Chin Correction - Process

A correction of the chin is normally performed as an out-patient procedure using local anaesthesia. In severe cases, a one-day in-patient stay may be sensible. Where applicable, an additional sedative and analgesic may be administered. The operating surgeon gains entry to the jawbone either via the mucus in the inner part of the mouth, thereby avoiding the presence of conspicuously visible scars, or via the underside of the chin, with scarcely visible scars. A small section of the bone is separated below the dental roots, resituated either forward or backward according to plan, and fixed using small titanium screws and plates. In a shortening of the chin, a small wedge of bone may also be removed. In the case of a chin lengthening procedure, the surgeon situates the removed section of bone downward and fills the gap thus created with spongiosa. The spongiosa, or spongy bone used for this purpose is taken from a small incision in the pelvic bone.^{6, 7}

A further possibility for a lengthening correction of the chin is the insertion of implants made of silicon or another synthetic substance. The consistency of the implant corresponds to that of a natural chin. The implant is inserted via one of the incisions described above into the small bag of skin in front of the lower mandible.

In all the operative methods described, the incision is subsequently sewn shut with fine thread; the area of treatment may be cooled. The length of the procedure varies, according to scope, from a half hour to two hours.⁸