Management and avoidance of complications in chin augmentation

Abstract

Chin augmentation is an extremely rewarding cosmetic operation, particularly when performed as an adjunct to rhinoplasty and rhytidectomy. There has been much debate regarding the ideal surgical approach and whether implant placement or osseous genioplasty is the superior operation. Regardless of the technique, all surgery carries an inherent risk for complications, and it is the surgeon's responsibility to learn which techniques will work best in his or her hands for each patient. Certain complications can be almost unavoidable, but a solid foundation in anatomy and a review of the existing literature can help minimize the risk of certain problems while providing an improved understanding of how to recognize and manage them when they occur. The authors present a comprehensive review of genioplasty and chin implant complications, how they might be avoided, and management methods if they occur. © 2011 The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc.