Chin surgery is a cosmetic surgery that can be done to reshape the chin to be larger or smaller to achieve a more harmonious facial structure. It can help to provide balance and symmetry between the chin and the jaw, cheeks and forehead.

This surgery, also referred to as mentoplasty, can be performed using different techniques such as bone reduction, the use of implants with biocompatible material or a fat transfer from other parts of the body, like abdomen or thighs.

Chin surgery is performed by a plastic surgeon or oral/maxillofacial surgeon, and can take an average of 30 minutes to 3 hours to perform, depending on the technique used. Surgery time also depends on the type of anesthesia done, which can be local or general. Recovery is generally quick with proper post-op care as directed by your doctor.

What is it for?

Chin surgery can be performed to increase or decrease the size of the chin, or to reshape or reposition the chin. The goal of surgery is to achieve a more harmonious shape between the chin and other facial structues.

This type of surgery can be performed several ways, like inserting implants into the chin, injecting the chin adipose tissue collected from other areas of the body, or shaving the chin bone.

Chin surgery should be performed by a plastic surgeon or oral-maxillofacial surgeon, whol will carefully evaluate your facial characteristics and treatment objectives.

When is it indicated?

Chin surgery can be indicated in the following situations:

Mandibular retrognathism, which is the absence of a chin or a retracted or small chin
Mandibular prognathism, which is associated with a large or bulging chin
Wide chin
Thin or crooked (asymmetrical) chin

Chin surgery can be performed using different surgical techniques, which vary depending on the future goals and current characteristics of the chin.

How to prepare

Chin surgery done under local anesthesia requires of about 2 hours of fasting, while general anesthesia will require about 12 hours of fasting.

In addition, to prepare for chin surgery, it is important to clarify any questions you may have regarding the surgery, as well as any expectations, risks and recovery.

It is also important to inform the doctor of any medications you are taking, as some medications, like anticoagulants, will have to be suspended prior to surgery. You should also disclose any allergies or health problems you may have.

For optimal healing, you should stop smoking 1 to 2 months before surgery, and hold off for another 2 months after the procedure.

Surgery should be postponed if the patient is fighting an active cold or flu infection, or if there is any notable infection around the surgical area.

How it is performed

Chin surgery is ideally performed in a hospital setting, although simpler cases with local anesthesia can be done in a clinic setting. They type of anesthesia or sedation used depends on the type of surgery performed.

Chin surgery is generally performed in the following steps:

General or local anesthesia is applied, with or without sedation.
An incision is placed below the chin or inside the mouth.
An implant is placed in the chin, or the lower jaw bone is reduced.
The incision is stitched and bandaged.

Another way to perform chin surgery is by removing fat from other area of the body with liposuction, and injecting it into the chin to reshape it.

What is the recovery like?

Usually, recovery is quick, with little to no pain that can be managed with analgesics. It is also normal to experience some swelling within the first days of surgery.

A dressing is usually applied to the area to immobilize the prosthesis or protect the incision. It is important to keep the dressing clean and dry,

The doctor will usually advise one day of rest, however this can be extended for longer. He or she may also recommended a soft or liquid diet to avoid straining the jaw and promote healing.

You should also brush your teeth carefully, using a soft toothbrush, and avoid intense sports, shaving and makeup for at least 5 days after surgery.

Is the scar visible?

When the procedure is performed inside the mouth, the scars are hidden and not visible. However, a scar may be visible under the chin when an incision is made to the skin. The scar may appear red and firm in the first days following surgery, but will improve in appearance as the incision site heals.

To ensure optimal healing, yu should avoid sun exposure, preferably in the first month after surgery, and you should regularly apply sun screen after this time.

Possible complications

Although they are rare, complications like infection, hemorrhage or deformity may arise in the postoperative period. In these cases, the prosthesis may need to be removed and/or the surgical area may need further intervention.

Other rare complications include displacement or exposure of the prosthesis, hardening of the tissues in the area, sensitivity in the area or abscesses.