A chin reduction is done when the following conditions exist

• Large protruding chins
• Unbalanced facial features

• Candidates without any cardiac condition or serious incidence of hypertension
• Candidates not taking anticoagulants such as warfarin or heparin
• Candidates with a protruding chin and a normal dental bite
• Candidates who wish to improve their external appearance
• Candidates who are physically healthy, psychologically healthy and have realistic expectations from the procedure
• Candidates who seek improvement rather than perfection

• Under- or over-correction of the defect
• Injury to the major nerve in the chin
• Failure of the bone segment to reunite properly with the other parts of the jaw
• Damage to the roots of the teeth
• Haematoma
• Infection
• Bad reactions to anaesthesia

• During the initial consultation, a thorough discussion on the expectations of the patient is understood
• The dental history and x ray studies of the head and jaw are taken
• Photographs are taken for further comparison after procedure.
• The doctor discusses and advises on options of anaesthesia, surgery options, incisions (if any), type of facilities and cost with the patient.
• The doctor provides guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications
• If the surgeon is planning to make a submental incision, the patient should use an antibacterial facial cleanser for two days before surgery.
• The doctor will perform a physical examination to evaluate the general health, skin and facial structure
• Patients should stop smoking and discontinue all medications containing aspirin or NSAIDs for two weeks prior to surgery
• Patients scheduled for an intraoral approach should rinse the mouth with mouthwash three times a day for two days before surgery.
• The patient should not eat or drink anything for eight hours prior to the procedure.
• The patient must arrange for transportation and assistance to leave for home after the surgery

• The procedure is performed after administering local anaesthesia with light sedation, local anaesthesia and deep sedation, or general anaesthesia.
• An incision is made inside the mouth in the area of the lower lip.
• The tip of the chin bone is then cut with an oblique saw, sculpted, moved backward and stabilized with wires or plates.
• The incision is closed and the patient's head is wrapped with a pressure dressing.
  The surgery is completed in 45 minutes to two hours.

The procedure is done on an outpatient basis.

• The patient experiences some swelling and bruising which will begin to disappear within the first 5-7 days.
• The tape is removed about a week after the surgery
• Black and blue marks may be visible around the chin and neck
• Pain and discomfort last for several days following the procedure which can be eased by pain medication prescribed by the doctor
• Facial movements, such as talking and smiling, may be difficult for several days following the surgery
• The patient may feel a degree of numbness that should disappear within 1 to 3 months
• The patient may wear a support brace while sleeping to allow the tissues and implant to heal in the desired position and prevent shifting in the first few weeks
• The dressings usually remain intact for 48-72 hours.
• The sutures, if any, will be removed in approximately 3 to 5 days
• The plastic surgeon will give instructions regarding dental hygiene, eating and any restrictions to activities after surgery.

• The patient should rest in bed for the first day or two after surgery.
• The patient may apply cold compresses, or small ice packs to reduce swelling and relieve discomfort.
• Patients can return to work with the help of camouflaging cosmetics at about 5 days post-op.
• The patient can expect to resume regular activities in about 1 to 2 weeks.
• After a few weeks the chin will feel tender and the patient may also have a feeling of tightness or stretching in and around the jaw, which will gradually disappear within a week or so.
• The patient will be on a liquid or soft-food diet for several days.
• The patient must keep the head raised by using two to three pillows.
• The patient should rinse the mouth with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and warm water two to three times daily
• The patient should avoid sleeping on the face and unnecessary touching of the chin area
• The patient should avoid vigorous physical exercise for about two weeks
• The patient must inform the doctor immediately if any of the following occur
• Temperature elevation greater than 101 degrees
• Sudden swelling or sudden discoloration
• Haemorrhage
• Increasing redness and tenderness of the wound edges indicating infection
• Allergic reaction to drugs