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DONALD J. CAPUANO, M.D.
Plastic Surgeon

Board Certified in Plastic Surgery

Disclaimer Different surgeons use different techniques and treatments for similar conditions and problems. The following is my view and a compendium of my training,experience and studies.   Chin Reduction I have been asked questions about chin reduction. The following is a brief comment about chin reduction. Chin reduction can be a simple or a complex procedure. Several questions need to be addressed in planning chin reduction. Is the individual's 'bite' satisfactory? If the alignment of the teeth is not within the generally acceptable limits of normal, then a consultation with an oral surgeon would be appropriate. Realignment of the jaws may be needed. This is can be extensive surgery. Multiple opinions would be prudent before going ahead as there may be differing approaches to the surgery. These can not be discussed here. If the occlusion of the teeth is fairly satisfactory, then reduction of the 'mentum' or chin can usually be accomplished. It is important to realize that the 'chin' is more than just bone. There is overlying muscle, some fat, and skin. In planning the reduction, bone, muscle and other tissues need to be figured into the equation. Once the amount of bone and soft tissue to be removed is estimated surgery is planned. Usually through an incision in the mouth, the chin bone (mentum) is exposed. The bone is then sawed, burred, etc. and removed to the point where it approaches the preoperative plan. The soft tissue, mainly muscle, if indicated, may need to be 'resected', i.e. surgically removed. Problems can occur. The muscles are dissected by necessity during surgery. This process necessarily alters the function of the muscle. This is usually a temporary condition. It can be a problem, rarely a major one however. There are sensory nerves that supply feeling to the chin in the area. The position of these nerves somewhat limits the amount of chin that can be removed without causing temporary or permanent numbness. Injury to these nerves can result in various degrees of numbness in the chin and lower lip area. There are also motor nerves in the area. Injury to these should be rare and temporary. But of course if the surgery is carried toward backward, then nerve injury can be more severe and perhaps permanent. Small nerves, usually of minor consequence are in muscle. If muscle is removed, then these small twigs of nerves are removed. Collections of blood and fluid could occur but should be temporary. Infection is rare. 'Witches chin' can occur. The chances of this occurring has to be evaluated in each case. Sometimes liposuction and some neck surgery may be needed to help minimize this or to prevent it. Healing is usually rapid within the mouth. Absorbable sutures are used in most cases. Pain is usually slight to moderate and controlled with just a few pain pills. Be aware that the changes after surgery may not be apparent to even close friends. The individual having the surgery, of course, should notice some change. I hope this answers a few questions about chin reduction.   Dr. Capuano does not perform the following operations Hair Transplants - Scalp reduction - Sex change operations - Breast augmentation by fat injection All information written and pictorial on this page and all links at CapuanoUSA.com Copyright and Copy 1982 through present Donald J Capuano MD

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