FACIAL RECONSTRUCTION
Have you or anyone you know ever inquired about cosmetic surgery? Chances are you called a cosmetic surgeon to do the work. Most people are not aware of other highly trained surgeons who focus on a specific area of the body that also specialize in cosmetic surgery. For example, many ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialists routinely perform rhinoplasty (nose reconstruction). Likewise, the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is specifically trained in the area of facial reconstruction and orthognathic surgery, including many procedures that focus on esthetic enhancement.
If you are considering a chin implant or a chin reduction with a cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Darmstadt would like to offer you alternative options that may be a better choice. Because Dr. Darmstadt has specialized training in the area of chin augmentation and chin reduction, he performs the surgery without the use of a chin implant or “shaving” the bone of the chin.
Most Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons advise against the use of a chin implant for several reasons.
1. The chin implant can move out of position.
2. The body can reject the implant causing infection and or scarring.
3. The chin implant can erode or dissolve the underlying bone.
4. The implant can damage the roots of the lower front teeth.
THE ALTERNATIVE
By simply moving the chin bone forward, a more stable result is obtained and the natural appearance of the chin is preserved. In addition, this procedure can be done in the office!
ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY
If your teeth don’t seem to “fit” in your mouth or your bite seems off, you may be a candidate for orthognathic surgery. Your face may even appear off balance and you may not be pleased with your appearance. An evaluation with Dr. Darmstadt will answer many of your questions and may provide you with some treatment options.
In addition, your medical insurance plan will most likely cover the costs of orthognathic surgery.
Orthognathic Surgery repositions your facial bones, correcting your bite and improving your appearance.
For lower jaw surgery, the mandible is either brought forward or moved back.
For upper jaw surgery, the maxilla is shortened or lengthened, moved forward or back.
For uneven jaw surgery, a wedge of bone may be removed from or added to your upper or lower jaw.
