Genioplasty, also known as chin surgery or chin augmentation, is a cosmetic or reconstructive surgical procedure that focuses on reshaping or repositioning the chin. It’s commonly done by altering the size, shape, or projection of the chin. There are two primary types of genioplasty:

Sliding Genioplasty: In this procedure, the surgeon makes a horizontal cut in the chin bone (mandible) and repositions it either forward or backward. This technique is often used for significant chin advancements or retractions.
Implant Genioplasty: This procedure involves placing an implant on top of the existing chin bone to increase its projection and change the chin’s appearance.

Am I a Suitable Candidate for Genioplasty Surgery?

A suitable candidate for Genioplasty Surgery is typically an individual who is dissatisfied with the appearance of their chin and desires a change in its shape, size, or position. While each patient’s suitability is determined on a case-by-case basis, here are some factors that may make someone a suitable candidate for Genioplasty;

Recessed or Protruding Chin: Individuals with a chin that is recessed and does not project adequately or those with an overly protruding chin may consider Genioplasty.
Good General Health: Candidates should be in good overall health as undergoing surgery carries some inherent risks. It is essential to have no underlying medical conditions that could compromise the healing process.
Realistic Expectations: Candidates should have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure. While Genioplasty Surgery can provide visible changes in chin appearance, it is important to understand that it cannot completely alter one’s facial structure.
Facial Balance: The surgeon will assess how the chin’s appearance relates to the rest of the facial features. Genioplasty may be recommended to address disproportion.
Age: Genioplasty is typically performed on individuals who have stopped growing, which is usually around the late teenage years or early adulthood. However, there are no strict age limits, and suitability may depend on individual circumstances.
Non-Surgical Options: In some cases non surgical treatments like dermal fillers may be considered before opting for surgery.
- These can provide temporary chin augmentation and allow individuals to assess the potential results without committing to surgery.

What are the Potential Outcomes of Genioplasty Surgery?

Genioplasty Surgery offers various potential outcomes for individuals who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their chin. Some of the potential outcomes of Genioplasty Surgery include;

Altered Facial Balance: Genioplasty may change the proportion and symmetry of facial features by correcting a recessed or protruding chin.

Improved Bite Function: In some cases, Genioplasty Surgery may be performed in conjunction with Orthognathic Surgery to correct jaw and bite alignment issues. This may have an impact on the functional and aesthetic aspects of the face.

Functional Improvements: In some cases, genioplasty can correct breathing difficulties caused by a receding chin. By advancing the chin, the airway may open up, making breathing easier, especially during sleep.

Permanent Results: Genioplasty typically provides permanent results, especially when the chin is adjusted through bone modification.

What to expect during Genioplasty Surgery

Although every surgery is tailored to the patients needs, the steps are generally as follows:

Anesthesia:
Genioplasty is typically performed under general anaesthesia and you will be asleep for the procedure.

Incisions:
The surgeon will make incisions either inside the mouth or under the chin. The choice of incision location depends on the specific surgical technique and the extent of the procedure.

Bone Adjustment or Implant Placement: There are two main approaches to Genioplasty:

Bone Adjustment: In this method, the Surgeon repositions and reshapes the existing chin bone to achieve the desired contour and projection.
Implant Placement: In cases where bone adjustment alone is insufficient, chin implants made of biocompatible materials (e.g., silicone) may be used to enhance the chin’s appearance. These implants are positioned over the chin bone.

Sutures and Closure:
After the chin has been modified, the incisions are closed using sutures. If the incisions are inside the mouth, no external scarring will be visible.

Recovery and Postoperative Care:
After surgery you will be taken to a recovery area, where you will be closely monitored as you wake up from anaesthesia.

It is important to choose a fully qualified Plastic Surgeon with experience in Genioplasty Surgery to ensure a safe and successful procedure. The specific details of the surgery may vary based on the patient’s needs and the Surgeon’s technique. Always discuss the procedure in detail with your surgeon and carefully follow their preoperative and postoperative instructions for the best results.

