What is Chin Surgery?

Chin surgery is a cosmetic surgical procedure which is performed to either reduce or enhance the size, shape or structure of the chin. When surgery is done to augment the appearance of the chin, it is known as genioplasty. However, cosmetic surgery to reduce the chin is known as mentoplasty.

How is Chin Surgery performed?

The technique used during chin surgery depends on whether the goal is to augment or reduce the physical construction of the chin. While most patients undergoing mentoplasty or genioplasty only require local anesthesia, more in depth reconstructions may require general anesthesia and an overnight hospital stay.

Chin reduction surgery is done by making an incision in one of two places: either inside of the mouth in close proximity to the lower lip or underneath the chin. The location of the incision depends on how much reconstructive work is being done, as well as which site anatomically gives the surgeon better positioning for the procedure. Once the incision has been made, the surgeon uses a surgical drill to smooth out the bone and reduce the size of the chin while shaping it to have a more natural, desirable appearance.

Genioplasty, or chin augmentation surgery, can be done with either a silicone implant or by surgically altering the construction of the chin bone. In cases where the patient chooses to have an implant placed, the surgical incision site options are the same as that of chin reduction surgery. While some drilling is done during this procedure in order to achieve an optimal fit for the implant, there is very little drilling done with an implant procedure.

Sometimes patients elect to have the anatomical structure of the chin bone altered as referred to the placement of a silicone implant. This type of chin surgery requires that the incision be made on the inside of the mouth proximally to the lower lip. The surgeon then physically moves the tip of the chin bone anterior and into proper position for augmentation. Then, wires are placed to hold the new construction of the chin bone.

What are the risks of Chin Surgery?

Chin surgery carries a few risk factors that patients need to be informed about. Most patients do not experience any adverse side effects after chin surgery, but the most common complication of this procedure is infection, particularly when the surgical incision is done in the mouth where natural bacteria reside. Infections associated with chin surgery are typically treated with antibiotics, although more severe cases of persistent infection may require wound drainage.

For those who elect to have a genioplasty procedure with implant placement, it is important to be aware that some patients have reported experiencing a sensation of numbness or tingling in the chin area shortly after surgery. This particular side effect is generally temporary, but it is important to note that this can potentially be a permanent effect.

What is the recovery like?

The total recovery time of a chin surgery procedure is usually about two weeks. During the first week, there is likely to be a great deal of swelling to the chin and mouth areas. This is also the time frame when a sensation of numbness may be noticed for patients who underwent genioplasty.

Disclaimer: This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.