Chin surgery is minimally invasive and can change the shape of the chin to reduce a prominent chin or extend the chin from the face. The contour of the chin can be reshaped to be smoother, or more angular in appearance thereby creating or enhancing a better profile. Often a small, weak chin can make a nose appear larger so patients are sometimes advised to have chin surgery in conjunction with  rhinoplasty to create a better balance of features. Patients can also have neck liposuction to remove excess fat from under the chin to redefine the chin line. Chin augmentation can make a major
difference to the overall appearance of the face.

To correct a receding chin either an implant can be inserted or the chin bone can be moved forward to a more normal position. Chin Surgery can be performed to:
• Add definition to the jawline
• Correct a receding chin line
• Create a stronger looking chin
• Balance out facial features
• Enhance a profile

Understanding the Procedure

Chin surgery is normally performed under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with IV sedation. Surgery takes 1-1 ½ hours depending on the extent of the surgery to be performed.

Chin Augmentation (to correct a receding chin)

Dr. Chow makes an incision in the natural crease line under the chin. An implant is then inserted into the created space and fitted into place. The incision is closed with fine stitches. Sutures along the chin
crease will hardly be noticeable. The implant is usually Silastic or Gortex/Teflon (PTFE). The size of the implant will be determined at the time of consultation with Dr. Chow.

Initial Consultation questions:
• Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
• What is a realistic outcome for me after surgery?
• How long will the operation take?
• What is the recovery time?
• What are the risks involved?
• Is post-operative medication necessary?
• What is the charge for the procedure?

It is a good idea to write down the answers Dr. Chow provides so that you can review these carefully later. The consultation also provides you with an opportunity to meet Dr. Chow to determine whether your personality and hers are compatible and that you feel comfortable with her as your surgeon.

Cosmetic surgery is not a guarantee of happiness, success in life or relationships, and you need realistic expectations before embarking on surgery. Please think carefully about the reason why you are considering surgery and why at this point in your life. Suitable patients for cosmetic surgery are currently happy in their life and not obsessed about their appearance. These patients are seeking to enhance their appearance with subtle changes and realise the final result will not be perfect. If you are thinking about your appearance constantly, experiencing life problems and other stressors, you may require psychological help rather than cosmetic surgery.

MAKING A DECISION TO PROCEED WITH SURGERY

Whether your surgery is desired for functional or cosmetic reasons, your choice of a qualified facial plastic surgeon is of paramount importance. As a Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Chow is trained in both Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery and Facial surgery, which provides you, the patient, with the highest level of training and expertise. You should be informed as much as possible before making a
decision to proceed with surgery. Cosmetic surgery is an elective procedure, which means that it is a
personal choice and not necessary for maintenance of good health. You can expect a thorough
explanation from Dr. Chow regarding the various types of surgical procedures. Dr. Chow will inform you
of the best methods of anaesthesia, the surgical facility where your procedure will take place and the
benefits and risks involved in surgery. Following a joint decision by you and Dr. Chow to go ahead with
the procedure, photographs of you will be taken and Dr. Chow will further discuss the options available.
A good rapport between you and Dr. Chow and realistic expectations are prerequisites for successful
outcome. You are most likely to be pleased with the results if you have a realistic idea of what surgery
can and cannot do. The goal is for a natural, aesthetically pleasing and balanced look.
Please do not hesitate to seek another doctor’s opinion if you are uncertain about Dr. Chow’s advice.
You are the most qualified person to select a surgeon that is right for you.
Medical History
It is important that you are candid with Dr. Chow and her staff regarding your medical history to plan
the best possible treatment. This information is strictly confidential. Please inform her of any:
· Previous facial and/or cosmetic surgery (nose, eyelids, breast etc.)
· Past and current medical conditions such as heart, lung and kidney disease, prolonged bleeding
or excessive bruising, blood clots in the legs or lungs, or gastric reflux.
· Current medications especially Aspirin, Anti-inflammatory, Warfarin, blood thinners, Insulin, and
oral contraceptive pills. Over the counter products such as vitamins and herbal medications may
also be important.
· Allergies or adverse reactions to antibiotics, anaesthetic drugs or other medications.
· Psychological and psychiatric illnesses
· Past keloid scarring or poor healing
· Connective tissue disorder such rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosis, scleroderma or
similar
· Previous radiotherapy to the head, neck or breast.
Dr. Chow will then examine your features and after discussing options and specific risks and benefits will
recommend the most appropriate procedure/s for you.
Please remember following cosmetic procedures, it takes time for the swelling to subside and for the
skin to heal. Most patients return to work between one and two weeks after surgery. Swelling, bruising
and disrupted sleep are very normal postoperative symptoms and will decrease as the healing process
occurs. Assistance with daily activities during the first two to three days after surgery is strongly
recommended.
Majority of swelling will subside by 6 weeks. Final results following cosmetic are not fully apparent for
up to 6 months following surgery. We recommend that you have follow up appointments for
assessment and postoperative photographs.
Risks of Surgery
Modern surgery is safe but does have risks. Complications can occur despite the highest standard and
world’s best practice principle used by Dr. Chow.
It is not possible to list all the risks but you should be informed of the common side effects and benefits
to make an informed consent. You should write down any particular questions or specific concerns.
The potential risks are
1. General risk of surgery
· Wound infection – may requires antibiotics
· Bleeding, bloods clot or seroma
· Chest infection
· Sore throat from the breathing tube
· Scar that become raised (hypertrophic or keloid)
2. Specific Risks
· Asymmetry is common as the jaw and the face are often asymmetric
· Displacement or extrusion are uncommon
· Reduce sensation around the lower lip is usually temporary and should return in 6 weeks
to 3 months. This can also be permanent in rare cases.
· The implant may be too small or too big
. Irregular chin
Chin augmentation or implant is a surgical operation to correct the deficiency of the chin and whilst
every effort to produce a satisfactory improvement in appearance and optimal result is made,
postoperative irregularities and asymmetry do sometime arise. Whilst such things can often be
corrected, no guarantees are made in regards to eventual final results.
Please let Dr. Chow know about any concerns and questions you may have regarding chin implants