What is genioplasty?

Chin correction can have a significant impact on facial symmetry. Chin, the part of the lower jaw in the face, is a feature of aesthetic importance in people. Chin is sometimes tiny or sometimes projecting from the face. A blunt and receding chin can hinder the self-confidence of some people. Similarly, a projecting chin from the face gives people an odd appearance. A sharp and a prominent chin can change the facial contour. Chin correction may include decreasing the chin size of a long chin or increasing the chin in the case of a receding one.

Genioplasty is a surgical procedure to correct thechin misalignment by repositioning the chin bone. The surgical procedure can address a small and deficient chin or a long chin. The surgery is performed in augmentation with the nose surgery or a neck liposuction to improve the facial aesthetics.

What are the types of the surgeries?

Chin correction can be done by using either an implant or by repositioning the chin bone (sliding genioplasty).

• Sliding genioplasty, also called as the chin osteotomy can increase or decrease the chin size.The surgery is performed through the mouth; no scars are formed as a result.
• Chin augmentation by implants: A prosthetic implant like silicone can be used to increase the chin size. The process may leave a scar on the chin.
• Skew chin point surgery: This surgery helps to address the facial asymmetry due to dental malocclusion where the chin is displaced.

Which individuals are suitable for the surgery?

Chin repositioning or genioplasty as it is also called is performed in persons with a receding or small chin and a chin that requires shortening. These individuals should be healthy without any disease.

How should I prepare for the surgery?

Before you decide to go for the surgery, communicate effectively about your requirements and goals of the surgery. Your surgeon will brief you about the surgical technique and the treatment plan that is suitable for you. Usually, you will be given a general anesthesia. The surgery will take about30-50 minutes to perform a genioplasty. You will be discharged on the same day of the surgery depending on your comfort.

What will happen during the surgery?

The most common type of surgical chin augmentation uses a chin implant

Chin augmentation with a chin implant is usually a cosmetic procedure. An incision is made either under the chin or inside the lower lip, a pocket is made and the implant placed into the pocket. Some chin implants are fixed to the mandible, while others are held in place by the pocket itself.

Another surgical chin augmentation uses the lower prominence of the mandible as the “implant.” Known as a sliding genioplasty, the procedure involves cutting a horseshoe-shaped piece of bone from the lower border of the mandible known as an osteotomy. For chin augmentation, the pice of bone is advanced forward to increase to projection of the chin. The piece can also be recessed backward for a chin reduction. The new position is held in place with a titanium step plate using titanium screws. The bone segment can also be fixated with 26 or 27 gauge wires and IMF (wiring the jaw shut) for 3-4weeks. This type of surgery is usually performed by a plastic surgeon.

The surgery is performed on a day care basis.

What is the aftercare of the surgery?

Pain is present after the surgery but is manageable with the medication. Swelling is a common thing associated with the surgery, which resolves in about 7-14 days of time. You may have to be off work for about a week’s time, though a span of 2-3 days is sufficient for you to feel comfortable to go out for a walk. You can start chewing and speaking normally by the following day. You may have to follow certain precautions that can help you to heal faster.

• Avoid consuming alcohol while still on pain medications and for 3 weeks after surgery.
• Quit smoking as it may delay the healing.
• Walk after the surgery as it can help to prevent blood clots.
• Avoid vigorous sports for 6-8 weeks of time.
• Keep the incisions clean and free from infection.
• Use a sunscreen lotion with SPF of 30 or even moreto prevent exposure to the sun.
• Consult surgeon for the follow-up visits.

What are the postsurgical considerations?

The surgery to the chin can lead to potential harms like numbness of the gums, front teeth, lips, and also the chin. These recede after a few weeks of time, but sometimes take months or even, can have a permanent loss.

Chin augmentation with an implant can lead to infection or may lead to rejection by the body as it is a foreign body.In such cases, consult your surgeon immediately.