Plastic Surgery To Correct A Cleft Chin

For many years, the cleft chin was a sign of masculinity. Unfortunately, the cleft has become an object of ridicule, and some patients wish to get rid of the "butt chin" that detracts from their overall appearance. Many patients would prefer a smoother chin profile so the chin does not appear quite so prominent. With plastic surgery, patients can achieve their desired chin appearance.

Plastic surgery to correct a cleft, or dimpled, chin involves different techniques.

Muscle release: First, the plastic surgeon must release the muscle that is causing the skin to contract. The tethered attachments must be released so the crease or dimple can be filled out. To do this, the surgeon will create an incision on the inside of the bottom lip to access the underlying muscles. After surgery, the incision is closed with stitches.

Fill the depression: After the muscles are released, additional volume should be added to the remaining depression. If a filler material is not added to the dimple or crease, the surface of the skin will still remain uneven.

Fat transfer: The ideal filler substance is the patient's own fat. This requires the removal of fat through liposuction; the fat is then purified, and then re-injected into the chin dimple to produce a smooth appearance. The advantage of the fat transfer procedure is that the results are long lasting. The disadvantage is that the treatment is somewhat involved because it requires the use of liposuction to harvest the patient's fat.

Dermal fillers: Dermal fillers such as Restylane, Radiesse, and Juvederm can theoretically be used to add volume to the depression left by the skin dimple or cleft chin. However, as of March of 2013, the Food and Drug Administration has not approved dermal fillers for this particular use. An advantage of dermal fillers is that the procedure is not invasive. The filler material is injected into the desired treatment area, resulting in minimal pain, swelling, and bruising after treatment. Within a few days, the filler material has taken effect. The downside of dermal fillers is that injections must be repeated regularly to maintain the desired results.

Chin implants: A chin implant is not required to treat a cleft or dimpled chin unless the patient wants to change the size or shape of the chin. A chin implant can be placed to make the chin appear more or less prominent. A pointy chin can be made broader with the placement of a wide implant; a recessed chin can be redefined with a chin implant; and the shape of the face can be transformed with a chin implant. If the patient is unhappy with the overall appearance of the chin or their face shape, a chin implant may be placed to complement the cleft removal surgery.

The techniques that are incorporated into the individual patient's treatment plan depend greatly on their anatomy and personal goals. If you are interested in undergoing surgery, it is in your best interest to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to discuss your options.