Genioplasty | Chin Surgery | Nesmith Plastic Surgery Center

Chin Implants

A chin implant may be used to reshape, enlarge, or push forward the chin to help facilitate facial symmetry and overall balance of facial features. During chin enlargement surgery, an incision will be made inside the mouth or under the chin. After the incision is made, a chin implant will be inserted and carefully positioned in front of the jawbone to achieve balance with other facial features before the incision is sutured. Non-surgical facial procedures for the chin include chin fillers.

Sliding Genioplasty

This type of chin surgery is recommended for patients with severe retrogenia — a condition which causes the chin to project backward, toward the neck — or with a chin positioned backward to a degree which causes facial disharmony. Sliding genioplasty, or osseous genioplasty, can also serve to correct the length or placement of the chin. In this procedure, the surgeon uses a saw to cut-away the chin bone from the jaw and then repositions the chin bone to correct aesthetic deficiencies within the chin.

Chin Reduction

Chin reduction surgery, creates a more pleasing contour by reshaping the bone to reduce the prominence of the chin. Chin reduction produces natural-looking results by reshaping the bone and tissue to a more pleasing contour that balances the face.

This form of chin augmentation involves placing an incision under the chin or inside the mouth. The bone is detached at the tip of the chin and reshaped with excess bone removed to achieve the ideal contour. The chin is then repositioned and reattached with plates and/or wires.

How is genioplasty performed?

Mentoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis either under local or general anesthesia. The procedure generally takes 1-3 hours to perform, although it may take longer if complementary procedures, such as rhinoplasty, cheek implant surgery, or brow lift, are performed in conjunction with chin surgery.

There are several different methods that may be used to either increase or decrease the size or modify the shape of the chin. Chin surgery, or genioplasty, is performed through a small incision made either within the mouth or under the chin — once healed, the incision is virtually undetectable.

For chin implant placement, a small pocket is created into which the implant is placed. Thereafter, the implant is sutured to the bone and the incision is sutured closed.

Chin reduction surgery is performed by sculpting the jaw bone by either cutting or reshaping the bone to improve the balance between the nose and the chin or to correct aesthetic deformities.

Liposuction may be required in order to remove fatty deposits that have accumulated under the chin — facial liposuction enhances the contour of the neck and jawline and may be performed in conjunction with cosmetic chin surgery.

Recovering from chin surgery

Patients will likely feel tenderness for a few days following the procedure. Prescription medications or over-the-counter painkillers can help control this discomfort. A diet comprising liquids and soft foods may be required in the week following surgery, as the ability to chew may be limited during recovery.

Most patients feel a tight sensation around the chin and mouth that subsides after a week. The majority of swelling will be gone after six weeks, at which point patients will be able to enjoy the full — and final — results of their procedure.

When to consider chin surgery

Good candidates for a chin implant include those with a recessed chin, prominent nose, pointed chin, or a fleshy neck. Patients with facial features that are out of harmony, and patients with a weak, prominent, or pointed chin should consider undergoing chin surgery. Chin surgery can improve the definition of the chin and balance the appearance of the chin, nose, and other prominent facial features. It can also be combined with complementary procedures like cheek implants and lip augmentation to achieve greater overall facial balance.

Who is a candidate for genioplasty?

The first step to any procedure for plastic and reconstructive surgery is an initial consultation with Dr. Richard L. Nesmith. Dr. Nesmith discusses with each patient the details of chin surgery; inspects the patient’s face, chin, and neck; and performs any necessary pre-surgery testing to ensure the patient is eligible for the procedure.

In order to determine a patient’s candidacy for genioplasty, our plastic surgeon requires from each patient a comprehensive medical history as well as information regarding any previous surgeries, former and current medical conditions, and any allergies or medications.

Based on the patient’s goals for cosmetic surgery, the surgeon will discuss the approach to the surgery; the likely outcome of the procedure; the potential risks of plastic surgery; options for anesthesia; preparation protocols for surgery; proper recovery and after-care instructions; and prescriptions for any medications required either to aid in the healing process or prepare the patient for surgery.

Candidates of mentoplasty are in good health with no serious health problems and realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure.

Risks of chin augmentation surgery

Chin surgery is widely considered to be a low-risk and safe procedure with a high patient rate of patient satisfaction. As with any surgical procedure, however, there is a risk of infection, bruising, swelling, bleeding at the incision site, and poor reaction to anesthesia. Choosing a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon can serve to reduce these risks.