In both classical and modern art, a strong, chiseled chin is considered an indispensable part of a truly beautiful face. Unfortunately, many people are born with a receding, short, or otherwise ?weak? chin and as a result suffer damage to their self image. A short, round face, while charming on a child, is aesthetically difficult for the adult; most cultures hold an elongated face to be superior in terms of beauty, and, for the weak-chinned individual, it can become nearly impossible to find a flattering hairstyle, an attractive pair of glasses, or a hat that appears well-fitted.



Fortunately, those with rounded, receding or otherwise weak chins need not despair. Surgical correction of a weak chin is available through a process called mentoplasty ? better known as chin augmentation.

Chin augmentation is a surgical procedure in which a physician creates a more pleasing profile and facial shape for the patient by surgically constructing a larger chin ? usually with implants. Since the chin is not an isolated part of the human face, it is usually also necessary to perform additional facial surgery (e.g. rhinoplasty ? the famous ?nose job?) to create a balanced and pleasant overall appearance.

The implants used in chin augmentation are essentially similar to other surgical implants ? shaped pieces of biocompatible plastic, usually silicone, polyethylene or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). The latter is considered the chin implant material of choice: a flexible, porous, and biocompatible plastic that can be affixed directly to the underlying bone by means of titanium screws. During the healing process, bone and tissue grow through and fix the implant in place, making it a permanent part of the patient's face.

Natural materials are another option for chin implants. AlloDerm, a material derived from donated human skin tissue. Since AlloDerm contains no living cells and is regarded as minimally processed, it is biologically neutral and will not trigger an immune response as a transplanted organ will. Natural bone from the patient's own body is another chin implant option ? bone usually drawn from the patient's pelvic bones or ribs. Unfortunately, the possibility of infection when using implants made from living bone is high, and can continue for years after the surgery is complete.

Mandibular manipulation is yet another option. The bone of the patient's jaw is surgically cut, then repositioned to provide the desired chin. Although the procedure and healing process are more complex with this procedure, the natural look and enhancement effect are often more pronounced than with implants.

The surgical procedure involved in chin augmentation is a fairly straightforward one- to two-hour operation. Intravenous sedation and general anesthesia are used to keep the patient quiet and free from discomfort during the procedure. Incisions are then made, either beneath the chin or within the mouth at the junction of lip and gum. Insertion and final positioning of the implant follows, then the incisions are closed and bandaged.

Recovery from chin augmentation surgery is usually not complex, although it is relatively lengthy compared to other forms of facial enhancement surgery. The discomfort associated with the procedure is generally mild, and may be treated with typical OTC pain medication. Swelling of the chin area is apt to be pronounced and of considerable duration, especially if titanium screws are employed to fix the implant in place, and numbness in the area may last up to twelve weeks. Happily, scarring is usually minor and easily concealed. After the first few months of recovery, the chin augmentation's appearance will become natural and fixed, and should remain so thereafter.

Chin augmentation is not a particularly complex or risky form of surgery, but, as with all surgical operations, risk does exist. As a result, patients considering chin augmentation should discuss their options with a licensed medical professional prior to making any decision.