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Women – Chin Reduction
Chin Reduction Surgery also called mentoplasty is a procedure whereby the underlying bone of the jaw and chin is sculpted using surgical burrs to give a more pleasing feminine delicate shape to an otherwise masculine looking chin.
Sometimes where the jaw is very prominent, as with an excessive underbite which braces have not been able to correct, then a more radical surgery (Mandibular Osteotomy) is also performed to reduce the lower jaw’s overall length and allow the teeth of the lower jaw to be positioned naturally behind the upper teeth when the mouth is in a closed position.
Chin Reduction surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthetic, with oral or I.V. sedation, and usually takes 2 to 3 hours to complete.
Mr Ferrando will discuss all aspects of the the Chin Reduction procedure suitable to you at your consultations.
The Consultation
At the consultations, Mr Ferrando will take your medical history, thoroughly assess you, find out about your expectations of the surgery and will explain each stage of the Chin Reduction procedure to you. He will carefully discuss all options suitable to you and answer any questions you may have. The exact procedure depends on the anatomy of the patient. Clear communication about your aesthetic goals is vital at this stage.
Mr Ferrando will also explain the risks of smoking, the contraceptive pill and other medications to you, as they can interfere with the procedure as well as the healing process.
Mr Ferrando strongly believes that “good communication and feedback” between himself and his patients assures a maximum satisfactory outcome of Cosmetic Surgery.
The Procedure
In a basic chin reduction the bone of the lower jaw is cut and reshaped using a surgical burr to give a less prominent appearance, one more in keeping with the rest of the face, both in profile and face on.
The incisions required to carry out this procedure are usually made inside the mouth under the lip in order to minimise visible scarring. Sometimes, depending on the extent of surgery needed, an incision may also be made under the chin.
For more major chin reduction such as in a lower mandible reduction (Mandibular Osteotomy) the jaw will need to be more radically repositioned. This involves cutting the lower jaw behind the rear molars, the forward section of the mandible is then slid over the rear section to take up the excess length and then fixed back together one over the other, with any edges smoothed down.
The front of the chin will normally be remodeled slightly, possibly with an implant or Fat-Transfer to give a better definition in final profile.
After Surgery – Recovery
After the surgery, the bandage must be kept on for the first two days. Drainage tubes may be attached to your face but will be removed 1-2 days after surgery. There isn’t usually significant discomfort after surgery. Mr Ferrando will prescribe you pain relief medication to ease your discomfort, just in case you should experience any pain.
It is very important to keep your head in an elevated position as it will aid the recovery process. Some type of stitches are dissolvable and will disappear over time, whereas others will need to be removed 5 to 7 days after surgery. You can expect a little swelling and bruising and your facial movements might feel slightly stiff for one to two weeks.
You should feel fine after 2-3 days after surgery, but patients are recommended to have at least one week off work to allow their body to rest and recover comfortably at home. Any strenuous exercise or activities should be avoided for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
With a major Chin Reduction, your jaw will need to remain wired for at least six weeks, though any non-dissolvable stitches will normally be removed after two weeks.
You will need to adhere to a liquid diet and may find this more difficult at first than imagined, as even sucking liquids through a straw would normally involve moving the jaw. You may find that you need to rely more on the use of the cheek muscles to aid suction.
Follow up appointments will be made for you after surgery, but if you have any questions, or you should feel unsure about anything, please contact Mr Ferrando and he will gladly talk to you. The well being of his patients is of utmost importance to him
Risks and Side Affects
All surgeries carry certain risks and even though they are rare you should be aware of them before making your decision. Mr Ferrando will talk you through any possible risks and side effects at his consultations as they will vary depending on the patient’s body shape, age, condition and lifestyle.