Chin Osteotomy

What is a Chin Osteotomy?

An osteotomy is a surgical procedure in which bone is cut to shorten, lengthen, or change its alignment. A chin osteotomy is a type of cosmetic surgery that involves lengthening the chin (which is generally difficult with a chin implant), or shortening a narrow chin (which is impossible with an implant). A chin osteotomy allows you the opportunity to achieve the chin you always wanted, with emphasis on the vertical length and width of the chin, important elements of an esthetically pleasing chin.

During the procedure, your doctor makes an incision through your mouth, surgically moves your chin bone, and sets it with small, permanent plates and screws. Recovery generally includes several weeks of swelling, as well as temporary loss of sensation in the chin or lips.

Benefits of Chin Osteotomy

Though a chin osteotomy is a more complicated procedure than chin implant surgery, and requires longer healing time, the long term benefits it offers makes it a great choice for appropriate candidates.

For patients who desire chin lengthening or shortening, a chin osteotomy may be a better choice than a chin implant because once the bone heals after surgery, it will stay that way permanently, without the risk of infection, implant migration, or loss of augmentation that can occur following chin implant surgery.

Complications

As with any surgical procedures, there are certain risks involved when undergoing chin osteotomy, and complications may occur. Your doctor will help you weigh the risks and benefits, and determine if a chin osteotomy is right for you.