Chin lifts are a surgical procedure that may be performed independently, or as part of an overall face lift that includes addressing the chin and neck. This form of cosmetic surgery is commonly employed when there is some evidence of a drooping chin. The drooping chin could be attributed to the condition of the outer layer of skin, or be caused by laxity in the tissues underneath the surface of the skin.
As with many forms of cosmetic and plastic surgery, the chin lift is utilized to help create or restore a desirable look, generally one of youth and vigor. However, a chin lift is not necessarily only performed as part of a series of elective procedures to turn back the hands of time. In situations where extensive damage has been done to the face, such as in an auto accident, a chin lift may be one of several procedures employed to reconstruct the facial appearance to a pre-accident look.
In general, surgeons with the credentials to perform a chin lift will only do so after careful examination and consultation with the patient. The reason for this is that there may be extenuating circumstances or conditions that must be addressed before the procedure takes place. By understanding the exact current condition of the chin area and the reasons for that condition, the surgeon can determine the best methods to employ.
When the chin lift does not involve the need to address the condition of the underlying tissues of the chin, it is often possible to achieve a chin lift by simple making a topical incision and lifting up the external skin. However, it is also possible to address sagging tissue underneath the skin’s surface by making a simple incision inside the lower lip and pulling the sagging tissue upward, securing the skin into place with simple stitches. Like all forms of plastic surgery, there is some swelling and often bruising involved with a chin lift, but the swelling normally subsides within a few days, and the bruising often will fade shortly thereafter.