Risks and Complications

Genioplasty Surgery like any surgical procedure carries some inherent risks and potential complications. It is essential for individuals considering Genioplasty Surgery to be aware of these and discuss them with their Surgeon during the preoperative consultation. While complications are relatively rare, they can occur, and the severity can vary. Some potential risks and complications of Genioplasty Surgery include:

Infection
Bleeding
Scarring
Nerve damage
Swelling and bruising
Malposition
Unsatisfactory aesthetic results
Allergic reaction
Implant complications
Revision surgery
Anaesthesia risks
Blood clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis or Pulmonary Embolism)
Asymmetry

All surgery has risks, for detailed information about the risks and potential complications of Genioplasty Surgery please visit the risks of surgery page.

Recovery

Recovery following Genioplasty Surgery is a crucial phase for ensuring proper healing and achieving the desired results. Swelling and bruising around the chin and jawline are common immediately after the surgery. You will likely be prescribed pain medication to manage any discomfort or pain during the early stages of recovery. Follow your surgeon’s instructions for taking pain medication, and report any severe or unusual pain to your medical team.

Swelling and bruising are typical after Genioplasty Surgery and may peak in the first few days following surgery. Applying cold compresses to the chin can help reduce swelling.

In the days following surgery, you will typically be advised to follow a soft diet. This is to avoid putting stress on the chin area, which is still healing. Stick to soft, easy to chew foods such as soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt and smoothies for a week or more as instructed by your surgeon.

Avoid strenuous physical activities and exercise during the initial weeks of recovery. Your surgeon will provide guidelines for when it is safe to resume physical activity. Limit activities that could increase blood pressure or risk injury to the chin.

If external incisions were made, your Surgeon will provide guidance on scar care. This may include the use of scar-reducing creams or silicone sheets once the incisions have healed. It may take several weeks to several months for the swelling to fully resolve and for the final results to become apparent.

It is important to closely follow your Surgeon’s postoperative instructions, including dietary restrictions, oral hygiene, and activity limitations, to ensure optimal recovery. If you experience any concerning symptoms, such as excessive bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection, contact your Surgeon immediately.

Cost of Genioplasty Surgery

Genioplasty Surgery is typically considered as a cosmetic procedure and is generally not covered by Medicare. However, there can be exceptions in some cases if Genioplasty is performed for a medical reason, such as correcting a severe facial deformity or addressing functional issues related to the jaw or bite, there may be some Medicare coverage or partial reimbursement. Such cases would require documentation and a thorough evaluation by your Surgeon.

For accurate and personalised information regarding the cost of your surgery, it is best to schedule a consultation with a qualified Plastic Surgeon. During the consultation they can provide a detailed break down of the expenses involved and address any specific concerns you may have.

Why Choose Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery?

Choosing a Specialist Plastic Surgeon means you are choosing an accredited recognised plastic surgeon that performs surgery in an accredited hospital. Look for members of FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) memberships. ASPS (Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons) ASAPS (Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) or ISAPS (International Society Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) as some of the Qualifications of your Plastic Surgeon

Dr-Broughton-Snell-Plastic-Surgeon-melbourne

Dr Broughton Snell Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Melbourne.
MED0001190266

Bachelor of Science (BSc)(Honours)
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)Honours)
Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS)

Dr Broughton Snell is a fully qualified specialist plastic surgeon having completed his Fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

If you want to find out more about a procedure book a consultation.

Dr Broughton Snell is a highly experienced, fully qualified specialist plastic surgeons with current FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) memberships, with experience in Genioplasty Surgery.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between Sliding Genioplasty Surgery and Chin Augmentation

The main differences between Sliding Genioplasty Surgery and Chin Augmentation Surgery are the source of the augmentation material and the permanence of the results. Sliding Genioplasty utilises the patient’s natural bone, providing permanent results, while chin augmentation involves the use of implants, which offer a less invasive option with results that may need maintenance or revision in the future.

When will the results of the procedure be visible?

You will be able to notice changes in your chin position immediately after the surgery, although swelling present after the surgery can mask these changes. As the swelling subsides over the first week’s post-surgery the results will become more apparent, however, it may take between three months to a year for your face to ‘settle’.

Can you reverse Sliding Genioplasty?

Generally, a Sliding Genioplasty is a permanent solution. However, you can reverse the results by re-cutting the original osteotomy line and setting or sliding the bones of the jaw back to their original position.