GENIOPLASTY

WHAT IS GENIOPLASTY?

The chin is a surprisingly important feature, having a profound aesthetic impact on the face. For example, a weak chin may disrupt facial proportions, creating the illusion of a large nose or full neck, while a chin of proper proportions enhances and complements other facial features. An enlarged chin may make the midface appear sunken and cause an older appearance.  Genioplasty, also known as “chin augmentation surgery” reshapes the chin for improved facial harmony.  This can be performed to augment skeletal and soft tissue deficiency or excess.

During the procedure, you will be comfortable as we typically perform genioplasty under deep IV sedation or under general anesthesia. A small incision will be made on the inside of your lip in front of the gums or underneath your chin depending on the type of genioplasty is performed. The procedure takes approximately 1 hour.

We offer multiple types of genioplasty: Reduction genioplasty, sliding advancement genioplasty and chin implants.  Patients with a large chin may benefit from a reduction genioplasty.  We are able to contour the bone down by shaving the chin back to allow for a more aesthetic profile.   A sliding genioplasty (cutting the bone and repositioning the chin) is commonly performed when there is a moderate to severe underlying facial skeletal deformity.  This technique is commonly done with orthognathic jaw surgery but can be a stand alone procedure as well.  A small plate and screws is used to hold the chin in position and allowed to heal in the new location.  When mild to moderate chin deficiency is to be augmented.  We usually prefer to place a chin implant.  A silicone or ePTFE chin implant is placed through a small incision beneath your chin.  It is held in place with a small screw.   A unique feature of a chin implant is that if a patient decides they want a smaller one, larger one or to have it removed this is done relatively easy and the implant can be exchanged or removed with ease.   Drs. Lohr and Hollabaugh both have extensive training in hard and soft tissue augmentation of the chin and are able to discuss what option is best for a patient and provide these services to our patients. 

WHO IS A LIKELY CANDIDATE?

Genioplasty benefits patients whose chin size is disproportionate to their other facial features. It can reduce the appearance of a double chin and strengthen the profile to significantly enhance your appearance. Chin reduction or chin augmentation with an implant is often paired with other facial contouring procedures such face and neck liposuction, fat transfer, laser resurfacing, neck lifts, face lifts, and rhinoplasty.  Sliding genioplasty are often done in conjunction with orthognathic jaw surgery which corrects both hard and soft tissue deformities and possible asymmetries concurrently.

RECOVERY

After the procedure, a bandage or head wrap will be placed on your chin to reduce inflammation. The bandage will be removed in our office 3-5 days later. Postoperative swelling and bruising is common, but discomfort is mild and can be controlled with the use of medication. Your stitches will dissolve in 7-10 days. Recovery is straightforward, typically able to get back to work within 1 week.

RISKS

• Lip and chin numbness is a potential side effect that is usually transient and return of sensation may take weeks to months, permanent numbness is rare but may occur.
• Infection is also a possibility. In the case of an infection, we may decide to remove the implant, titanium plate and/or screws from the surgery site.  
• Mild bleeding from the incision site is normal and should go away after the first 24 hours.

If you are interested in discussing genioplasty with our facial surgeons, to determine if you are a candidate for a chin reshaping procedure. Schedule a consultation for a comprehensive evaluation and recommended treatment.