Cosmetic surgery to sculpt your chin into the jawline you desire

Procedure Summary

Throughout the ages, a strong chin has been considered a sign of character as well as beauty. Chin surgery (mentoplasty, genioplasty) has its roots in the pioneering reconstructive facial surgery of World War 1. The skills developed then, along with the dramatic technological advances of the last century, have enabled plastic surgeons to routinely perform chin augmentations and reductions, improving the physical appearance, as well as the confidence, of a great many patients.

What can chin surgery do for you?

Mentoplasty can give you a chin that is either more prominent or less prominent, creating a balanced facial structure. As everyone’s face is different, the outcome of the cosmetic surgery will be as individual as you are.

As one man commented after his mentoplasty operation, “Before the cosmetic surgery my chin was non-existent. The bottom of my face just merged into the top of my neck, with no real structure to it at all. I am not obsessed with my appearance, but it was clear that people presumed I was a wimp just because – well, because I looked like one! The surgery gave me a normal chin, which seemed to give my whole face the shape that it had always been lacking.”

The best candidates for chin surgery or mentoplasty are in good mental and physical health without any active diseases, particularly bone disorders. During the initial consultation with your plastic surgeon, your facial structure will be examined, and a personalised plan for surgery and subsequent recovery will be developed.

“The pre-surgery investigation by my surgeon was essential,” said one patient, “ as it established that my jaw function and speech would not be adversely affected by my chin reduction procedure”.

Undergoing chin surgery

There are two main techniques for chin augmentation – surgery and injectables.

Chin augmentation surgery involves inserting an implant into the tissue just on top of the jaw under general anaesthesia. After the surgery you will probably need to wear a support brace to allow the tissues and implant to heal properly. There will be some bruising and swelling for the first week after surgery. It can take a number of weeks for the swelling to fully subside.

Chin augmentation by injecting a ‘filler’ into the chin does not usually require a surgical team, general anaesthesia or operating room. However, it does require the use of expensive injectable materials.
 
Reduction mentoplasty

Reducing the size of the chin is carried out under general or local anaesthetic and can take up to three hours. An incision is made either in the base of the mouth between the gum and lower lip or underneath the chin, exposing the chin and jawbones. The plastic surgeon will then either remove some of the bone, or slide part of the bone to re-position the chin. There will be some bruising and swelling following surgery. Also, talking, yawning and chewing will be difficult in the first few days, so a light diet with plenty of liquid is advisable.

Chin reduction surgery is permanent. The results of a chin implant will also be permanent if synthetic implants such as silicone or polythene are used.

Risks of Augmentation mentoplasty

Possible risks can include infection, blood loss, swelling, nerve injury causing numbness of the lower lip. Implants may also move, and may cause scar tissue  to form. There is also the possibility of excess skin hanging down below the chin and the neck.

“After my chin surgery,” said on mentoplasty patient, “my whole lower face ached and was swollen. A week or so later, however, things had settled down and, although I took it very gently at first, my mouth soon returned to normality and I was delighted with my new chin.”

As with all cosmetic surgery, it is essential to follow the advice of your practitioner after the procedure. This will make the outcome as successful as possible and reduce the risk of complications

Who should carry out a mentoplasty?

Only fully trained and qualified surgeons with the relevant expertise gained operating in an establishment registered with the Healthcare Commission (in the UK) should perform mentoplasy/genioplasty cosmetic surgery.

Prices for chin surgery can range from £1,500 to £4,000. If a mentoplasty is something that you are considering, you can discuss all of the issues mentioned here in greater depth during a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon.

Have your say!

If you've had experience with this procedure then why not leave a comment below and share your thoughts and advice with our readers.