Chin augmentation surgery, also known as genioplasty, and bone advancement surgery, are designed for rejuvenative or reconstructive purposes to restore contour and/or proportion to the face. The surgery can be performed either by using an implant or by advancing the bone. In order to obtain the optimal results of a chin augmentation surgery, it is typically performed in conjunction with a facelift or nose reshaping surgery to balance the face.

Dr. Rohrich is a *board-certified, world-renown, plastic surgeon and has spent over 15 years specializing in facial cosmetic surgery. He has written numerous articles for scientific journals and magazines and lectures internationally on plastic surgery. He is Chairman of The Department of Plastic Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.

The information provided will give you a basic understanding of the procedure, but it can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please ask Dr. Rohrich if there is anything you don't understand about the procedure. For more information, please view the "Frequently Asked Questions" or visit his "Resource Library" for related articles, websites and video clips.

* American Board of Plastic Surgery

Am I a good candidate for the surgery?

Your visit with Dr. Rohrich will determine if you are a good candidate. If you are in good physical and mental health with reasonable expectations you should be an appropriate candidate. If you're considering a chin augmentation because you feel you have a small/weak chin, Dr. Rohrich will evaluate your facial proportions to determine if you would benefit from an implant or from a bone advancement procedure.

Genioplasty or bone advancement surgery can give your face better proportion and may enhance your self-esteem, but it won't give you a totally different look. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Rohrich.

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What should I expect from my consultation?

During your consultation, you will learn about the surgery, its limitations and risks, and discuss your needs and concerns. This will help Dr. Rohrich understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved. Dr. Rohrich will evaluate your face, including the skin and underlying bone. After your consultation a photographer will take photographs for your medical record and you will meet with Dr. Rohrich's patient coordinator to discuss the surgery fees and scheduling dates. You may also schedule an additional consultation to view computer imaging so that you can visualize the results of each technique that Dr. Rohrich has specifically designed for your surgery.

You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received including previous surgeries and medications that you currently take. It is important to provide complete information.

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How is the surgery performed?

For chin implant surgery, Dr. Rohrich will make a small incision near where the implant will be placed, either in a crease below the chin or inside the mouth at the gum/lip junction. A pocket is then made in the facial tissue, the implant inserted, and the incision is sutured. The chin in taped to secure it in place while it heals. The sutures are removed in 5 to 10 days (sutures placed inside the mouth will dissolve in a similar period of time). Sometimes facial implants are inserted at the same time as a facelift or nose reshaping surgery.

For bone advancement, Dr. Rohrich will make a small incision on the inside of the mouth, cut the bone on either side of the jaw and advance it forward securing it with small plates and screws. This type of surgery is typically performed on patients needing 10mm or more advancement of their chin.

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What happens the day of surgery?

Your chin reshaping surgery will be performed at either one of our specialty hospitals or an accredited outpatient surgery facility.

Prior to the procedure, medications are administered for your comfort and to lessen the anxiety if need be. General anesthesia is used for patients undergoing chin reshaping. The surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours depending on the technique used and if you have any other procedures such as nose reshaping of a facelift. After surgery, you will awake in a recovery area where you will be closely monitored by the recovery room staff.

Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery. The "Patient Care" section on this site give instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating, medications to avoid, drinking and smoking. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery.

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What is the recovery like?

You will have some discomfort and/or pain following surgery. While you are in the hospital your pain control is done intravenous for the extent of your stay. You will be given prescriptions for pain medication and antibiotics after you are discharged. You will be required to sleep with your head elevated on two pillows to help decrease the swelling.

You should be up and about in a day or two, but plan on taking it easy for the first week after surgery in order to give your implant/jaw time to settle into place.

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What should I know about my results?

Whenever surgery is performed on your body a scar will result. Chin reshaping scars heal very well, and depending of the technique used, the incisions are small and are placed either in a crease or inside the mouth at the gum/lip junction. Dr. Rohrich will determine exactly where the placement of the incisions will be on your first visit.

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What does the surgery cost?

At the time of your initial consultation, you will be quoted a price that will include Dr. Rohrich's fee as well as hospital and anesthesia fees. Fees are due in full at least two weeks prior to your surgery. Checks, money orders, cash and credit cards may be used for payment. A $500.00 deposit will reserve a specific time and date for your surgery.

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