Chin Augmentation (Mentoplasty)

A mentoplasty, or chin augmentation, can help to enhance the size or shape of your chin. The procedure is designed to make your chin look more balanced with your overall facial features. People who choose to undergo chin augmentation often want to:

  • Make their chin appear larger
  • Add more definition to their chin
  • Reposition the chin if it is recessed (too far back), protruding (too far forward), or misaligned

After speaking with your doctor, you may reach the conclusion that chin augmentation is not the procedure for you. That may be true if you do not need a cosmetic procedure and instead could benefit from reconstructive surgery. Chin reconstruction may be necessary due to:

  • A birth defect (congenital condition)
  • A traumatic chin injury
  • Surgery to remove a tumor in your face’s lower region

There are two main types of chin augmentation: chin implants and sliding genioplasty. A chin implant will make a small chin big or give it more definition. Many implants are made by using a flexible piece of silicone. A sliding genioplasty can reposition your chin bone forward, backward, or sideways. Speaking with a qualified medical professional is the best way to determine which procedure is the best option for you.

Who is a candidate for chin augmentation surgery?

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The best candidates for chin augmentation are people who:

  • Are physically healthy
  • Do not smoke
  • No longer have growing bones
  • Possess normal jaw and tooth alignment (bite)
  • Have realistic expectations for the procedure results

Once you speak with your healthcare provider, they will be able to determine whether you can and should undergo chin augmentation.

How should I prepare for chin augmentation?

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Before any procedure, your healthcare provider will give you instructions on how to prepare for it. The preparation for chin augmentation may include bloodwork and possibly other tests as a way to confirm that the surgical procedure is safe for you. Your doctor may also:

  • Do imaging exams (X-rays) to examine your chin bone and plan your surgery
  • Take photographs of your chin and jawline before and after the surgery

 

You may need to stop taking certain medications prior to the procedure and should quit smoking several weeks before surgery. Let your provider know if you take:

  • Aspirin
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Herbal supplements
  • Anticoagulants (blood thinners)

What are the benefits of chin augmentation?

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Individuals get chin augmentation for any number of reasons. Some benefits can include:

  • Enhancing the size of a smaller chin
  • Adding definition and contour to your lower face
  • Realigning a recessed, protruding, or crooked chin
  • Having a more symmetrical appearance (face, jawline, side profile)

As with any surgery, everyone experiences unique results with chin augmentation. It is important to speak candidly with your healthcare provider beforehand so they can assist you in managing your surgery and post-surgery expectations.

What are the risks of chin augmentation?

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Every surgical procedure has associated risks and potential complications. Rare instances of chin augmentation complications include:

  • Bleeding
  • Bruising
  • Infection
  • Pain
  • Complications from anesthesia
  • Tingling or numbness in lower lip or chin
  • Scarring
  • Issues with the chin implant or hardware
  • Poor wound healing

Following your doctor’s post-surgery care instructions can ensure an optimal healing process.

What happens during chin augmentation?

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The steps and what to expect during your chin augmentation will depend on whether you get a:

  • Chin implant
  • Sliding genioplasty

Most people receive general anesthesia during these procedures, but your healthcare provider may recommend local anesthesia or sedation in some instances. Both procedures require the surgeon to make an incision, either inside of your mouth (genioplasty), or inside of your mouth or hidden under your chin (chin implant).

Your surgeon will close the incision with dissolvable stitches. They may put a bandage or wrap on your face to support your chin and reduce swelling. Speak to your provider in order to know whether they plan on giving you a dose of intravenous antibiotics to prevent infection.

What happens after chin augmentation?

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Chin augmentation is generally an outpatient procedure, where you can go home the same day that you undergo it. Your care team will monitor your recovery for a few hours, then you will get specific instructions on how to care for your incision at home.

 

You should:

  • Avoid touching or irritating your incision/stitches
  • Rinse your mouth regularly to keep it clean (with a possible special oral rinse)
  • Primarily drink liquids or only eat soft foods for a few days

Refer to your doctor’s instructions or ask when you can resume eating a regular diet.

How will my chin augmentation recovery look?

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In the aftermath of your surgery, it is important for you to follow your care team’s timeline for your recovery. You should:

  • Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or strenuous activity for at least a week
  • Stay home from work for a few days or weeks (depending on your job)
  • Monitor swelling and bruising during the first few weeks after the procedure

 

These reactions are common and can be treated with pain relievers if your chin hurts. You can also use a cold compress to relieve any discomfort and swelling as your incision heals. Sleep with your head elevated above your heart in an effort to further reduce facial swelling.

When should I contact a doctor about my chin augmentation?

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Contacting your healthcare provider about your chin augmentation procedure is crucial if you:

  • Experience breathing problems (shortness of breath)
  • Feel chest pain
  • Run a fever or experience chills/flu-like symptoms
  • Have an unusual pulse or heart rate
  • Feel prolonged numbness (chin, lips, face)
  • Notice signs of infection (pus or drainage from the incision)
  • Notice swelling or feel pain beyond a few weeks

 

These symptoms can feel scary, but not to worry. Contacting your doctor and/or receiving urgent medical care is a good way to combat more serious medical complications that will require more time spent in the healing process.

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