DEFINITION
The chin is a very important part of facial balance, more so a chin which is not correctly aligned with the lips and the nose when looking at the front profile, or on the contrary, one which has too much of an angular or square shape, as this can alter the entire facial balance.
Therefore, the surgical modification of the chin has an impact on the balance of the face, being able to soften, masculinise or feminise a face.
SUGGESTIONS
Any patient who presents an alteration in the shape or position of the chin, which generates an imbalance of the face and who wishes to improve this, whilst considering the realistic expectations of the potential results. It is important to assess what type of anomaly each patient has, since depending on the result of this, they may require a simpler or more complex surgery.
PROCEDURE
The surgery can be performed under local anaesthesia, depending on the age of the patient and the case.
- Chin implant: The chin area is augmented with a silicone prosthesis that is inserted through a small incision under the chin.
- Lipostructure: The chin area can be augmented and moulded with fatty tissue. Sometimes it is accompanied by liposuction of the neck.
- Genioplasty: requires maxillofacial surgery, in which osteotomies (cuts in the bone) are made, and the chin is repositioned in an optimal position. Sometimes the bone can simply be filed to shape it.
- Orthognathic surgery: This is a maxillofacial surgery in which both the upper and lower jaw (mandible) are repositioned, improving facial balance, but also the function of the bite that is usually altered in this type of patient with large alterations in the skeletal bones.
PROFESSIONALS
This type of procedure must be performed by a plastic surgeon with experience in facial surgery. In cases of surgery that require modification of the skeletal bones, we usually work hand in hand with a maxillofacial surgeon with experience in the procedure. Usually, several combined procedures are performed.
FACILITIES
This type of procedure must be performed in a medical centre approved to perform outpatient surgical procedures or in a hospital that meets all health requirements.
Dr. Ospina is fully aware of this and this is why he performs all his surgeries in the operating rooms of Hospitales San Roque, as he provides that extra security that he wants for his patients.
AFTERCARE
After surgery, the patient must perform basic care at home, such as cleansing of wounds and the use of various ointments. The patient should sleep on their back with the head of their bed raised for the first week post-surgery. The application of ice on the area helps to quickly reduce inflammation.
RECOVERY
It is important to use a chin support or brace that keeps the area immobile, so that it is fixed in the correct position. It usually takes 10 days to recover and return to normal life, during which time the inflammation and bruising will have disappeared. To be able to practise sports, the patient must wait three weeks and then gradually introduce them.
RESULTS
The results can be appreciated immediately, but they improve when the inflammation subsides and the small bruises on the skin disappear.
COMPLICATIONS
Although rare, complications normally arise in relation to prolonged inflammatory processes or alterations in the sensitivity of the skin, but they usually resolve themselves after a few weeks.
“Patients only normally notice their nose as a problem in their profile, but they almost never realise that what is actually out of tune is the chin.”
