Chin Surgery

If you are concerned that your facial features may not quite be in balance
or that you have a problem with a small chin, a big chin or a receding chin,
then chin surgery may be appropriate for you. Cosmetic chin surgery
(genioplasty or mentoplasty) is most often performed in combination
with other procedures, such as nose reshaping or lower face lift. The aim
is to make your facial features more harmonious and therefore attractive.

 

 

 

Who is chin surgery for?

If you feel that you have a receding chin or a weak chin, then chin augmentation with a chin implant may be helpful for you. Many people are very surprised when they see photographs of themselves for the first time taken from a side view. They may not have realised how pronounced their double chin is or that they have such a small chin. Chin surgery may well be helpful under such circumstances, especially if you are already considering other procedures such as a surgical face lift.

What are chin implants?

Chin augmentation involves placing a chin implant on the bony point of the chin to make the chin protrude forward more. A ‘strong chin’ has long been a desirable facial characteristic and chin augmentation is especially popular with men. Chin implants can be specially chosen or altered by your surgeon to achieve exactly the desired shape to your new chin. Chin implants are usually made of silastic, PTFE or hydroxyapatite – each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

An alternative to using implants is to change the shape and position of the chin by shaping the bone of the lower jaw which can be moved backwards or forwards. This also allows for the correction of asymmetry.

How is chin augmentation carried out?

The operation of genioplasty (also known as mentoplasty) is usually carried out under general anaesthesia and takes about an hour. The chin implant may be placed through a small incision underneath the chin or from the inside of the mouth. Chin implants can either be sutured or screwed in place – sometimes they are simply left nestled in the soft tissues.

In some people, a different technique of chin augmentation may be appropriate. The jawbone itself may be cut, the bony tip of the chin advanced and then fixed in place with titanium screws. Our surgeon will discuss which particular type of chin surgery is best for you.

Can I have other surgery at the same time?

Yes – this is a common scenario. The overall appearance of the face relies on the proportional relationship between your forehead, nose and chin. If you are having nose reshaping surgery it is quite common to have a chin implant to make your nose appear relatively smaller. Similarly, if you are having a surgical face lift a chin implant can make the sweep of your jaw appear more refined and attractive and improve the overall result.

Can genioplasty make my chin smaller?

If you feel that your chin is too large or out of proportion with the rest of your face, then you can opt for chin reduction surgery. This can be fully discussed with our surgical Consultant at your initial consultation.

What are the risks of genioplasty?

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks of infection, bleeding and scarring. Some patients report altered sensation over the chin for a few months after chin surgery. Very occasionally, a chin implant may become displaced or even rejected by the body in which case further surgery will be required.

How long does it take to heal after having a chin implant?

You will normally be in some discomfort for a few days after chin surgery; this is controlled with mild painkillers. The stitches used will normally dissolve by themselves. Any swelling lasts for up to two weeks. The final results of chin augmentation are seen after about 4 – 6 weeks.

How much does a genioplasty cost?

Our fees for a genioplasty are £2200 (hospital fees are in addition).

If you are interested in more information about chin surgery, please phone me on 0117 3250325 for a free consultationwith our Consultant surgeon.