The most common cause of a cleft chin is when the bones that form the upper part of your face are not fused properly. These bones include: the nose, upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible) and two small bones on either side of the mouth called the zygomaticus major and minor. If these bones do not fuse together correctly, they can separate causing a gap between them which allows air to pass through but prevents food or liquids from passing through it. This causes the nose to point downward, the teeth to protrude forward and the mouth to become narrow.
In some cases, however, there may be other problems with the formation of this area of your face such as a tumor or cyst blocking off part of it. When this happens, surgeons will need to remove any blockage so that food and liquid can flow through it again.
When the cleft chin occurs because of a congenital defect, it usually affects only one side of the face. But sometimes, it develops due to trauma or disease. Sometimes it can develop later in life if you have had certain types of cancer or other diseases that affect bone growth.
A cleft chin can also occur after birth if your baby’s head was smaller than normal and the skull did not close completely during development.
In very rare cases, cleft chins can also be inherited from a parent or relative.
Surgical techniques for treating cleft chins have improved greatly in the last few years and most people are satisfied with the outcome. It is common to see an improvement in your self-esteem, as getting this surgery can make you feel more comfortable with how you look.
There are different types of cleft chin surgery. One option is to tuck the chin and bring the tissues together. This procedure can be done on one or both sides of your face, and the surgeon may use stitches, staples or tissue glue to close up the gap.
The other alternative is an osteotomy. This surgery involves a longer incision in the center of your chin that extends up into the area between your upper jaw and lower jaw. During this procedure, the surgeon will cut the bone and move it into position so that the gap closes up. Then he or she will put a metal plate and screws in place to hold the bone together while it heals.
This option is less commonly used because there is a slightly higher risk of complications such as a numb chin or problems with how you bite.
Getting this type of surgery can be an effective way to close up a cleft chin. It can improve your appearance while also creating a more stream-lined appearance for your face. While plastic surgeons have made many advances within the field of cosmetic surgery in recent years, you still need to do your research to find one that is right for you. Talk to your family and friends to find a doctor that has a good reputation and has experience treating this condition.
Cleft chin surgery can also be combined with other procedures. For example, if you are unhappy with the size or shape of your jaw, a plastic surgeon can perform a chin reduction surgery and reduce the size of your jaw at the same time. Or if you have problems with your gums or teeth, you may be a candidate for a jaw advancement surgery along with a cleft chin procedure.
If you are interested in one of these procedures, it is important to have a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can explain your options and help you decide which procedure will provide you with the most benefits. Based on what you would like to achieve, your surgeon will explain how the surgery is performed and its potential benefits and risks. Be sure to ask plenty of questions about the procedure so you can feel comfortable and secure in your decision.
Cleft chin surgery may be right for you if you have a gap or indentation in your chin. In many cases, cleft chin surgery can correct this condition so that the shape of your face is more aligned and streamlined. While this procedure can be incredibly beneficial, it is important to keep in mind that each patient responds to surgery and heal at a different pace. Talk to your plastic surgeon about how to prepare for your procedure and what you can expect in the weeks following surgery.
In order to get cleft chin surgery, you have to meet with a facial plastic surgeon or a dentist that provides this service. When you meet with the doctor, they will examine your chin and determine if you are an ideal candidate for the procedure. They will also explain the recovery process along with the associated risks and complications. You may have to wait a few weeks after having your teeth cleaned before your cleft chin surgery because having plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth can increase your risk of infection.
When it comes time for your cleft chin surgery, you will need to arrive at the doctors office and be ready to go back to a procedure room. The surgeon will numb the area around your chin and upper jaw with a local anesthetic. If you are getting jaw advancement at the same time, your mouth will be widened to make more room for your teeth. The surgeon will then cut a small incision in your skin and use stitches to keep the new chin in place.
In some cases, the surgeon may have to use non-absorbable sutures so that they can easily be removed in the future.
After your procedure is finished, you will be taken to a recovery room where the surgeon will check on you periodically. Most patients are able to go home later that same day and can begin eating solid foods after a few days. It is important to follow all post-operative instructions and to not do anything that would put stress or tension on your incision during the healing process. You will have sutures in for at least two weeks and they will slowly be absorbed by your body.
During this time you should avoid excessive sweating, heavy activity and extreme temperatures. For the best results, you should also wait at least six months before undergoing another cosmetic procedure on your face or neck.
A cleft chin surgery can help many men and women look their best. There are many benefits to having a cleft chin such as improved jawline and facial symmetry. If you are unhappy with the size or shape of your chin, be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to see if cleft chin surgery is right for you.
When it comes to cleft chin surgery, it is important to find a board-certified plastic surgeon that you are comfortable with.
Sources & references used in this article:
Chin surgery: I. Augmentation–the allures and the alerts. by BM Zide, TM Pfeifer, MT Longaker – … and reconstructive surgery, 1999 – europepmc.org
Early secondary bone grafting of alveolar cleft defects: A comparison between chin and rib grafts by WA Borstlap, KLWM Heidbuchel, HPM Freihofer… – … -Maxillofacial Surgery, 1990 – Elsevier
Congenital median cleft of the chin by WJ STEWART – Archives of Surgery, 1935 – jamanetwork.com
Morbidity of chin bone transplants used for reconstructing alveolar defects in cleft patients by A Booij, GM Raghoebar, J Jansma… – The Cleft palate …, 2005 – journals.sagepub.com
Repair of alveolar clefts with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2) in patients with clefts by M Chin, T Ng, WK Tom, M Carstens – … of Craniofacial Surgery, 2005 – journals.lww.com
An ancient Chinese text on a cleft lip by K Boo-Chai – Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 1966 – journals.lww.com
Surgical placement of a chin cleft concomitant with genioplasty. by MR Sher – Journal of Oral Surgery (American Dental Association …, 1980 – europepmc.org
Effect on the contour of bone and soft tissue one year after harvesting chin bone for alveolar cleft repair by EA Dik, AP De Ruiter, A van der Bilt, R Koole – … and maxillofacial surgery, 2010 – Elsevier
The aetiology and surgery of cleft palate with micrognathia. by D Poswillo – Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, 1968 – ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
