Chin surgery is also known as mentoplasty. It is a surgical procedure used to reshape the chin to improve or reduce its prominence while contouring the jawline. The surgery creates a more proportionate and symmetrical face.
The two main types of chin surgery are chin augmentation and chin reduction. These surgeries only address the chin. Alternatively, chin position can also be altered by jaw surgery, which is employed to correct an over or underbite and improve the chewing function of the jaw.
Chin augmentation can include implants. This technique can enhance the chin permanently using solid silicone. The surgery will require an incision to be made inside the mouth or on the skin of the chin. Surgeons then insert the implant into this incision and close it using stitches. Patients will experience some swelling for a few days and will be able to return to work a week later.
The other surgical method to reshape the chin is through chin reduction surgery. Surgeons perform this procedure using general anesthetic and it is usually an outpatient procedure. They make incisions inside the mouth or at the chin, where the surgeon will then shave down the bone and shape it to the patient's desired look. This technique is a personalized method that can be changed according to the patient’s goals.
After either surgical procedure, patients have to wear a compression garment to ease swelling and support the chin. Patients with incisions in the mouth should opt for a soft food diet and rinse their mouth often to prevent the risk of infections.
As with most surgeries, chin surgery comes with some risks. These can include asymmetry, implant displacement and formation of scar tissues.
There are some non-surgical alternatives to change the shape of the chin. These less invasive options include chin fat injections or dermal fillers. During a fat grafting procedure, doctors harvest fat from other parts of the body, purify it and inject it into the chin. Dermal fillers are done using Hyaluronic Acid-based injectables that can add volume to the chin. This method will require a topical numbing cream and results only last a few months.
