Chin
Augmentation
Chin
augmentation (genioplasty, or mentoplasty) can strengthen
the appearance of a receding chin by increasing its
projection. Simultaneously, it can create better harmony
between the chin and other facial features for a more
balanced profile. Chin augmentation does not affect
your bite or jaw.
There
are two techniques for adding prominence and contour
to your chin. One, performed through an incision inside
the mouth, involves moving the chin bone. The other
approach involves inserting an implant. The incisions
to insert this implant may be made in the mouth or
on the underside of the chin. In the latter case,
surgery will usually leave a negligible scar.
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| Genioplasty
patient shown before surgery with receding
chin. |
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In
one approach, the lower section of bone is moved
forward and wired into position. |
To
permit proper healing following chin augmentation,
you may be placed on a liquid diet for a day or two.
The area may be taped or bandaged.
After
a chin augmentation, you will most likely be up and
about the same day as surgery and back to work within
one to two weeks.
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An
alternative approach involves inserting an
implant between the bone and chin tissue through
a short external incision under the chin or
through an incision made in the mouth between
the lower lip and the gum. Similarly, in some
cases the cheekbones may be built up by placing
an implant over them as shown. |
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The
postoperative patient with balanced profile
and a slight scar under the chin.
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Ear
Surgery
Aesthetic plastic surgery can improve the positioning
of your ears if they are large in proportion to your
other features or protrude more than normal. Surgery
is possible at any age, but it is often recommended
for children as they near total ear development at
age five or six. When the ears are corrected prior
to the child entering school, the surgery helps eliminate
potential psychological trauma.
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| Otoplasty
patient shown before surgery with ears that
protrude. |
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Surgery
seen from the back of the ear. (a) Incisions
are made and a small portion of skin removed.
(b) The cartilage is re contoured to bring the
ear into its correct position and supported
with sutures. (c) Sutures close the incisions,
leaving a faint scar. |
In
this procedure, the ears are positioned closer to
the head by reshaping the cartilage (supporting tissue).
This is usually accomplished through incisions placed
behind the ears so that subsequent scars will be concealed
in a natural skin crease.
After
surgery, a gauze dressing or bandage should be worn
for several days to ensure that the ears heal in their
new, more natural position. Strenuous activities and
contact sports should be avoided for several weeks.
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| Surgery
seen from the front of the ear. Reshaped cartilage
restores the ear fold, making the ear lie
flatter against the head. |
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The
postoperative patient with ears that are normal
in appearance. |
Surgery
seen from the back of the ear. (a) Incisions are made
and a small portion of skin removed. (b) The cartilage
is re contoured to bring the ear into its correct
position and supported with sutures. (c) Sutures close
the incisions, leaving a faint scar.
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