Genioplasty (Chin Reshaping)
What is Genioplasty?
Genioplasty describes surgery that alters the shape of the chin. The chin can be made larger or smaller, can be made more symmetrical, and more or less prominent. The chin may be evaluated when considering rhinoplasty (Link – Rhinoplasty ) surgery, as harmony between the prominence of the nose and chin is an important aesthetic relationship.
Genioplasty can be performed relatively simply by moving the bone of the chin, through cuts made in the bone of the lower jaw below the level of the roots of the teeth. The incisions for genioplasty are usually made inside the mouth so that there are no visible scars on the face, and the chin is moved into its new position and held in place with small metal plates and screws. This has no effect on the position of the teeth, so that it has no effect on the way a person can eat after surgery. Moving the bony chin in relation to the rest of the jawbone allows changes in chin contour.
It is also possible to augment the chin using implants. These can be made of the patients bone, or a variety of synthetic materials. This surgery can either be carried out using the same incisions as for chin reduction surgery, or by making a small incision in the skin underneath the chin is used to place the implant.
Whilst the majority of surgeons trained in craniofacial surgery would probably prefer to move the patient’s own bone, both techniques have valid roles, and the right decision for any person will only be ascertained during appropriate consultation. Genioplasty planning requires certain x-rays of the jaws for planning purposes to be performed after the initial consultation.
How long will I need to stay in hospital?
Most patients stay in hospital overnight, as there may some discomfort after bone surgery. Following implant surgery and most other minor facial rejuvenation procedures, an overnight stay is not usually necessary. Mr Eccles will guide you depending on your own particular circumstances.
What is the recovery time from Genioplasty surgery?
Most patients are able to go home the following day after surgery. Recovery time depends on whether an implant is used or jaw surgery performed. Immediately after the operation your chin will feel swollen and tight. Swelling and bruising is variable but is generally worse and lasts longer from jaw surgery than from implant surgery. Most of the swelling will disappear after two weeks but there is often some subtle swelling that can take several months to disappear. You will be able to eat normally after genioplasty surgery although soft foods will be more comfortable to eat for the first few days.
How long does genioplasty surgery last?
Each operation has varying longevity, but bone surgery is more permanent and predictable than implant techniques, because of the small risk of implant migration and infection and need for further surgery. Mr Eccles will be able to guide you as to what you may expect to be achieved.