or other factors, the chin can be affected. The soft tissues of the chin can sag below the level of the bony jaw.