AUGMENTATION MENTOPLASTY
(surgery of the chin)

Questions and Answers

The chin (mentum) is one of the main reference points for the aesthetic study of the face. The ideal chin is one whose size, shape, and projection are in harmony of proportion with other facial features such as the nose, eyes, mouth, etc.

A chin can be either too prominent, or too small or receded. Mentoplasty is recommended for both cases, being most commonly performed to increase the projection of a receded chin by inserting a silicone prosthesis (augmentation mentoplasty).

Certain questions will inevitably be asked, deserving simple, straightforward answers such as:
 
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Q: WHERE ARE THE SCARS PLACED?

A: There will be one scar, resulting from an incision that can be made either inside the mouth or externally on the underside of the chin, at the surgeon’s discretion.

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Q: WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS USED?

A: This surgery is usually indicated for adult patients. When only chin correction is involved, a local anesthetic is used (with or without previous sedation, depending on each case). When it is done in conjunction with other surgeries, then local, or general anesthesia may be advisable.

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Q: WHAT IS THE SILICONE PROSTHESIS LIKE?

A: The surgeon usually crafts the silicone piece, or uses die-cast prostheses available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, which can be shown to the patient during the pre-operative consultations.

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Q: IS SILICONE DANGEROUS? CAN IT CAUSE CANCER?

A: Medical-grade solid silicone is inert to the human organism. It has been used world-wide in thousands of cases for over 35 years, and no link has been found so far, between silicone and cancer. Hard-silicone chin prostheses are kept in place by a fibrous capsule the organism itself develops around the implant within a few days following the operation. Rejection is rare. When it does occur (usually due to infection at the immediate post-operative stage, or trauma at the surgical site, hemorrhage, etc.), the implant is removed in a simple surgery under local anesthesia, with no side effects. Later on, a new implant can be inserted. Liquid silicone is banned for medical use.

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Q: IS THE POST-OPERATIVE PERIOD PAINFUL?

A: Not usually. Any pain or discomfort that may occur can be relieved with common analgesics.

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Q: WHAT ABOUT DRESSINGS?

A: The surgeon usually applies a pressure dressing that helps keep the prosthesis in place. This dressing also serves as a protection against any traumatic injury that may occur in the first days after surgery.

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Q: HOW MANY DAYS WILL “DOWNTIME” LAST?

A: Depending on the type of activity, only one day. Although special cases may require certain precautions for 4-5 days, there is no need for complete rest.

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Q: WHAT MAIN PRECAUTION MUST I TAKE BEFORE THE SURGERY?

A: Inform your plastic surgeon in case of an inflamed or infected tooth, especially in the lower arch, and have it treated. It is advisable to make an appointment with your dentist before scheduling an augmentation mentoplasty with your surgeon.

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Q: WILL MY FACE CHANGE MUCH WITH THIS SURGERY?

A: Although no major changes shall occur, there will be a better overall balance of your face. You appearance will be improved while your individual characteristics will be preserved.

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Q: CAN THIS SURGERY BE DONE IN CONJUNCTION WITH A RHINOPLASTY?

A: In many cases, the surgeon recommends combining these two surgeries to further improve the aesthetic facial balance.

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INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING AESTHETIC MENTOPLASTY

BEFORE SURGERY:

  • Contact your surgeon in case of viroses, dental infections, throat conditions, etc., up to the day before your surgery.
  • Enter the hospital or specialized clinic at the date and time marked down on your admission papers.
  • For general anesthesia, do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to admission if your surgery is on that same day. For local anesthesia, a light meal is allowed up to 6 hours before your surgery.
  • Have someone come to the hospital or clinic with you on the day of your admission.

AFTER SURGERY:

  • Avoid exposure to cold, sunlight, or traumatic injuries at the surgical site.
  • Return to your surgeon’s office at the prescribed dates and times.
  • Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush.
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions.
  • Do not worry about the natural swelling of the chin, which may last a few weeks.
  • Liquid and soft food diet for the first days, avoiding foods that require much chewing. Free diet from the second day – mainly proteins (meat, milk, eggs) and vitamins (fruit).
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