Duke's expert physicians offer chin augmentation at the state-of-the-art Duke Aesthetics Center in Durham, North Carolina.

Chin augmentation, also known as genioplasty, is a surgical procedure to reshape the chin by enhancement with an implant.

Many times a plastic surgeon may recommend chin surgery to a patient having nose surgery in order to achieve facial proportion, as the size of the chin may magnify or minimize the perceived size of the nose.

Chin surgery helps provide a harmonious balance to your facial features so that you feel better about the way you look.

Procedure Details

An incision will be made in the crease under your chin or inside the mouth. The implant (if applicable) will be situated directly on top of the bone and it may be sutured into its pocket or screwed into place.

Your surgeon may remove and replace the implant several times intra-operatively to ascertain a custom fit before permanent fixation and your own bone may be used for genioplasty.

For a “sliding genioplasty,” a sliver or section of your own bone is moved forward. The bone graft is then secured into its new place with bone plates and screws.

The surgery typically takes one to two hours and is performed on an outpatient basis.

Recovery

Following a chin augmentation you will have swelling and bruising. You will have to take it easy and sleep on two pillows to keep your head elevated for seven to 14 days -- or however long your surgeon suggests.

When you wake up you will notice that your face will look even more swollen in the first three days. But, as the days go on the swelling will dissipate. There may be bruising, but this will go away, within two weeks.

After a chin augmentation, you will more than likely experience some discomfort for several weeks -- having had intraoral incisions your diet may be restricted.

Even though you may feel better, you must take it easy for the first three weeks. Be careful not to bend over or lift heavy objects.

How Long Will the Results Last?

Synthetic implants stay permanently. Your face may still age over time around the implants. Fat grafts may partially reabsorb or completely disappear over time.

Risks

With chin implants the risk of bacterial infection is possible. You should immediately notify your surgeon if you see any discolored or foul-smelling drainage.

If you develop a postoperative infection with a synthetic implant the implant must be removed, the infection dealt with, and then you must wait for several months before an additional surgery can be performed to re-implant. Infections usually occur within the first few weeks.

Physicians

Physicians offering this service include:

• Hollenbeck, Scott T.
  • Surgery / Plastic Max & Oral Surgery
• Levinson, Howard
  • Surgery / Plastic Max & Oral Surgery
  • Pathology
• Woodard, Charles R.
  • Surgery / Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
• Zenn, Michael R.
  • Surgery / Plastic Max & Oral Surgery

Locations

This service is available at:

• Duke Aesthetic Center
  3475 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27705