Chin Surgery
One of the things I like best about plastic surgery is the fact that a subtle alteration in the chin or nose can change the entire face – bringing the features into harmony with one another. The improvement in appearance is gratifying, to my patient and to me.
Mentoplasty and genioplasty are chin reduction and chin augmentation procedures collectively referred to as chin surgery. While chin reduction surgery aims at decreasing the projection of an overly large or protruding chin, chin augmentation surgery is designed to increase the projection of a weak chin to make facial features more harmonious and improve lower face contours. Our Nacogdoches plastic surgeon, Dr. Gregory Wittpenn, offers both procedures to help patients achieve enhanced facial balance and improved self-confidence.
What Is Chin Surgery?
Chin surgery, also called chin augmentation or chin reshaping, is designed to improve the size, shape, or position of the chin for better facial balance and definition. It may involve one or both of the following techniques:
- Mentoplasty: This procedure uses a chin implant to enhance projection and improve contour. It can be ideal for patients with a recessed or underdeveloped chin who want a more defined profile.
- Genioplasty: This surgical technique involves altering and repositioning the chin bone. It allows for more advanced adjustments — moving the chin forward, backward, or vertically — to correct asymmetry or structural issues.
Chin surgery can be performed alone or in combination with other procedures such as rhinoplasty or neck liposuction to achieve a more harmonious facial appearance. The results are typically long-lasting and customized to fit each patient’s unique facial features and goals.
What Are the Benefits of Chin Reduction or Augmentation?
The chin plays a key role in facial balance and harmony. Chin reduction surgery and chin augmentation can both provide numerous benefits for qualified candidates, including:
- Improved facial balance and symmetry
- Enhanced jawline definition and profile
- Strengthening of a weak or recessed chin OR reduction in the appearance of a prominent or protruding chin
- A more proportionate relationship between the chin, nose, and neck
- Correction of facial asymmetry or congenital deformities
- Improved confidence and satisfaction with facial appearance
- Often performed alongside other procedures for comprehensive facial enhancement (e.g., rhinoplasty or neck liposuction)
- Long-lasting results tailored to individual goals and anatomy
Who is a Candidate for Chin Surgery?
Chin surgery is appropriate for adult patients who are healthy non-smokers and whose bones have completely finished growing and developing. Both men and women can benefit from chin surgery, and the procedure is often combined with neck liposuction and/or neck lift surgery to maximize contouring of the jawline, neck, and chin.
How Is the Chin Surgery Procedure Performed?
Chin surgery is typically performed with general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation.
For chin surgery aimed at reducing or advancing the chin bone (genioplasty), an incision is made inside the mouth and different surgical techniques are used to either shave down and/or reshape the chin bone or slide it forward to increase projection. Chin augmentation with a chin implant (mentoplasty) is also performed using an incision inside the mouth, through which a permanent facial implant made of silicone, Goretex, or some other synthetic material is placed.
What Is Recovery Like After Chin Surgery?
Recovery after chin surgery typically involves about 5 to 7 days of initial downtime, during which swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are common. Most patients can return to work or non-strenuous activities within a week, although more intense physical activity should be avoided for at least 2 to 3 weeks. Full results gradually become more apparent as residual swelling subsides, with complete recovery usually taking several weeks to a few months.
Contact New Horizons Plastic Surgery
If you’re seriously considering chin surgery to get rid of a weak chin, reduce a protruding chin or generally improve lower face and jawline contours, contact New Horizons Plastic Surgery at(936) 564-3744 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gregory Wittpenn. Dr. Wittpenn is an expert Nacogdoches facial plastic surgeon on serving chin surgery patients throughout eastern Texas and western Louisiana, including residents of Lufkin, Huntsville, Tyler and Shreveport.