Chin Augmentation

Genioplasty, or chin surgery, corrects both the underdeveloped chin (microgenia) and the overly developed chin (macrogenia). This procedure changes the basic shape and balance of the face by reshaping the jaw line (building up a receding chin or reducing one that is too large). Any patient who is skeletally mature (around the age of 16) can pursue this procedure.  Post-operatively, patients notice a significant improvement in their facial appearance and a more dramatic facial profile.  

Procedure
Genioplasty surgery involves 1 of 3 different surgical techniques:
• Reduction Genioplasty
• Augmentation Genioplasty/Autogenous Tissue
• Augmentation Genioplasty/Implant

In the Reduction Genioplasty procedure, a small incision is placed under the chin.  Through this incision, the excessive bone and/or overlying soft tissues are reduced to provide a more aesthetically pleasing chin.

Augmentation Genioplasty using autogenous tissue is a procedure that moves the patient's own chin bone forward to provide more projection.  The incision can be placed either in the mouth or below the chin for this operation.

Some patients choose to have their chin augmented with an implant.  A custom implant is chosen to provide the desired projection.  This custom implant is inserted over the patient's chin and provides the extent of correction required for the individual patient's particular situation. The incision can be placed either in the mouth or below the chin for this operation.

Chin augmentation and reduction surgery can be done either under a general anaesthetic or with sedation and local anaesthesia.

Post-Operative Course
Genioplasty surgery is an outpatient procedure.  Patients are discharged the same day.  Some swelling and discomfort in the chin region can be expected for a period of 3 to 7 days.  Patients can return to normal activities after 5 days but cannot undertake any heavy activities for a period of 3 weeks.  Contact sports are not to be resumed until after 6 weeks.

Concurrent Procedures
Genioplasty surgery is often considered at the time of Rhinoplasty surgery to provide better facial balance when the face is viewed in profile.