Mentoplasty, often known as chin surgery, is a surgical technique to remodel the chin using either implant-enhancement or bone-reduction surgery.

The lower jaw line and chin region can frequently be treated with plastic surgery and other modest office operations to enhance facial proportions and boost confidence and self-esteem. Board-certified plastic surgeons usually advise these kinds of procedures to enhance the harmony of facial features and the balance of the chin, jaw, cheek, and forehead.

An operation known as a mentoplasty or genioplasty may occasionally involve moving bone from the jaw itself forward. To give the chin greater projection as an alternative, contoured silicone implants might be employed. On the other hand, bone might be removed to lessen an excessively protruding chin. For improved chewing dynamics and occlusion, or how the teeth fit together, changes to the upper and/or lower jaw may also be indicated. These operations can be quite straightforward or extremely complex.

In order to attain better facial proportions, a plastic surgeon would frequently advise chin surgery or other treatments to a patient who is having a rhinoplasty. This is because the size of the chin can either accentuate or detract from the appearance of the nose's size.

Additionally, given recent technological developments and after obtaining informed consent and carefully weighing all available options, risks, and benefits, your plastic surgeon might recommend using an FDA-approved gel filler material off-label to provide chin augmentation that could last for a shorter period of time.

Types of chin operations

The chin can undergo surgery to change or enhance its look. Chin augmentation and chin reduction are the two main chin surgery procedures.

Chin augmentation/implants

Surgery to enlarge the chin is typically done to improve an underdeveloped chin. Usually, an implant is positioned directly on the bone to do this. Either inside the mouth or beneath the chin's skin, a little incision is made. The incision is then stitched shut after the implant has been inserted. Patients can typically resume their jobs within a week after minor inflammation subsides for a few days.

Chin reduction surgery

A prominent or overprotruding chin can be reduced with chin reduction surgery, often known as chin shaving surgery. Usually, the operation is carried out as an outpatient procedure while the patient is asleep. Either inside the mouth or beneath the chin's skin, a little incision is made. The chin is moulded to the correct form after extra bone is removed. Sutures are used to seal the incision.

Surgery on the chin is a highly specialised technique. For individuals who are self-conscious about their chin, the treatment can change their lives. You should do this surgery for your own benefit, not to please others or to live up to any sort of idealised ideal.

In general, you might be a suitable candidate for chin surgery if:

• You are in good physical shape, and your weight is steady.
• You set reasonable goals.
• You don't smoke.
• Your chin bothers you in terms of appearance.
• You lack projection or have a chin that is too short.

Review photographs of chin surgery and educate yourself on what to anticipate during recovery if you're thinking about having surgery. Patients benefit from forward planning by having realistic expectations and experiencing a quicker recovery.

The choice to have chin surgery is quite individual. You must choose whether the advantages will help you reach your goals and whether the dangers and possible side effects of chin surgery are worth it.

How safe are chin implants?

The dangers of surgery will be thoroughly explained by your plastic surgeon and/or staff. You will be need to sign consent paperwork to show that you are aware of all the risks and potential consequences associated with the treatments you will be undergoing.

The following are only a few of the potential hazards of chin surgery:

• Hazards of anaesthesia
• Asymmetry
• Bleeding
• Displacement of chin implants
• Problems related to cardiac, pulmonary, and deep vein thrombosis
• Cysts of fat
• Deep beneath the skin, fatty tissue may pass away (fat necrosis)
• A buildup of fluid (seroma)
• Hematoma
• Infection
• Lumpiness
• Other alterations in cutaneous sensation, such as numbness
• Persistent discomfort inadequate wound healing
• Surgery revision is a possibility.
• Long-lasting swelling or skin discolouration
• Losing skin
• Inferior aesthetic outcome
• A chin implant surrounded by a thick scar (capsular contracture)
• Negative scarring

Before you give your consent, all risks, including these ones, will be clearly disclosed. It's crucial that you speak candidly with your plastic surgeon about all of your concerns.

Your incisions may receive gauze dressings or bandages after chin surgery. As the chin recovers after surgery, an elastic bandage or compression garment may help reduce swelling and provide support. Alternately, you might not have any bandages or dressings. You might be put on a liquid diet and/or given special mouth rinses if your chin implant is placed through an oral incision.

You'll receive detailed instructions, which can include:

• How to take care of the surgical site(s) after surgery
• drugs that can be used topically or taken orally to promote healing and lower the risk of infection
• specific issues to watch for following surgery or with your general health
• when to schedule a consultation with your plastic surgeon.

Ask your plastic surgeon detailed questions regarding what to anticipate throughout your particular recovery period.

• Where will I be taken when my procedure is finished?
• What prescription drugs will I receive or be given following surgery?
• After surgery, will I wear dressings or bandages? Will they be taken out when?
• When may I take a shower or a bath?
• When can I get back to my regular routine and exercise?
• When do I go back for additional treatment?
• Do I have to adhere to a certain diet after surgery?

As the swelling goes down, healing will continue for a few weeks. Continue to adhere to your plastic surgeon's recommendations and show up to follow-up appointments on time.

Swelling may initially hide the final effects of chin surgery. Surgery and medical treatment are not exact sciences. Although positive outcomes are anticipated, there is no assurance. In some cases, a single surgical treatment might not be sufficient to produce the best results, and a second surgery can be required. Instead of going back into surgery, some patients choose to "touch up" their results using injectable fillers.

When you go home, if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, or strange heartbeats, get medical help right away. You could need hospitalisation and further care if any of these side effects appear.

The outcome of your surgery depends on you following your doctor's recommendations. During the healing process, it's crucial that the surgical incisions not be subjected to too much stress, abrasion, or motion. You'll receive detailed instructions from your doctor on how to take care of yourself.