Chin Implants

Procedure for Macrogenia (Larger Chins)

• The excess bone is removed and the segments are stabilised by a very small titanium plate and screws.

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Procedure for Microgenia, Retrogenia, or Microretrogenia (Small Chins)

• The segment is augmented to the desired position and stabilised with a titanium plate and screws.
• If the gap is up to 5mm there is no need for interpositional grafting.
• If the defect is larger than 5mm then your surgeon will describe the possible surgical options to you.

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Genioplasty
The established method for Genioplasty is known as ‘Sliding Genioplasty’ – the technique is as follows:

Sliding Genioplasty Technique

• An incision is made inside the mouth.
• The whole chin (symphysis and parasymphysis) is exposed
• Two sensory nerves that give sensation to the lips (mental nerves) are exposed and retracted (pulled back).
• The bone is cut along the symphysis and parasymphysis (the chin) and the segment is mobilised into the desired position.
• Once the segment has been stablished with the titanium plate and screws, the oral mucosa (the mucous membrane lining of the mouth) is closed in layers.

Sliding Genioplasty is performed under general anaesthetic. However, a known complication of the procedure is the possibility of nerve trauma resulting in partial numbness of the lip.  In order to avoid these complications, Wentworth Clinic has developed a modified chin surgery technique.

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Box Genioplasty Technique

After many years of performing genioplasty surgery, Mr Ilankovan has perfected a more simplified chin correction procedure, known as ‘box genioplasty’.  Performed under a local anaesthetic with oral sedation, only the symphysis of the lower jaw is cut. To date, we have had zero incidences of nerve damage using the procedure.

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Chin Implant Procedure

The surgical technique to place chin implants following local anaesthetic is:

• A cut inside the mouth.
• A cut into the skin, just below the chin.
• A pocket is created in which the silicone-based implant is placed and positioned to achieve the desired height and shape.

Immediately following surgery

• Rest quietly in bed for the first 24 hours with your head raised.
• Your chin/cheek will generally be firmly taped following surgery.
• Put an ice pack on the chin for the first 4 hours.

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Diet & Hygiene

• Minimal talking or laughing in the first 48 hours during which time a liquid diet is best/easiest for you.
• Eat soft food during the first week.
• Use of a toothbrush may be difficult for some days but you must try your best.  Use mouthwash (warm salty water) regularly.

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Pain & Medication

• Pain and discomfort experienced will vary from patient to patient.
• Your Surgeon will instruct you on pain relief.
• Take antibiotics prescribed by your Surgeon.
• No Aspirin or products containing Aspirin and no Vitamin E for one week.
• For your safety, do not drive whilst taking painkillers.

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Swelling & Bruising

• When bending down, bend at the knees, not with your head down.
• Expect to have swelling for 2 – 3 weeks and stiffness/rigidity of the chin for approximately 1 – 2 months.
• Avoid excessive movement of the mouth and neck.

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Exercise

• No heavy exercising for 3 weeks.
• In some cases there is temporary numbness of the chin/cheek due to stretching of the nerve supply.

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Wound Care

• Stitches are dissolvable, but if they do bother you they can be removed after 10 days.
• Gargle your mouth with warm salty water 3 times a day.
• Do not pull the lip down to inspect the sutures.

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You can expect:

• Moderate discomfort, take pain killers as advised.
• Moderate swelling and bruising, sometimes more on the second or third day.

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Call us if you have:

• Severe pain not responding to medication.
• Profuse swelling.
• Difficulty breathing.

If you require further advise or have any other concerns please call us on 01202 428773 or 01202 422171 (during office hours).