Genioplasty: Enhance the Chin
New York

Various chin surgery techniques can successfully correct aesthetic defects, such as a turned-up chin or a receding chin.

Two types of imperfections need to be corrected : a turned-up chin or a prominent chin that sticks out and a weak chin which, on the contrary, is receding.

Aesthetically, there is an ideal vertical line in profile from the forehead through the nose to the horizontal base of the chin. If the chin protrudes from this line, it is prominent. If the chin is located behind this line, it is receding.

In case of excess fat, a small liposuctionis performed initially before starting the genioplasty procedure.

There is complementarity between the chin and the nose. This is why a rhinoplasty is often performed in conjunction with chin surgery to create a matching set. The combined operation is called profiloplasty.

When the chin is slightly receding, lipofilling or hyaluronic acid injections can be used.

If abnormalities with the position of the chin result in lower gum damage and teeth that may become loose or problems with the dental articulation, such as difficulty closing the mouth, the patient will be referred to a smile specialist who will treat the entire lower face using maxillofacial surgery techniques.

Depending on the surgical technique used, the chin operation is performed under local or general anaesthesia, on an outpatient basis or with an overnight stay in hospital with the procedure lasting between half an hour and an hour and a half.

The incision is hidden inside the mouth on the lower gum or made very discretly under the chin.

Reducing a prominent chin

Two techniques are possible:

• Planing the jaw bone : The surgeon files the lower edge of the mandibular bone to reduce the projection of the jaw
• Chin Reduction with Osteotomy : The surgeon cuts the excess bone and then reattaches the front part of the jaw using inserts and metal screws

Weak chin advancement

Three techniques are possible:

Inserting a chin implant

Using either silicone or Medpor (POREX) prostheses. Both types of implants show good results. The method chosen depends on the aesthetic defect to be corrected, the patient's wishes and the surgeon's customary practice. Chin implants also come in various shapes: a central prosthesis, a prosthesis with small lateral wings, etc. The surgeon then inserts the chin implant into a customized space in the lower jaw bone. The prosthesis is hidden by the thickness of the fat and the chin muscles.

Chin Advancement with Osteotomy

The surgeon cuts the jaw bone horizontally to create a bone fragment that is then advanced and fixed in the desired position with metal plates and screws.

Bone Graft :

The surgeon removes the graft he needs from the nose hump when performing a profileoplasty or from the skull, pelvis, etc. to reshape the chin.

Genioplasty is a pain free procedure. The patient can safely move their jaw. They will need to wear a modelling dressing under their chin for five to eight days. There is bruising for seven to fifteen days and swelling for ten to twenty days. It is advisable to eat semi-liquid or soft and preferably cold food for the first two days. You can resume normal activities after one week.

The results are immediately visible and take on a more permanent look after three months once the oedema goes down.

Book an Appointment for a Genioplasty 

A consultation is required for new clients.