About the procedure
A receding or small chin makes the nose look larger and the neck shorter. With genioplasty, the chin is brought forward either with an implant or by advancing the bone.
When planned together with rhinoplasty, the most satisfying results are achieved in terms of overall profile harmony.
Planning is done with profile photographs and, if needed, a cephalometric X-ray or CT scan; whether the recessed chin is due to bone or soft tissue, and whether the bite relationship is normal, is determined first. If there is a marked mismatch between the upper and lower jaws, advancing the chin alone is not enough and a referral for orthognathic surgery is made. When an implant is chosen, its size and shape are determined from profile measurements and it is fixed to the bone through the mouth.
- ✓Hidden incision inside the mouth
- ✓Can be combined with rhinoplasty
- ✓Permanent profile correction
Suitability
Who is it suitable for?
May be suitable
- ✓People whose chin sits behind the lips in profile and makes the nose look larger than it is.
- ✓Patients planning rhinoplasty who want to complete the balance of the profile.
- ✓Cases of chin asymmetry or a chin that is excessively long or short.
- ✓Patients with an indistinct neck–chin angle in which a recessed chin contributes to the appearance of a double chin.
Should be postponed or is not suitable
- —Those with a marked bite problem between the upper and lower teeth; in this case the jaw bones as a whole, not just the chin, must be addressed.
- —People whose jaw bone growth is not complete, generally under 18.
- —Those with an untreated tooth or gum infection; because the incision is inside the mouth, the risk of infection is higher.
The final decision on suitability is made after a physician examination and tests.
Process
How does it proceed, step by step?
- 01
Initial consultation
Chin position, symmetry, and the bite of the teeth are assessed from profile and front photographs; the implant or bone-advancement option is discussed.
- 02
Imaging and plan
A CT scan or lateral skull X-ray is taken if needed; the amount of advancement is planned in millimeters, and the implant size or the cut line is determined.
- 03
Surgery
Under general anesthesia, an incision is made inside the lower lip; the implant is fixed to the bone, or the bone is cut, advanced, and secured with mini plates.
- 04
Hospital
Same-day discharge or one night of observation; a supportive band is applied under the chin and a soft diet is started.
- 05
Check-up
The incision inside the mouth and symmetry are checked on days 3–5; the sutures are absorbable and are not removed, and the band is worn for one week.
- 06
Return and follow-up
You can fly on days 5–7; if the bone was advanced, a follow-up X-ray is reviewed remotely at month 3.
Recovery
Recovery timeline
Day 1
There is swelling, tightness, and numbness in the chin and lower lip; you eat soft, lukewarm foods.
Days 3–5
Swelling is at its peak and the chin band is worn throughout the day; there may be temporary difficulty speaking.
Week 1
The band is removed and swelling begins to recede; you can return to work and social life, and sensation in the lower lip partly returns.
Weeks 2–3
The incision inside the mouth heals and a normal diet resumes; the change in profile becomes visible.
Month 1
Most of the swelling has gone down; if the bone was advanced, hard foods and contact sports are still restricted.
Month 3
Bone healing is complete and lower lip sensation has mostly returned to normal; the final profile is judged at this stage.
Timeframes are averages; they vary by person and by the scope of the procedure.
Results
Before / After
Before and after examples of Chin Surgery are shared during the consultation.
We show our patients' photos only within the scope of their written consent and in one-on-one consultations; we respect the wishes of patients who prefer not to be published on the open internet. Let us send you results from cases similar to yours together with the physician's assessment.
Let us be open
Risks and points to consider
Every medical procedure carries risks. The points below are the main known issues for this procedure; a risk assessment specific to you is made during the consultation.
- Numbness in the lower lip and chin; when the sensory nerve involved (the mental nerve) is stretched, it can last for months and rarely becomes permanent.
- Slight shifting of the implant or thinning of the bone beneath it over time; this is monitored with fixation and regular follow-up.
- Infection through the incision inside the mouth; when an implant is used, it may rarely require removal of the implant.
- Chin asymmetry, slight drooping of the lower lip, or sagging of the chin skin (witch's chin).
- After bone advancement, tooth sensitivity can develop because the work is close to the roots of the lower incisors.