Chin correction, or genioplasty, is surgery to reshape the chin for better facial balance. A receding or small chin can be advanced with a silicone implant or by moving the chin bone (sliding genioplasty), and a long or prominent chin can be reduced. It usually takes 30 to 50 minutes as a day-care procedure.
- AnaesthesiaUsually general anaesthesia
- DurationAbout 30 to 50 minutes
- Hospital stayUsually day care
- Back to routineUsually about 1 week
What is chin correction?
The chin has a strong effect on facial balance and self-confidence. Genioplasty can bring a receding or small chin forward, shorten a long chin or correct asymmetry, including asymmetry related to bite problems. It is sometimes combined with rhinoplasty or neck liposuction.
Sliding genioplasty cuts a horseshoe-shaped section of the lower jaw bone, moves it forward or back and fixes it with a titanium plate and screws. It is done through the mouth and leaves no external scar.
A chin implant, usually silicone, adds volume and projection. It is placed through an incision inside the lower lip or under the chin, the latter leaving a small scar.
Who is chin correction for?
- Healthy people with a receding or small chin
- A long or prominent chin that needs reduction
- Chin asymmetry, including with bite problems
- People seeking better balance with the nose or neck
How is it done?
- Consultation on goals, technique and plan
- Usually general anaesthesia, about 30 to 50 minutes
- Implant: placed into a pocket through an incision inside the lower lip or under the chin
- Sliding genioplasty: the chin bone is cut, repositioned and fixed with a titanium plate and screws
- Typically same-day discharge; occasionally wires and jaw immobilisation for 3 to 4 weeks are needed
What is recovery like?
- Pain is usually manageable with medicines; swelling typically settles in 7 to 14 days
- Chewing and speaking can usually resume the next day
- Light activity within a few days and work in about a week
- Avoid alcohol while on pain medicines and for 3 weeks; stop smoking; walk to reduce clot risk
- Avoid vigorous sports for 6 to 8 weeks; keep incisions clean and use SPF 30+ sunscreen
What are the risks?
- Numbness of the gums, front teeth, lower lip and chin, usually fading over weeks to months and rarely permanent
- Implant infection or rejection, requiring prompt review
- Swelling, bruising or bleeding
- Asymmetry or implant movement
- Small scar under the chin if that approach is used
Why choose Dr. Jithendran?
- Dual training in orthopaedics (MS) and plastic surgery (MCh, DNB), with hand and microsurgery experience from Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore
- Consults at five hospitals across Bengaluru, with 24×7 availability for emergencies
- Clear explanations in English, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu, and time to answer every question
- Strict sterilisation and patient-privacy standards
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a chin implant and sliding genioplasty?
A chin implant adds volume with a silicone implant placed over the bone. Sliding genioplasty moves your own chin bone forward or back and fixes it with a plate and screws. Sliding genioplasty can also shorten or correct asymmetry, while implants only add projection.
Will genioplasty leave a scar?
Sliding genioplasty and implants placed through the inside of the lower lip leave no external scar. An implant inserted under the chin leaves a small scar in the natural crease, which typically fades over time.
How long is recovery after chin surgery?
Swelling typically settles in 7 to 14 days. Most people return to light activity within a few days and work in about a week. Chewing and speaking can usually resume the next day. Vigorous sport is avoided for 6 to 8 weeks.
Will I have numbness after genioplasty?
Numbness of the lower lip, chin, gums and front teeth is common at first. It usually fades over weeks, but can take months and, rarely, may be permanent. Your surgeon will monitor this at follow-up.
Can chin surgery be combined with rhinoplasty?
Yes. Chin and nose surgery are often combined because the size of the chin affects how the nose looks in profile. Neck liposuction can also be added to improve the jawline.
