There are many reasons to get chin surgery, also known as mentoplasty. Do you want your facial features to have more harmony? Sometimes the way to attain this is to have work done to your chin. Is your chin too prominent? Let Dr. Bustillo reduce and sculpt the bone, making it smaller. Does your chin recede too far? Let Dr. Bustillo insert an implant, or move the bone forward. During a mentoplasty, you can also get excess fatty tissue removed via submental liposuction. You can fix jaw structure birth defects. Unfortunately, a mentoplasty isn’t covered by insurance, but don’t let that stop you.You’re a great candidate if you’re healthy and want a better-looking chin.
For Every Mentoplasty
All procedures are performed either with local anesthesia and sedation or with general anesthesia. (A mentoplasty performed along with a rhinoplasty or facelift procedure will most likely be done with general anesthesia.) These procedures areperformed in Dr. Bustillo’s office-based surgical facility, an outpatient surgery center, or a hospital. The surgery can last from 45 minutesto up to three hours, depending on what work has to be done.Typically, incisions are made beneath the chin (within a natural crease) or inside the mouth where your gum and lower lip meets. Once the scar is healed, it will be invisible. The risks for this surgery do include implant shifting, infection, temporary numbness, and the need for additional surgery.
For Receding Chins:
After making the incision, Dr. Bustillo will stretch the tissue creating space for the implant, which will then be inserted. Dr. Bustillo usually uses implants made of solid silicone – which is not the same silicone used in breast implants (those have a liquid or gel-like substance). The silicone Dr. Bustillo uses has been used for medical implants for over 50 years – one of the safest implants used today. The anatomical implant will hug the chin, giving it a very natural appearance.
Since Dr. Bustillo uses anatomical implants, he prefers to make the incision under the chin (as mentioned before the incision can also be made in the mouth). The anatomical implants can be placed through the small incision under the chin – there they can nestle the chin bone, giving it a more natural appearance. This procedure can be combined with submental liposuction, which will improve the neck contour.
For Chins That Are Too Prominent:
Dr. Bustillo will make the incision and then sculpt the bone to its desired shape and size. Please note that after surgery, you may experience a stretched, tight sensation and some tenderness. Pain medication will be available to help control any discomfort.
The Consultation:
During the consultation, Dr. Bustillo and you will go over your medical history. You’ll talk about what you want out of the procedure. You’ll become well-versed in articulating your expectations because you’ll see before and after pictures. Dr. Bustillo will answer all of your questions, including technique, a step-by-step plan for recovery, and the anesthesia that will be used.Afterward, you’ll meet with a patientcarecoordinator, who’ll explain the costs and who will schedule you in.
Is There Any Pain?
Nope, not typically – patients report having little pain after the procedure, but there might be some pressure in your chin area the first night. Taking pain medication can control that.
The Recovery Is Mild
You’re home the same day after your surgery. Dr. Bustillo doesn’t place any new bandages after the surgery. Dressings can be removed within two to three days. Sutures can dissolve on their own within five to seven days. Or five days after surgery, Dr. Bustillo can removethe small stitches underneath your chin. A diet of liquid and soft food may be needed during the first days after surgery.
You can return to work in 10 days. Within two weeks, 70 percent of the swelling resolves. The remaining swelling can take up to six weeks to resolve. After several weeks, you can exercise again – though please refrain from any activities in which your face can be harmed, for at least six weeks.
Dr. Bustillo is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who has been in practice for over 10 years. He’s known for providing his patients with the results they want: Plastic surgery that looks both natural and conservative. For more information or to schedule your consultation, you can reach Dr. Bustillo’s Miami-based practice at 305-663-3380.
