Chin surgery before and after photos are displayed with patient consent
What is Chin Surgery?
Chin Surgery involves an operation of the front part of the lower jaw. It can make one of the most striking cosmetic facial changes. Chin Augmentation is for a receding or small chin due to underdevelopment of the lower face and jaw. This is often genetic and may be seen in other family members. Chin Reduction may be performed for a chin that is too prominent. Genioplasty chin surgery and the use of Chin Implants are the most common procedures.
Chin advancement “Genioplasty” can improve the profile and may even tighten and improve the sagging skin under the jaw. Neck liposuction can also improve the chin by removing excess fat under the chin.
Chin Surgery
An anatomic Chin Implant or a Genioplasty (mentoplasty) are the most common procedures to enhance the chin. Chin Surgery is performed to Augment a receding or small chin and also to Reduce a chin that is too prominent. The procedures are described and illustrated below.
Chin Implants
Dr. Joseph will often use an anatomic chin implant as the simplest approach to chin augmentation. Chin Implant surgery takes about 45 minutes. It is performed in the office with local anesthesia and IV sedation. It requires a 5-10 day recovery. Anatomic silicone chin implants are very successful and well-tolerated by the body. The new Anatomic chin implants are natural feeling and follow the contours of the normal jawline. They come in many shapes and sizes to fit the anatomy and esthetics of each patient.
Chin implants are placed through an incision inside the mouth avoiding a scar on the face. After surgery, you may experience minor swelling, bruising and temporary numbness of the lower lip. These conditions usually resolve over 1-2 weeks.
Sliding Genioplasty
Another way of moving a chin forward or backward is called a Sliding Genioplasty. The sliding genioplasty is used in more severe cases or in cases where the chin needs to be lengthened or moved backward. Dr. Richard Joseph makes the incision inside the lower lip to avoid facial scars. The actual bony chin portion of the jaw is then cut and advanced or moved back. It is then secured with a tiny bone screw or wire. Genioplasty may require outpatient general anesthesia. You may return to normal activities within 5-10 days.
The photograph below shows a model of a sliding genioplasty. The Sliding Genioplasty advances the patient’s actual chin by moving the lower portion of the jaw.
Chin Asymmetry
Some patients have crooked chins that are not lined up with the normal facial structures. The chin may be off to one side giving the face an asymmetric appearance. This can be corrected or improved by moving the chin tip to the left or right with a sliding genioplasty.
Mandibular Angle Implants
Many patients are deficient in the lateral (side) portion of the jaw. This gives them a weak jawline. Mandibular angle implants can provide a more square, contoured or chiseled appearance of the lower face and jawline.
Before and After Photographs of Chin Augmentations
Please note that these pre and post-operative photos are displayed with the consent of the individuals depicted.
Select a patient below to view more detailed pictures and information about the chin surgery procedures performed by Dr. Joseph.
