CHIN REDUCTION & WITCH’S CHIN:
What options do I have to reduce a prominent chin?
The lower part of your jaw is called the mandible. The upper jaw is called the maxilla. If the upper jaw and lower jaw projection is balanced, the teeth fit correctly. This is called normal occlusion (“a normal bite”).
If the prominent chin is caused by the lower jaw (mandible) being too prominent or projecting too far forward, the teeth will not match (mal-occlusion) and the bite will be abnormal. This problem is treated by an oral maxilla-facial surgeon.
If the balance between the upper and lower jaw is normal, the occlusion (bite) is normal and the cosmetic deformity is an isolated prominence or over projection of the chin, this can be corrected by reducing the bony prominence of the chin.
If there is excess muscle and fat over the bony part of the chin, this can produce what is called a “Witch’s Chin”. This is a long drooping chin that hangs below the bony prominence. This is caused by excess soft tissue with or without an excess bony prominence.
OPERATION:
The surgical procedure to correct a prominent chin can be done under local or general anaesthesia.
The prominent chin can be approached using an incision along the inside of the mouth which does not leave an exposed scar. This is used for a bony prominence reduction.
Once the prominent part of the chin bone is exposed, the excess bone is removed. This will not affect the teeth or the occlusion (“bite”).
In patients with a large bony prominence, or patients with a Witch’s chin deformity, an incision is made just underneath the chin skin, the chin bone is exposed and any excess bone prominence is removed.
If there is soft tissue excess (skin, muscle and fat) in patients with a Witch’s chin deformity, the excess tissue is removed. This will leave a scar just underneath the chin.
The Witch’s chin deformity is most often corrected at the same time a facelift is done in patients who are older. In younger patients, who do not require a facelift, just the chin correction is done.
THE RISKS:
What are the risks of doing a Chin procedure?
With any surgery there are surgical and anesthetic risks.
Aside from the rare risks of an anesthetic event, some of the general and specific surgical risks for this procedure would include:
Scarring
Infection of the incision
Infection of the bone
Swelling and bruising
Sensation changes to the lower lip and chin for up to 3-6months or longer
Discomfort
Time off work and exercise
Bleeding (hematoma)
Contour asymmetry
**This list is not complete.
During the consultation with the patient, Dr. Giuffre will outline and explain each of the risks in detail.
THE FOLLOWUP:
How often do I need to come back for a checkup after the surgery?
Postoperative visits include:
1 week visit
6 week visit
If there are any patient concerns, Dr. Giuffre provides his home phone number for patient's direct access.
After the 6 week visit, if there are any future requests for an appointment, they are made directly with Dr. Giuffre office and an expedited visit is arranged.
Is this procedure covered by AHS?
This is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by Alberta Health Services (AHS).