Chin correction | genioplasty in Bonn

The consultation with Dr med Daniel Sattler:

A personal and comprehensive consultation is essential before a chin correction, as it is with all other operations. The treatment plan can first be compiled after the patient’s wishes and expectations have been discussed and the realistic possibilities as well as any complications that may occur have been clarified. An examination of the patient’s existing chin structure shows which measures are operatively possible. The end result can be simulated with the help of 3D programmes.

Before and after photos can also help patients in making their decision. It’s important to have personal advice and planning for a genioplasty, so that the chin blends in with the patient’s facial features as harmoniously and naturally as possible. The aim of chin correction is to decisively improve the patient’s sense of beauty and thereby also their self-confidence.

Preparation before the procedure:

Preparation for a chin correction involves avoiding alcohol, nicotine and blood-thinning medication for two weeks before the operation. It’s also a good idea to purchase elastic cool packs in advance, to use after the procedure. It’s important for the skin on the chin to be intact at the time of the procedure. Injuries or wounds can affect the operation date.

If the patient also suffers from tooth displacement that affects the shape and structure of the chin, we recommend that combined surgical and orthodontic treatment takes place. During the preparation phase, the type of anaesthetic is also discussed. Depending on the procedure, treatment can either take place under general anaesthetic or under local anaesthetic, if the procedure is minor and uncomplicated.

What happens during the treatment?

The chin correction can be performed using various treatment methods, including correction of a double chin, a chin reduction or chin enhancement (correction of a receding chin), depending on the patient’s clinical situation and personal wishes.

A double chin is caused by a loss of elasticity of the skin or an accumulation of fat under the chin. A double chin can be removed in a simple localised fat removal process (liposuction) as an outpatient procedure. Surplus fat tissue is removed with a thin suction cannula via a small incision under the chin. Only very small, hardly visible scars remain. The skin is then lifted to redefine the chin-throat contour achieved. The most frequently requested chin correction is for a so-called receding chin. A maxillo-facial (jaw) treatment can sometimes be helpful here.

If this is not the case, then a forward displacement of the chin can be carried out operatively, or a chin implant can be inserted. In a chin reduction, surplus bone is removed via an incision in the oral cavity. This limits the thickness and minimises the forward protrusion of the chin. This creates a more aesthetic overall facial look meaning that the patient can once again feel good about his/her body.

Post-operative care after the operation:

The follow-up treatment is started immediately after the procedure with intensive cooling treatment to keep swelling and discolouration as minimal as possible. Patients can stay in the clinic for only a few hours or sometimes overnight, depending on their post-operative condition. Strenuous activities which may raise the blood pressure should be avoided as much as possible for the week after the procedure. You should also avoid excess heat (e.g. sauna visits) because this delays the subsiding of the swelling and the healing process. As an alternative to an operative method, a chin correction can also take place using special hyaluronic acid substances. The effect lasts for approximately 18 months.