In humans, the tip of the chin may be larger or smaller than normal. The process of correcting these is called mentoplasty. Mentoplasty is an aesthetic surgery of the chin and describes the restructuring of the chin in order to make it compatible with facial size and proportions. This surgery improves the appearance of the jaw and the overall proportions of the face. For example, it makes the nose look more pleasing.
There are facial features that are in common agreement that can make an individual appear more or less attractive. All structures on the face should be harmonious and balanced within themselves. In addition to the fact that the relationships, angles and distances of these structures are different for each person, "ideal proportions" can be calculated for each person.
The ideal jaw position should be 2-3 mm behind a vertical imaginary line drawn downwards from the base of the nose 2 -A deviation of more than 3 mm backwards is considered a weak chin, and the opposite is considered a strong chin. In women, the ideal jaw position may be slightly behind this ideal location, which creates a more desirable aesthetic appearance. In men, a strong jawline that gives a masculine appearance is preferred.
Purpose of the operation
Mentoplasty is a surgery by placing an implant in front of the chin to enlarge a chin that is left behind and small. It can be done by filling, injecting fat, or by mobilizing and advancing a part of the patient's own jawbone. In patients with very small jaws, the body's own tissue can be used to add to the jaw, bone or cartilage can be used for this purpose. Mentoplasty can also be performed by removing a piece of the bone to reduce a protruding chin that spoils the overall appearance.
Preoperative preparation
Your surgeon will discuss the results of mentoplasty surgery. He will analyze your face and make suggestions to create realistic expectations. The planned surgery will be explained in detail, leaving no questions in your mind. Your surgeon may recommend additional facial surgeries based on his observations and needs.
When surgery is decided, your comprehensive medical history will be taken and questions will be asked about your previous surgeries. Depending on your general health condition, laboratory tests may be requested. X-ray tests may be requested to determine the amount of chin enlargement or reduction and to make changes in its height and position to provide a better appearance before the surgery.
Unless otherwise informed, nothing should be eaten or drunk after midnight the evening before the surgery. You should brush your teeth before the operation.
Operation
Mentoplasty can be performed under local anesthesia, with or without sedation, or under general anesthesia. The operation can be performed overnight or on a daily basis without requiring hospitalization. The surgery may take between 30 minutes and 3 hours, depending on the procedure to be performed.
If an implant is required for the chin, the surgeon starts with a small incision under the chin or inside the mouth. Your doctor will inform you about the planned incision location before surgery. The implant is placed in front of the jaw, deep in the soft tissues. The patient's anatomy and their own conditions determine the need for implants. There are different types of implants to shape the jaw as required. Medpor or silicone are the most commonly used implants as they have been proven to provide excellent shaping in many studies. In mentoplasty, screws can be placed to fix the implant, or soft tissue fixation can be done without screwing. If the aim is to reduce the chin protrusion, this goal is achieved by shaving or cutting the tip of the chin.
What to do after the operation
Pain that may occur after the surgery is controlled with medications. The feeling of tension in the jaw experienced by patients decreases within weeks. Edema and bruising may occur. Edema reaches its maximum in the first week after surgery and then begins to decrease. A bandage is applied to the chin for 2 or 3 days after the surgery. The stitches used will be removed within 5 or 7 days after the surgery or will dissolve on their own.
Chewing may be restricted for a few days after the surgery and it may be necessary to feed on liquid and soft foods. Patients can return to their daily lives 10 days after the surgery.
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