Genioplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to enhance the projection of the chin in order to improve the proportions of a person’s face. People often refer to genioplasty as chin surgery, chin augmentation, or mentoplasty. The goal of genioplasty is to correct microgenia, a condition characterized by abnormal smallness of the chin caused by inadequate underlying bone structure.

Who is a good candidate for chin surgery?

Good candidates for genioplasty will exhibit a chin that is lacking projection, causing a weakened facial appearance or a proportional imbalance in relation to other facial features. For example, an inadequate chin can cause the nose to appear overly prominent. If these descriptions resemble you, or if you are dissatisfied with the structure of your chin, genioplasty may be the appropriate solution.

How is chin surgery performed?

Most surgeons who perform genioplasty utilize a silastic (silicone rubber) implant to augment the patient’s chin. Surgery is typically performed under iv sedation or general anesthesia. A small incision is made inside the mouth or under the chin crease. The implant is then placed in a pocket that resides in front of the jawbone, and the incisions are closed. Alternative chin augmentation may also involve a reshaping or repositioning of the bone that shapes the chin.

Recovery following chin surgery

After genioplasty, patients may experience some swelling and bruising, which subsides within a week. Once the incisions have healed and swelling becomes less apparent, the patient’s skin drapes nicely over the implant and the improved aesthetic results can be appreciated. Better chin projection can dramatically alter a person’s appearance and thereby, bring increased confidence.

Contact the office of Dr. Vendetti to schedule a consultation or get more information on genioplasty.