Genioplasty
Sculpting Your Ideal Chin Profile
Genioplasty, or chin surgery, is a cosmetic procedure offered by Rhinoplasty London to enhance chin aesthetics by modifying its shape, size, or position.
Performed either through surgical restructuring of the chin bone or by using implants, genioplasty aims to correct issues such as underdevelopment, overdevelopment, or asymmetry. The procedure involves a cone beam CT scan for precise planning, employs Piezo ultrasonic technology for minimal bruising and faster recovery, and usually takes about 2 hours with a recovery period of 2 weeks.
Benefits include a permanent improvement in chin contour and position, enhancing overall facial harmony.
What is Genioplasty?
Moving the chin to improve underdevelopment, overdevelopment or asymmetry is commonly undertaken together with rhinoplasty surgery. In its simplest form, contouring the bone of the lower jaw can improve prominent angles and mild asymmetries. The procedure is done through a small incision at the junction of the lower gum and lip inside the mouth, employing Piezo ultrasonic technology resulting in minimal bruising and faster healing.
Augmenting a chin that is underdeveloped relative to the rest of the face can be achieved through nonsurgical and surgical approaches. Injectables can recontour the soft tissues but are not permanent and have the propensity to migrate. Implants are an option for small changes but carry the risk of asymmetry, infection and pressure erosion on the jawbone underneath. Our view is that the bony genioplasty is the most accurate and reliable way of bringing a chin point forwards, centralising an asymmetric chin or shortening the vertical height where there is an excess.
Bony genioplasty is frequently combined with rhinoplasty and involves an initial assessment with a cone beam CT scan. The surgery does not interfere with the bite nor with the vitality of the lower teeth and in moving the chin point, a permanent titanium implant is used to stabilise the chin point in its new position. Advancing the chin point with genioplasty has the advantage of improving the contour between the underside of the chin and neck as the muscles attached to the back of the jaw are tensioned with this procedure.
The risk is very low – there is a temporary change in sensation that may involve the lip margin and sometimes the teeth may feel different. A single dose of antibiotic is given at the time of surgery. Dissolvable stitches are used to re-suspend the soft tissues and to close the incision on the inside of your lower lip where it joins the gum. A supportive strapping around the chin is worn for one week. A soft diet is recommended for the first 48 hours, and an antiseptic mouthwash will be needed after every meal.
Genioplasty provides a permanent, natural result for augmenting, reducing or centring the lower central chin position. More complex orthognathic procedures may be necessary to improve facial contours if the upper jaw and lower jaw are in abnormal positions relative to each other or there is a need to change your bite. This includes braces and a program for adjustment over around 18 months.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Genioplasty?
Genioplasty, also known as chin surgery, is a cosmetic procedure aimed at enhancing the shape, size, or position of the chin. This can be performed through surgical restructuring of the chin bone or by using implants.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Genioplasty?
Good candidates for genioplasty are individuals with a receding chin, protruding chin, asymmetrical chin, or any chin deformities that they wish to correct. Candidates should be in good health, have realistic expectations, and, preferably, have completed jaw growth, typically around the age of 18.
How Is Genioplasty Performed?
The procedure varies depending on the desired outcome. For chin augmentation, implants are placed or the bone is moved forward. To reduce the size, the bone is reshaped or removed. Incisions may be made inside the mouth or under the chin to minimise scarring.
What Is the Recovery Time After a Genioplasty?
What Are the Risks Associated With Genioplasty?
As with any surgical procedure, risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, numbness or change in sensation, asymmetry, and dissatisfaction with cosmetic results. Consultation with a board-certified plastic or maxillofacial surgeon can help minimise risks.