Chin Surgery (Genioplasty)

Genioplasty, a surgical procedure that improves facial harmony of the chin by repositioning or reshaping. Your performing surgeon must be certified and qualified in order to administer.

Genioplasty tends to correct issues both cosmetic and medical conditions including receding chins or retrogenia, overly large or extended chins, correct chins that are too short or tall, misaligned or asymmetrical chins, or those with abnormal dental bite.

Two main types of genioplasty:

• Sliding Genioplasty – uses a saw to cut the chin bone and then, sliding it forward or backward to correct its position. It can correct chins that are receding or protruding or reshapes an asymmetrical chin.
• Implant augmentation – reshaping to elongate and enhance the chin by attaching either a plastic or silicone implant around the existing chin. the implants are then secured with stitches or screws. An alternative to chin implants is dermal fillers injections for those who may want a nonsurgical alternative.

The type of treatment is dependent on the individual. 

During the consultation, do disclose your medical history, past procedures, and medical health status. Discuss with your surgeon your personal expectations as well.

X-ray and CT images will be taken and the surgeon would then determine the most suitable option for you.

A sliding genioplasty

• The surgeon cuts along the border of the lower gums and the inside of the lower lip.
• The surgeon makes an incision in the layer of soft tissue to access the chin bone.
• Once the chin bone is exposed, the surgeon makes a small vertical cut in the chin as a reference point during the operation.
• A horizontal cut below the roots of the bottom teeth. The surgeon can change the height of the chin by cutting at different angles. They may cut out a wedge-shaped piece of bone if they need to make the chin smaller or move it backward.
• They slide the bone fragment forward, backward, or sideways. After positioning the chin, the surgeon will check the alignment and file any excess bone along the jawline.
• They will reattach the chin bone to the jaw with screws
• The surgeon sutures the incision closed. Then they place compression tape over the front and sides of the chin to reduce swelling

An implant

• The surgeon makes a small incision either on the inside of the mouth or under the chin.
• Implants are then inserted and positioned through the incision
• The surgeon closes the incision with stitches

Depending, you may be required to stay in the hospital. Expect some swelling, redness, and bruising which should resolve on its own. Pain and swelling can be relieved with pain medications and cold compression.

Most people can return to their daily activities within a week.

Try to be on a liquid or soft diet until you are better. You will be advised to rinse your mouth with water or antiseptic oral rinse following your meals.

Do not exercise for the first 10-15 days and no contact sports for up to 8 weeks.

Recovery would take up to about 6 weeks.

Keep a lookout for:

• fever
• bruising, redness, or swelling that does not resolve in a week
• any strong-smelling odor from incision
• yellow/green discharge
• bleeding that cannot be stopped with light pressure.