Chin Implant Surgery

Is Genioplasty Right For Me?

When a small, retruded or ‘weak’ chin makes the nose appear prominent or the lower lip pendulous, genioplasty (chin surgery) is performed to lengthen or advance the chin. Chin reshaping is often carried out in conjunction with a rhinoplasty (a nose job) to achieve facial balance. Rhinoplasty is a successful, popular and predictable operation that produces excellent, natural results, with immediate and permanent improvement. Your surgeon will thoroughly assess the whole face and the relationship between the major segments of the facial bones for the best possible results.

Types of Genioplasty

Chin augmentation can take the form of a reduction or addition of material to enhance the profile of a patient’s chin. The specific medical terms are mentoplasty and genioplasty. This can take the form of chin height reduction or chin rounding by osteotomy, or chin augmentation using implants. A Sliding Genioplasty is a less-invasive surgical procedure designed to correct a retrusive chin and achieve a more aesthetically pleasing facial structure. … A small plate, made from titanium, is used to secure the chin in its new position on the jawbone. Chin implants can be used to reshape, enlarge, or push forward the appearance of the chin. This can be accomplished via surgery or injection.

Chin Implant Surgery

Chin implants are manufactured in a range of sizes or as a ‘block’ that can be sculpted and are made from materials including solid silicone and Medpore. Some implants are designed for just the chin area. Others are more extensive and can be used to increase the jaw line as well. After selecting the correct size and shape of implant, your surgeon will make a small incision inside the mouth (along the lower lip) or in the skin just under the chin area. This creates a pocket for the implant. The chin implant is then inserted into the pocket over the front of the jawbone. A small fixing device may be used to secure the implant, which will not be visible through the skin. Stitches are put in place and removed after five to seven days.

What Does Genioplasty Chin Reshaping Surgery Involve?

During a genioplasty procedure, in order to advance (move forward) the chin, your surgeon will make an incision inside the mouth, exposing the bone of the chin and taking care to protect the nerves that provide sensation to the lip. The lower section of the bone of the chin will be separated from the jaw using specialist surgical cutting equipment and advanced and secured with small screws or metal plates. The wound will be closed and the muscles of the chin reattached in their original position. The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and may involve an overnight stay in the hospital.

Cost of Genioplasty

It’s difficult to generalize how much genioplasty will cost. The cost of each surgery is as unique as you are. Things that can impact price include:

• where you live
• what surgeon you work with
• how far the jaw is moving
• how big the implant is
• material the implant is made of

This will be discussed fully before your surgery.

Genioplasty Recovery

The bone heals like any other break and usually takes about six weeks to make a full recovery. You should be able to eat soon after surgery, however, it is often recommended to have a period of soft food immediately following the surgery. Your surgeon will be able to provide advice and recommendations on this. Generally patients can expect to return to work 2 weeks following a genioplasty procedure and will be able to exercise after 4 weeks.

Potential Complications

Genioplasty and the re-shaping of the chin is considered to be a relatively straightforward procedure and complications are rare. With that being said, any type of surgery can have potential complications, which your surgeon will talk through in details. With genioplasty these can include bleeding from the incision area, numbness of the bottom lip or infections.

Similar Treatments

Other treatments for a small or retruded chin include:

• Injectable ‘fillers’. Plumping the chin’s soft tissue can change the shape and look of the chin. A range of materials can be used including collagen, hyaluronic acid (Restylane and Perlane), hydroxyapatite pastes, silicone and Artecoll.
• Fat grafting. An increasingly popular option, fat is taken from the abdomen or thigh, then treated by removing excess fluid and oils before being injected into the chin.
• Chin Implants. Sometimes implants can be used to strengthen the jaw line or to bring the chin in balance with the rest of the face.

You can talk to your surgeon about which option would be best for you. Book A Consultation