Chin Reduction Surgery

Chin reduction is a form of chin augmentation surgery that involves changing the size and possibly the shape of the chin in order to make it appear smaller.  The surgery is desirable to those who have a large chin that looks disproportionate when compared to the rest of the face.  Although it may be performed on its own, many people who elect to have a chin reduction also have other cosmetic facial procedures performed at the same time.

Understanding Chin Reduction surgery

The steps involved with chin reduction surgery vary from patient to patient according to the patient's desired results and anatomy.  In many cases, it is necessary to remove some of the chin bone in order to decrease the size of the chin.  The procedure generally takes two to three hours and usually requires an overnight stay in the hospital or surgical center.

Risks Associated with Chin Reduction Surgery

Every type of surgery poses a certain amount of risk to the patient.  Some risks that are commonly associated with surgical procedures include:

• Adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Bruising
• Infection
• Swelling

Some of the risks that are specifically associated with chin reduction surgery include:

• Asymmetrical results caused by uneven healing or the surgeon performing the procedure incorrectly
• Difficulty eating an talking during the first few weeks
• Feeling unhappy with the results, which may require additional surgeries to correct

Since chin reduction surgery involves surgically removing a portion of the bone and tissue in the chin, it is important to realize that the surgery cannot be reduced.  Rather, if the results are unsatisfactory, chin implants may be needed in order to build the chin back up.  Therefore, patients must be certain they want their chin size to be reduced and should clearly discuss their goals with their surgeon.