The anatomical balance of your facial features can have a significant impact on your overall appearance. Genioplasty, also known as a chin augmentation, is a cosmetic procedure performed to enhance the fullness or projection of the chin using an implant. Solid silicone facial implants are available in a variety of different profiles and sizes to customize your results to your aesthetic goals. This surgery is sometimes combined with a rhinoplasty in order to achieve the most proportionate results, as the size of the chin can magnify or minimize the apparent size of the nose.
Real Patient Results
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Who is a good candidate for a genioplasty?
Genioplasty may be an appropriate option if you have noticed that your chin is recessed compared to your mouth and nose when viewing yourself in profile, or if your chin appears too short compared to the other portions of your face when facing front. In men, genioplasty surgery can be tailored to create a more masculine appearance. Candidates may also choose to seek an orthodontic evaluation, as treatment to align the jaws may be beneficial in addition to or in place of genioplasty. You should be in good overall health before pursuing cosmetic surgery.
What will my genioplasty surgery be like?
Genioplasty is performed under monitored sedation in our fully accredited in-house operating facility and takes approximately one hour. Typically, small incisions are made inside the mouth and a “pocket” or space for the implant is created next to the bone. Occasionally, an external incision is used. The implant is then placed in the pocket and the surrounding soft tissue is sutured closed. Following surgery, our attentive medical team will monitor your initial recovery in the calm, comfortable setting of our in-house recovery room.
How long is the recovery from a genioplasty?
Moderate swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal following genioplasty. You will be seen in-clinic by our dedicated nurses around 5-10 days after your surgery, and additionally as needed to support your recovery journey. They will assist you with incision care and assessment of the surgical site and will advise you on long-term care and expectations. Sutures typically dissolve on their own and do not require removal. You must refrain from strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, and any activities where your head is below your heart or that may result in rough contact in the area of the implant for about 2-4 weeks after surgery.
As with any surgery, the healing process can vary from patient to patient and your final results will depend on many individual factors. It is important to be patient with your body and allow yourself time to rest and recuperate.
Vectra® 3D Results
Your Questions Answered
We strive to ensure our patients are thoroughly informed and equipped with the resources they need to make the best decision for themselves. Your consultation will include a discussion of your goals, your health history, education on your procedure(s) of interest, and a detailed explanation of potential benefits, risks, and complications. Your surgeon will perform a full exam of the proposed surgical area. Your consultation will also include VECTRA® 3D imaging to create a rendering of your starting point and simulate your potential results. For more information, you can also review our guide to the surgical process from consultation to recovery.
Prior to booking, you should ensure you have a responsible adult available to care for and assist you. You cannot be alone for 48 hours after surgery. We also recommend having someone available to drive you to your post-op appointment(s).
As with any procedure, post-operative complications after a genioplasty are rare but possible. These may include bleeding, infection, asymmetry or malposition of the implant, dissatisfaction with implant size, and altered sensation (numbness, tingling, and/or hypersensitivity). Our skilled surgical team prioritizes your safety and meticulously works to minimize these risks.
Patients seeking a non-surgical option may wish to consider dermal filler treatments to the chin or jawline to provide enhanced definition. These are injectable treatments that are maintained at regular intervals. Note that this option typically offers more subtle enhancements than what can be achieved with an implant.