Chin Implant Varieties
This surgery is commonly referred to as chin implant surgery, mentoplasty, genioplasty, and chin augmentation These terms generally refer to procedures which reshape the chin, often with the use of implants.
Experienced facial plastic surgeons like Dr. Batniji understand and adhere to the notion that the most successful cosmetic corrections are fully customized to a patient’s individual facial features. During a chin augmentation surgery in which the chin’s size is increased, it is imperative for this feature to properly align with the nose as well as the overall face shape. For this reason, there are a variety of chin implants available, many of which can be customized by the doctor before surgical insertion.
Though Dr. Batniji will explain the types of chin augmentation he feels produce the best results, he provides patients with a variety of surgical options. There are benefits and small risks associated with any medical procedure and these must be considered. Below are some of the most common implanted materials used during chin augmentation surgery. Many surgeons have their preferences for one over another. Dr. Batniji often prefers to use extended anatomical implants coated with a Goretex-like product as these provide very natural-looking results.
- Medpor – Before implantation, this implant can be further adapted to the patient’s own anatomy by the surgeon, who can trim and contour the material. The patient’s existing tissue readily connects and becomes interwoven with the implant to promote further biocompatibility of the implant. Additionally, this stabilizes the overall chin structure to ensure the most natural movement and appearance. Though infection is uncommon, in the event that it does occur, the implant must be removed. This subsequent surgery can be problematic once the ingrowth of tissues has occurred.
- Gore-Tex – Formed from a type of Teflon, the Gore-Tex implant is a very lightweight surgical addition to the chin that lends itself well to a patient’s postsurgical and lifelong comfort. This material works best when minimal correction to the chin is requested. It is highly durable and sits atop the bone, so it is not likely the bone will be reabsorbed.
- Silastic – This combination of silicone and rubber creates a permanent affect that allows for natural movement of the feature. The material is flexible and fully customizable prior to surgery, yet still solid enough to mimic the bony material of the chin. A medical-grade silastic chin implant is placed over the bone. These implants have been safely used for chin augmentation surgeries for four decades.
- Acrylic – With the feel of actual bone, chin implants created from acrylic provide a very lightweight and secure way to augment the existing bone. The implants come in an array of sizes (typically in chronological numbers one through six) so the new chin shape and size desired can be created. Because of the hard material the acrylic implant is composed of and the variety of sizes available, these implants are not typically further customizable.
- Mersilene – This unique implanted material is formed from a surgical mesh that is folded a number of times to create the thickness that is desired. It resembles gauze in appearance, and should be wrapped around a sterile object of the desired thickness to ensure symmetry. Of all the varieties of chin implants, this type of material begins as the most imprecise form of an implant and is fully crafted through the surgeon’s own artistic ability.
Dr. Batniji is a specialty surgeon who provides his services in the Newport Beach, California area. Focusing only on facial plastic surgery, Dr. Batniji has earned board certification through the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. He is also licensed to practice in six different states. Call the office today to set up an appointment to meet with Rami K. Batniji, M.D., F.A.C.S. at 949-650-8882.