If you’re considering chin surgery, or a genioplasty, it can make a world of difference in how you view yourself by providing enhanced self-esteem when you look in the mirror and outward confidence that glows. 

What is Genioplasty?

Genioplasty, or chin augmentation, is a form of cosmetic chin surgery performed by maxillofacial surgeons and plastic surgeons. Genioplasty is an elective surgery and is performed for aesthetic purposes.

Genioplasty Goals

• Changing the position of the chin forward (advancement)
• Changing the position of the chin backwards (pushback)
• Shifting the chin from one side to the other to create better symmetry (lateral adjustment)
• Lengthening or shortening the height of the chin (vertical procedures)

Kinds of Genioplasty

There are a few different types of chin surgery. The type that will best suit you depends on what it is that you are trying to accomplish with surgery. The right procedure for you is best discussed with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Shaddix.

Implant Based Chin Augmentation

The use of a solid silicone implant is the most common method for augmenting the chin. With this surgery, an incision is made either under the chin or within the mouth to place the implant.  The implant is then fixed to the bone. This allows for a permanent increase in chin projection with a relatively simple and short procedure.  

Filler Based Chin Augmentation

The use of fillers such as Juvéderm Voluma and Restylane Lyft is becoming a frequently used method for augmenting the chin. This can be done in the office just like injecting dermal fillers into any other area. By using filler, there is no downtime and no surgery. The results are a great increase in chin projection and improved profile. However, those results are not permanent and the filler procedure needs to be repeated every 1-2 years.

Sliding: Osseous Genioplasty

Osseous genioplasty, also called sliding genioplasty, is performed by separating the chin from the remaining part of the jaw and then fixing it in a new position with bone screws. People who suffer from a condition where their chin is too far back on their face (retrogenia) may elect to have this type of surgery. This procedure is somewhat more involved than placement of filler or implants, and it is less commonly performed.

Chin Implant Procedure

Dr. Shaddix will first make a small incision inside your mouth or under your chin. He will then use sizers to determine what size and shape of implant best achieves your aesthetic goals.  Next, a silicone implant (often with small holes or pores to allow better tissue adhesion) is placed and chin symmetry ensured. Then Dr. Shaddix will use a stitch to secure the implant to your jaw bone. Finally, your incision will be closed with absorbable sutures.  

Sliding Genioplasty Procedure

Dr. Shaddix cuts the gum line beneath your bottom teeth and detaches it from the chin bone. With a saw, he makes a vertical line on the chin as a reference point to confirm accurate positioning during the procedure. Next, he cuts horizontally on the bone of the chin. A wedge may also be removed for patients that are having the size of their chin reduced. The chin bone is then moved backward or forward before being secured in place with screws. Sometimes a metal plate is added as an extra security measure to keep the chin in place.

A gap remains between the chin and jaw after reattachment to make a longer chin if that is the goal of the procedure. The open space will fill in within a few months.

To create a shorter chin, Dr. Shaddix removes a segment of bone and reattaches the remaining chin back to your jaw. 

Once finished, Dr. Shaddix closes the incision and covers the area with compression tape to protect it during the initial phase of healing. 

Chin Implant Aftercare Instructions

Both sliding genioplasty and surgical chin implants have similar aftercare instructions. These can be personalized based on your specific surgery and needs.

A diet of soft foods is recommended during the healing process so as to not aggravate the newly closed sutures.

Dermal filler chin augmentation takes almost no time to recover. There may be some swelling and bruising, but it is generally very mild.

Chin Implant Complications

As with all surgical procedures, some risks and complications can occur and should be considered before proceeding. These include:

• Infection
• Implant extrusion
• Screw exposure
• Numbness of lip

Schedule a Consultation

If you are unsure of which type of genioplasty is best for you, contact Dr. Shaddix to set up an appointment. Fill out our convenient online form to get started.