Chin Surgery (Mentoplasty)
Chin surgery, also known as mentoplasty, is a surgical procedure to reshape the chin either by enhancement with an implant or reduction surgery on the bone. Many times a plastic surgeon may recommend chin surgery to a patient having nose surgery in order to achieve facial proportion, as the size of the chin may magnify or minimize the perceived size of the nose. Chin surgery helps provide a harmonious balance to your facial features so that you feel better about the way you look.
There are many ways a plastic surgeon can achieve symmetry of the lower face for a nice balanced profile. Once again, it can be achieved by inserting an silicone implant in the chin. Another procedure involves moving the bone forward to build up a receding chin. Also the chin reduction of a jutting or too prominent chin is possible in chin surgery. This is usually done by submental liposuction where excess fatty tissue is removed to redefine the chin or neckline of the patient. Sometimes if there's a contributing problem of birth defects in the structure of the jaw itself, chin surgery of the jaw will improve how the face looks and functions.

Chin reduction surgery

Genioplasty is a form of chin reduction often used to treat a poorly developed chin (microgenia). This surgery aims at altering a protruding chin by removing excess bone from the chin bone. If you have a projected chin, your surgeon alters it by detaching the tip of the chin bone and sliding it forward to augment the contour. Genioplasty chin surgery is performed through an incision inside the mouth in the area of the lower lip. The tip of the chin is then carefully detached with a dental saw, moved forward and stabilized with wires and plates. This makes the chin more prominent. The surgery may result in swelling for several weeks to months while the bone heals.

Correction of a Double Chin, (Submental Lipectomy)

If you have a double chin with excess skin, fat or muscle cording beneath your chin, then a facelift may not adequately correct this area. To take care of this problem properly, a small incision is made underneath your chin, and the fat in this region is removed using liposuction. The muscles that cause the bands in this area can be also cut or sutured together. This procedure is often performed in conjunction with a standard neck or cheek lift. A chin implant may also be added to change the basic shape and balance of the face. It is especially useful in enhancing a profile for people with a receding chin and it can reshape the jawline as well.

What are the risks of cosmetic chin surgery?

Although facial implants are considered fairly safe, as with all surgeries certain risks exist for chin enlargement. The most common chin surgery complications occur when implants shift out of position. If a chin implant moves out of proper alignment, a second chin operation may be needed to correct the problem. Infection is another, less-common risk of aesthetic chin surgery. Finally, numbness is another rare side effect that can occur after chin surgery.

What is the recovery period like after chin surgery?

After surgery, you'll need about a week before you go back to work. At this point, much of the swelling and bruising will have disappeared. However, you may feel numbness and have some swelling for several weeks. You'll have incisions in your mouth, increasing the risk for infection from the bacteria that normally reside there, so be especially vigilant about caring for your mouth (oral hygiene) according to your doctor's instructions. During the recovery period, you'll need to eat only soft foods and protect your face from bumps and other injuries.