What is a Genioplasty, chin surgery ?

A Genioplasty is an intervention designed to change the shape or size of the chin to restore harmony of the chin with the nose and forehead and balance the facial proportions.

The goal is to get a natural-looking chin, harmonizing the chin in relation with other facial features, suitable for the patient’s personality and one that meets their demands.
This procedure will correct the chin position anomalies: a chin that too advanced or too remote from the facial profile line, or a chin that is ending too high or too low relative to the mandibular rim "the ideal". Other abnormalities in shape or chin deviation can also be corrected.
The principle is, from a concealed incision in the mouth or under the chin, to reposition the chin bone or inserting a prosthesis of biocompatible material. These will be fixed to the mandibular bone by screws or the small plates.
In rare cases, the correction of the anomaly of the chin may require a bone graft (often taken from the skull or a pelvic bone)

This intervention can be performed on men and women starting from the end of chin growth, i.e starting the age of 16.

Implant-mentonnier-chin-implant

Why have chin surgery?

Genioplasty or cosmetic surgery chin allows to move forward a chin that is too advanced.

Genioplasty or chin cosmetic surgery can be part of a comprehensive treatment strategy for facial harmony called a profiloplasty. We can then associate a rhinoplasty or a facelift in the same operation.
The chin is an important element in the balance and harmony of the face. It may be useful to involve a nose surgery to balance the proportions of the nose with those of the face.

Moreover, the disharmony of the chin may be related to a mostly underdeveloped but sometimes exaggerated mandible (lower jaw).

In these cases, a dental articulation of the disorder is usually associated with cosmetic problems.
According to its impact on chewing and aesthetics, genioplasty may even justify an assumption by health insurance as part of a jaw surgery.

The consultation:

During the consultation an oral examination is performed, in search of articulated dental problems or of malposition or dental infections requiring pretreatment.
A radiological assessment is done then to search for dental problems and clarify the new "ideal" position of the chin.
Digital photos are taken and chin position is analyzed in relation to the rest of the face, especially the nose and forehead, to identify improvements or the desired changes.
The need to simultaneously perform rhinoplasty (through a profiloplasty) for correcting a smooth face is evaluated.

What happens during a Genioplasty?

Duration of intervention: It takes about 45 to 60 minutes, except when rhinoplasty is associated.
Hospitalization: Hospitalization takes place the morning of surgery while fasting.
Type of anesthesia: The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia.
Preparation before surgery: Some drugs favoring the bleeding should not be taken during the 10 days preceding the intervention (aspirin, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant ...). Some drugs can be taken before surgery to reduce swelling and post-operative bruising.
A compression bandage is placed on the chin at the end of intervention: it should be kept for one week.
A normal diet can be resumed from the night of the operation, except when the incision is made in the mouth. In this case, a mixed diet, semi-liquid with warm or cold food should be continued for two weeks.

After the intervention:

The intervention is rarely painful.

Analgesics are given to remove the pain.
There are usually bruises and edema (swelling) of the chin that disappears in about two weeks.
There is also frequent numbness of the chin and sometimes the lower lip for a few days to weeks.
There are no stitches to remove if the incision is located in the mouth.
If the incision is on the submental skin, the stitches are removed a week after surgery (with the removal of the dressing).
It is better to return to work after the removal of the dressing, ie after a week off.

The risks of a Genioplasty:

Although rare, complications are possible:

Bleeding is possible during early hours but usually remain very moderate.
If it is important the patient returns to the operating room.
Infection is exceptional despite the natural presence of germs in the mouth.
It may require a prescription of antibiotics and removal of osteosynthesis material (screws, plates) or prosthesis.
Asymmetry in the chin may still occur, especially if there was an asymmetry before the operation.
Visible or palpable irregular edges of the bone or prosthesis is possible especially in remote chin where the tissues are thinner.
Deficiency or a need for excess correction is extremely rare. They may require additional surgical procedure performed at least 3 months after the first operation.
A loss of sensation or numbness can occur in the lower lip, chin and mandibular teeth. This is rare and usually transient.

The scars of a genioplasty:

Scars are rarely a source of problem because in essence they are hidden in the fold beneath the chin or mouth.
About the scars on the skin: they are definitive, they must be protected from the sun at least 6 months to avoid the risk of permanent pigmentation,
They can be red and visible for several months, their final appearance (width, thickness, and color) is unpredictable and should not be judged before 6 to 12 months.

The results:

The final appearance of the chin can be judged from one month after the operation, when the swelling is completely absorbed.
The results of the intervention persist "for life" since it acts on bone architecture of the chin that is modified to achieve the desired shape.
However, the mandible can be absorbed a little with time, this reduction is usually more pronounced if a prosthesis was used. It results in a slight move back.

Last update of this page : 06-06-2019

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Genioplasty Chin Surgery