Chin surgery

Chin augmentation, also called mentoplasty or genioplasty, is a surgical procedure that changes the position or shape of the chin. This may involve placing an implant, repositioning the chin bone, or using other techniques depending on individual anatomy and clinical circumstances.

The procedure can be performed under local or general anaesthesia. The specific approach, along with the associated risks, recovery, and alternatives, will be discussed with Dr Sophie Ricketts during a consultation to determine whether this surgery may be appropriate for you.

As with any surgical procedure, chin augmentation can involve discomfort during the recovery period. Anaesthesia is used during the operation so you will not feel pain at the time of surgery.

After the procedure, it is common to experience swelling, bruising, a feeling of tightness, or tenderness in the area. These symptoms usually change over the first few days and weeks, but the degree and duration vary between individuals. Your surgeon may recommend medications to help manage discomfort, and will provide specific postoperative instructions based on your circumstances.

Any unexpected or severe pain should be discussed promptly with Dr Sophie.

The changes achieved with chin augmentation vary between individuals and depend on the technique used. Chin implants are designed to remain in place long term, while sliding genioplasty involves repositioning the chin bone. Both approaches have different considerations regarding stability, healing, and future revision options.

In some cases, an implant may be removed or adjusted if needed. Reversing or modifying a sliding genioplasty is more complex and may require additional surgery.

These factors will be discussed in detail with Dr Sophie Ricketts during your consultation so you can understand the differences between each approach, the potential risks, and what may be suitable for your circumstances.

Scarring after chin augmentation is typically minimal and strategically placed to be as inconspicuous as possible. For chin implants, incisions are often made inside the mouth, leaving no visible external scars. If an external incision is necessary, it is usually placed under the chin in a natural crease, where it is less noticeable. For sliding genioplasty, the incision is typically made inside the mouth as well, avoiding visible scarring. With proper care and following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions, any scars should heal well and become less noticeable over time.

Chin augmentation, also known as mentoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to enhance the shape, size, and appearance of the chin.

For people looking for a more balanced facial profile or jawline, chin augmentation can provide a solution. It is ideal for candidates who want to add definition to their jawline or to balance out other features on their face, such as the lips or nose. Candidates should be in good overall health with realistic expectations going into the procedure.

After chin augmentation, the visibility of scars depends on the specific technique used by your surgeon. For chin implants, incisions are typically made inside the mouth (intraoral) along the lower gum line or under the chin (submental), where they are strategically placed to minimise visibility. These locations ensure that scars are either hidden within natural creases or inside the mouth, making them generally inconspicuous. The size and placement of the incisions are carefully planned to achieve optimal results while minimising scar visibility. Dr Sophie Ricketts will discuss the placement of incisions and potential scarring during your consultation, providing personalised advice based on your anatomy and surgical plan.

Recovery after chin augmentation varies between individuals and depends on the technique used. When the incision is placed inside the mouth, the lining typically heals over the first one to two weeks. Swelling, bruising, or a feeling of tightness in the area is common and usually changes over the early stages of recovery.

It may take several weeks or longer for the final appearance to settle. Your surgeon will provide guidance on postoperative care, expected healing timeframes, and when normal activities can be resumed.

In some situations, chin augmentation may be performed during the same operation as another facial procedure, such as rhinoplasty, facelift, neck surgery, or procedures involving the cheek or jaw. Whether this is appropriate depends on factors such as overall health, the extent of surgery required, and anticipated recovery.

The decision to undertake more than one procedure at the same time requires careful assessment. In a consultation, Dr Sophie Ricketts will review your individual circumstances, outline potential risks and alternatives, and discuss whether combining procedures may be suitable for you.

Chin augmentation, also called mentoplasty or genioplasty, is a surgical procedure that changes the position or shape of the chin. This may involve placing an implant or reshaping the chin bone. As with all surgery, there are potential risks, and outcomes vary between individuals.

Possible risks and complications include bleeding, infection, scarring, changes in sensation such as temporary or prolonged numbness, reduced movement of the lower lip, asymmetry, implant-related complications, and the potential need for further surgery. The degree of risk depends on individual anatomy, the technique used, and personal healing factors.

During a consultation, Dr Sophie Ricketts will discuss your individual circumstances, outline the specific risks and alternatives, and explain what may or may not be achievable in your situation.