Chin Surgery

This document summarizes chin surgery (genioplasty / mentoplasty): main headings and essential points only.

What Is Chin Surgery?

• Procedure to reshape the chin either by adding (implant) or reducing (bone) surgery.
• Helps improve facial harmony—chin, jaw, cheek, and forehead balance.
• Bone repositioning (advancing or reducing), or using synthetic implants, are options.
• Sometimes done together with other facial procedures to improve overall profile.

Candidates

• Physically healthy with stable weight.
• Realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.
• Non-smokers.
• Bothered by a chin that is too small or lacks projection.

Cost

• Average surgeon fee for chin augmentation is around $3,600 (does not include anesthesia, facility, etc.).
• Actual cost depends on type of procedure, surgeon experience, and location.
• Additional costs may include medical tests, prescriptions, and post-surgery care.

Consultation

• Discuss your goals, medical history, allergies, medications, supplements, lifestyle habits.
• Surgeon will evaluate your health, risk factors, and facial structure.
• They will explain the options (implant vs bone surgery), risks, expected recovery timeline.
• Questions to ask are encouraged to ensure informed consent.

Questions to Ask

• Is the surgeon board-certified?
• Which techniques will be used & why?
• What will recovery look like & how long?
• What are the risks / potential complications?
• What kind of results are realistic for me?

Risks and Safety

• Anesthesia risks.
• Bleeding, infection, poor wound healing.
• Implant displacement or bone irregularities.
• Asymmetry or unsatisfactory aesthetic outcome.
• Numbness or changes in skin sensation.
• Persistent pain, prolonged swelling, or unfavorable scarring.
• Possibility of needing another surgery (revision).

Preparation

• Medical evaluation and any required tests.
• Avoid smoking & certain medications that increase bleeding risk.
• Arrange support for after surgery (transport, help at home).
• Ensure you understand pre- and post-operative instructions fully.

Procedure Steps

Step 1 – Anesthesia

• Options include local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on technique and patient.

Step 2 – Incision

• Small incision inside the mouth or under the chin, depending on approach.

Step 3 – Implant or Bone Work

• For augmentation: placement of implant on bone to improve projection.
• For reduction: removal or contouring of bone to reduce prominence.

Step 4 – Closing

• Sutures, adhesives or tapes used to close incisions.

Step 5 – Seeing Results

• Results are visible after swelling subsides; implants offer permanent structure.

Recovery

• Dressings or compression may be used; swelling and bruising expected.
• If implant is placed intraorally, mouth care and possibly a soft or liquid diet initially.
• Follow all care instructions; attend follow-ups to remove sutures if needed.
• Return to non-strenuous daily activities in about a week; fuller activity after several weeks.

Results

• Smoother chin profile with improved projection or reduction, based on your goals.
• Final shape becomes clearer as swelling resolves over weeks to months.
• Some secondary adjustments (fillers, tweaks) may be considered later instead of full surgery.

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon

• Select a board-certified plastic surgeon with training in facial surgery.
• Ensure the surgical facility is accredited and safe.
• Review before & after results of similar chin procedures.
• Feel comfortable asking all your questions in consultation.