Aesthetic implants for the mandible

Central chin augmentation with alloplastic implants has been used for over 40 years. The popularity of this procedure has increased significantly over the past 10 years as our understanding of the anatomy and aging process of this region has improved and alloplastic implants have become more sophisticated in size, shape, and function. Evaluation of the indications for central chin and mid-lateral mandibular augmentation is based on an understanding of the aesthetic proportions of the face and the anatomy of the young and aging mandibular region.

One only has to look at the models in fashion magazines to understand that one of the prerequisites for beauty is a harmonious proportion of the central part of the chin and a straight, youthful, complete line of the lower jaw, where the central part of the chin passes into the mid-lateral parts of the lower jaw. The beauty of a strong lower jaw has also been depicted by some of the great artists of the past. Although there is a difference between a "strong" chin in a man and a woman, they both convey a sense of energy, strength, confidence, self-confidence, aesthetic balance and beauty. A receding chin is often associated with negative qualities such as a weak character, and when combined with a lack of correct facial proportions, this deprives a person of attractiveness. At first glance, chin augmentation can be considered a minor operation. With an understanding of the anatomy of an optimally balanced lower jaw, as well as the genetic characteristics of the jaws and the aging process, the surgical plan for correcting this area is usually quite clear.

However, the quality of the result is based on the correct selection of the implant. The choice is difficult if the surgeon is not aware of the options and conditions of choice. The large number of alloplastic, silastic (Dow Corning, USA) and elastomeric implants, as well as mandibular implants made of other materials, can sometimes be confusing. However, 98% of the needs of an aesthetic surgeon operating on the face can be met with a relatively small arsenal of alloplastic mandibular implants. When the surgeon understands the anatomy and aging process of the mandible that he is augmenting, the operation can be performed in such a way that the surgical results are optimal depending on the degree of complexity of the operation.

When using various alloplastic materials, it is important to understand that almost the same operation can be performed in the treatment of genetic underdevelopment of the lower jaw, injuries to the lower jaw and for the correction of the aging process of the lower jaw area, which is one of the classic signs of aging. No aesthetic surgical operation in the authors' arsenal brings such a clear aesthetic success with little time and effort as an increase in the lower jaw with a properly selected implant made of allogenic material, Silastic or elastomeric rubber.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ]