Genioplasty is a type of surgery performed on the chin by specialists. Plastic and maxillofacial surgeons (oral and maxillofacial surgeons) can perform this type of surgery. You may want to consider this procedure if you’re going to jump-start your social life. Having a weak or small chin negatively affects your self-esteem and confidence.
| Operation Duration | Length of hospitalization | Recovery Time |
| 1-2 hours | 1-2 days | 2-8 weeks |
When you are constantly thinking about your appearance and whether others view you favorably, it can affect your mental health. While there are other ways to boost your self-esteem and improve your self-confidence, genioplasty can instantly make you feel more comfortable.
You will feel better about your appearance and how you present yourself to the world, likely leading to less stress and better interactions with others. A big part of increasing your self-esteem and improving your confidence is also increasing your self-worth. This procedure is primarily cosmetic surgery, meaning people choose it for their appearance, not health issues. Specialists can perform this procedure in several ways:
- Pushing or moving the chin forward
- Going back or moving the jaw
- Correcting laterally asymmetrical chins
- Vertical changes such as a longer or shorter chin
There are also two main types of genioplasty. These are sliding genioplasty and chin implants. In sliding genioplasty, surgeons use a saw to cut the jawbone away from the rest of the jaw and move it to correct the chin deficiency. Experts recommend this type of genioplasty for people who have severe retrogynism or whose chin is too far away from the rest of the face. The procedure also corrects a chin that is too far in and too long.
Chin implants, on the other hand, are used by specialists to reshape, enlarge, or enhance the appearance of the chin. In surgical chin augmentation, specialists insert a plastic material into the chin and attach it to the bone.
After the procedure, the surgeons will instruct you to take oral antibiotics for two days. As soon as you feel ready, you can start eating normally. We recommend a liquid or alcohol-free diet. After each meal, rinse your mouth with water or antiseptic mouthwash. After a few days, you can remove the bandages and compression bandages and return to your daily routine. You may notice swelling, redness, or bruising that should go away after a few days.
What is the Genioplasty Procedure?
Genioplasty or chin surgery is a surgical procedure preferred by specialists to change the appearance of the chin to correct some problems in the chin area or to improve the symmetry of facial features. Although we often see it as an aesthetic surgery, specialists can sometimes use genioplasty for medical purposes. There are different types of this surgery, and surgeons choose the most appropriate one according to the patient’s condition and the purpose of the surgery.
The patient’s recovery time and the possibility of complications vary depending on many factors, such as the type of surgery and techniques. Although surgeons specializing in oral and maxillofacial surgeons usually perform this surgery, some plastic surgeons with the necessary training and experience also perform this surgery.
Genioplasty helps to treat various cosmetic or medical problems. This procedure eliminates conditions such as small or large chin, protruding chin, asymmetry of the chin edges, and abnormal chin length such as excessively long or short chin.
Specialists sometimes perform this procedure as part of another plastic surgery procedure. There are several types of genioplasty. In sliding genioplasty, surgeons usually change the bones in the chin area to correct defects such as protruding or retracting the chin. The other method is chin implants.
Specialists typically use this type of genioplasty procedure to change the shape of the chin, lengthen it, or place a graft or filler under the skin of the chin area to surround the jaw bones, making the chin more prominent and giving the chin a different appearance. However, the intensity of this pain and discomfort will gradually decrease. The doctors will recommend some medications and painkillers that you should use.
Every procedure comes with potential side effects. Although there may be slight bleeding at the surgical wound site, any bleeding that lasts more than 10 minutes and doesn’t stop despite applying some pressure may be a sign of danger. In some rare cases, the surgical wound can become infected, especially if you don’t take proper care of it. It is common to feel numbness in your lower lip shortly after the operation. In some cases, numbness may accompany the patient for several months after the operation. These are short-term side effects.
In this process, first, be comfortable choosing your doctor. Then, do plenty of research and discuss with your doctor which type of jaw surgery is right for you. Don’t go for jaw surgery without treating all your dental problems and all the aesthetic and orthodontic procedures you want to do on your teeth. Consult your doctor multiple times to determine the size of jaw surgery appropriate for your face shape. Discuss with your doctor the type of incision you want to make and where you prefer it.
Who Should Have Genioplasty Procedure?
Genioplasty, or chin surgery, is a procedure you can choose for cosmetic and medical reasons. Here are the ideal candidates for a genioplasty procedure:
Cosmetic reasons:
- People who are unhappy with the appearance of their chin: This includes those with a receding chin, an overly prominent chin, a chin that is too short or too long, or an asymmetrical chin.
- People who want to improve facial balance and harmony: You can opt for this procedure to create a more balanced and proportionate appearance by bringing the chin into better alignment with the rest of the face.
- People who aren’t self-conscious about their chin and it affects their self-esteem: If you feel insecure about your chin and it is affecting your quality of life, genioplasty can be a way to boost your self-esteem.
Medical reasons:
- People with jaw problems that affect their bite or speech: You can opt for this jaw surgery to correct an overbite, underbite, or other jaw malformations that cause functional issues.
- People with facial injuries or congenital disabilities: The surgery helps to reconstruct the jaw and chin after trauma or to correct genetic conditions.
- People with sleep apnea: In some cases, specialists can use this procedure to improve the airway and potentially help treat sleep apnea.
What are the Risks of the Genioplasty Process?
The chin is perhaps the most essential feature of the face. Because it plays a significant role in determining the type and intensity of facial expressions, a weak or collapsed chin can give you an unattractive, old, tired look. The surgery is simple, affordable, and fast. The results instantly improve self-confidence and quality of life. However, as with any surgery, chin surgery has risks we cannot ignore. That is why it is essential to do your research before undergoing surgery. So you know what to expect from the procedure. Here are the risks of the genioplasty procedure:
- Infection: Bacterial infection after surgery is a considerable risk you must be careful about. Choosing a reputable clinic and doctor for implant surgery prevents infection. Wearing clean clothes and keeping your skin clean and sterile before, during, and after the procedure is essential to reduce the risk of infection. Make sure to wash your hands often and avoid kissing or touching your face when you have an open wound. Some surgical procedures also require you to take antibiotics before and after surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
- Visible scarring: A visible scar may form when specialists use a scalpel to make an incision. This can happen if they don’t make the incision correctly or if the surgeon accidentally makes a cut in the artery and blood flows from the wound. You are more likely to develop scars if you have oily, dark, or wrinkled skin. This type of skin doesn’t heal as quickly as others.
- Implant displacement: When specialists fail to position the chin implant correctly, and it shifts from its original position, we define this as implant displacement. This can happen if surgeons don’t use the proper technique or perform the surgery without anesthesia. It can also occur if you have a congenital deformity of the jawbone or a deformity of the head or neck that makes it difficult for specialists to place the implant correctly.
- Loss of average bone density: The risk of losing normal bone density is rare. However, this can happen if you don’t adequately care for your health after chin augmentation surgery. For example, the surgery requires surgeons to shave your jawbone. This delicate procedure can damage bone health if experts don’t do it correctly.
- Abnormal results: Some patients who have had jaw surgery have complained of unnatural results. This occurs when surgeons don’t perform the surgery using an effective technique appropriate for the jaw and facial structure. For example, if you have a weak chin and your surgeon places a large implant in your chin, it will look unnatural and may attract attention. The best way to avoid strange results is to consult a surgeon who understands your needs and facial structure.
- Pain: There will always be some pain and discomfort after surgery. However, you can relieve the pain with medication. Be sure to inform your surgeon about your pain sensitivity before the procedure so that they can prescribe painkillers before and after the surgery. Also, make sure you take the medication according to the dosage recommended by the specialists. Finally, you can take painkillers regularly to reduce post-operative pain and rest in bed after the procedure. You can also stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating easily digestible snacks.
What Will You Encounter During a Genioplasty Consultation?
You can expect a thorough evaluation during the consultation to determine if the procedure is correct. Here is a typical genioplasty consultation:
Initial consultation:
- Medical history and medications: The surgeon will review your medical history, including past surgeries, current medications, and allergies.
- Reasons for wanting this procedure: Discuss your motivations for the surgery and desired outcomes. Be clear about what you hope to achieve.
- Expectations: It is essential to have realistic expectations about the potential and limitations of the surgery. The surgeon will discuss this openly and address any unrealistic expectations you may have.
Physical examination:
- Facial features: Surgeons will closely examine your facial features, including your jawline, jaw protrusion, bite, and overall facial balance.
- Jaw function and bite: Evaluation of your jaw movement, bite alignment, and any functional concerns you may have.
- Photographs: Photographs will be taken of your face from various angles for analysis and potential surgical planning.
Procedure discussion:
- Procedure options: The surgeon will discuss different genioplasty techniques to suit your specific situation and desired outcome. This may include sliding genioplasty, chin implant, or other options.
- Risks and complications: No surgery is risk-free. The surgeon will explain the potential risks and complications of genioplasty, such as infection, bleeding, numbness, and temporary nerve damage.
- Recovery: It is imperative to understand what to expect after surgery. The surgeon will outline the recovery timeline, potential limitations, and follow-up care.
Additional considerations:
- Costs and insurance: Discuss the costs associated with genioplasty, including surgeon fees, anesthesia, facility fees, and potential insurance coverage.
- Questions: Feel free to ask questions about the procedure, the recovery process, or anything else on your mind.
How Should You Prepare for Genioplasty Procedure?
This surgical procedure reshapes the jawbone to improve facial balance and proportion. If you are considering this procedure, it is essential to prepare appropriately. Here is the preparation process for the genioplasty procedure:
- Consultation with a surgeon: Schedule a consultation with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon or maxillofacial surgeon specializing in this procedure. During this consultation, discuss your goals, expectations, and concerns about the procedure.
- Medical evaluation: Your surgeon will perform a comprehensive medical evaluation to assess your overall health and suitability for surgery. Be prepared to provide your complete medical history, including previous surgeries, medications, allergies, and current health conditions.
- Understand the procedure: Educate yourself about the genioplasty procedure, including the surgical techniques involved, potential risks and complications, expected results, and the recovery process. Ask your surgeon any questions to ensure you clearly understand what to expect.
- Stop smoking: If you smoke, it is essential to quit smoking at least a few weeks before surgery and avoid smoking during the recovery period.
- Medication adjustment: Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding the medications you are currently taking. You may need to adjust or temporarily stop some medicines, such as blood thinners or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding and other complications.
- Pre-operative tests: Your surgeon may order blood tests, imaging scans, or an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess your health status and ensure you are fit for surgery.
- Arrange transportation and support: Since specialists typically perform this procedure under general anesthesia, arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and provide support during the early stages of recovery.
- Prepare your recovery area: Create a comfortable and relaxing recovery area at home before surgery. Stock up on soft foods, ice packs, prescription medications, and supplies for wound care.
- Follow pre-operative instructions: Your surgeon will give you specific pre-operative instructions to follow in the days before surgery. These may include instructions for eating and drinking, skincare, and instructions for the day of surgery.
- Mental preparation: Prepare yourself mentally for the surgery and recovery. However, staying positive and focusing on the expected results will help reduce stress.
Check out some additional tips to prepare for genioplasty surgery:
- Start taking a daily multivitamin. This will help ensure you get the nutrients you need to recover properly.
- Stock up on supplies. You must have ice packs, gauze, pain medication, and other supplies ready after surgery.
- Prepare your recovery home. Make sure your home is clean and clutter-free and that you have easy access to comfortable living and sleeping arrangements.
- Relax and reduce stress. Surgery can be stressful, so finding ways to relax and reduce stress in the weeks leading up to your procedure is essential.
- It is crucial to remember that everyone heals differently, and your recovery time may vary. You follow your surgeon’s instructions to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
How is the Genioplasty Procedure Performed?
The procedure is relatively quick and highly effective. Here are the steps of the genioplasty procedure:
- Anesthesia
Specialists typically perform this procedure under general anesthesia to ensure that the patient is comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.
- Incisions
Surgeons will make incisions inside the mouth or under the chin to access the jawbone (mandible). The incision placement depends on the specific technique the specialists will choose and the result you want. Making incisions inside the mouth avoids visible scarring. Depending on the type of genioplasty, the procedure proceeds as follows:
- Sliding genioplasty: Surgeon incision inside your mouth or under your chin. The surgeons cut and reposition the jawbone segment forward, backward, or sideways.
- Implant: They make an incision inside your mouth or under your jaw. Surgeons place a pre-shaped implant above or below the jawbone.
Once the jawbone has emerged, surgeons will use special instruments to reshape it to your desired features. This may involve removing excess bone to reduce the jaw size or adding implants or grafts to enlarge the jaw projection.
- Stabilization
After reshaping the jaw, surgeons may use small plates, screws, or wires to fix the bone in its new position and ensure stability during the healing process. These fixation devices usually have biocompatible titanium, which does not cause allergic reactions.
- Final
Once you have made the desired changes and the jawbone has stabilized, the specialists close the incisions with sutures. If the surgeons made the incisions inside the mouth, there would be no visible external scarring. They will receive instructions about post-operative care, including pain management, oral hygiene, and dietary restrictions. Swelling and bruising are joint after this procedure and typically decrease over the following weeks.
What to Consider After Genioplasty Procedure?
After undergoing genioplasty, a surgical procedure to reshape the jaw, there are a few essential things to remember during recovery. Here are some critical points to consider:
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions: Your surgeon will give you specific post-operative care instructions. It is essential to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper recovery and minimize the risk of complications.
- Pain management: It is normal to experience discomfort or pain after the procedure. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter painkillers to help manage any discomfort. Follow the prescribed dosage instructions and avoid taking drugs that may interfere with your recovery.
- Swelling and bruising: Swelling and bruising around the chin and lower face are typical after the procedure. Applying ice packs to the area can help reduce swelling and ease discomfort. Keep your head elevated while resting to reduce swelling further.
- Dietary restrictions: Your surgeon may recommend a soft or liquid diet immediately following genioplasty to prevent jaw stretching and aid healing. Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that may pressure the surgical site.
- Oral hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to prevent infection and promote healing after genioplasty. Your surgeon may recommend rinsing gently with salt water or a prescribed mouthwash to keep the surgical site clean.
- Activity restrictions: Avoid strenuous physical activity and heavy lifting for a certain period following the procedure. Your surgeon will guide you on when it is safe to resume normal activities gradually.
- Follow-up appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress and ensure you are healing correctly. Your surgeon may remove stitches or give additional care instructions during these appointments.
- Protecting the jaw: During the healing process, be cautious of activities that may pressure or traumatize the jaw area. Avoid contact sports or activities that may cause injury to the surgical site.
- Patience: Recovery after surgery takes time, and it is crucial to be patient during the healing process. You may notice some immediate changes in the appearance of your jaw, but the final results may not be evident until several weeks or months after surgery.
What is the Recovery Process After Genioplasty?
The recovery process after genioplasty varies depending on the specific type of procedure and the individual’s recovery speed:
First week
- Diet: Initially, you will probably need to stick to a soft or liquid diet as your mouth is healing, and chewing may be difficult.
- Swelling and bruising: Expect some swelling and bruising around your chin and jaw, which may peak in the first 2-3 days and gradually decrease over the next 1-2 weeks.
- Pain: Medications prescribed by your surgeon will help you manage the discomfort.
- Activity: We don’t recommend strenuous activities and heavy lifting to allow optimal healing. Sleeping with your head elevated to reduce swelling would be best.
- Oral hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent infection is vital. Use a gentle mouthwash and avoid vigorous brushing around the incision site.
Weeks 2-4:
- Diet: As your mouth heals, you can gradually introduce more solid foods.
- Swelling and bruising: Most swelling and bruising should be gone now.
- Activity: You can resume most activities progressively but avoid anything too strenuous.
- Stitches: Stitches usually dissolve independently, or your surgeon will remove them during a follow-up appointment.
Weeks 4-6:
- Recovery: Most patients experience significant improvement by this time.
- Activity: You can resume all normal activities, including exercise.
- Final results: Swelling may persist slightly, but you should know your final results well. Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon are essential to monitor your recovery and address concerns. Remember that the healing process is individual and can vary depending on various factors. Listen to your body, rest when necessary, and follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully.
How Long After Genioplasty Will You See the Final Result?
The timeline for seeing the results of genioplasty can vary from person to person. But in general, most individuals will begin to see noticeable improvements in the appearance of their chin within a few weeks to a few months after surgery. Swelling and bruising are common immediately after the procedure, and these symptoms can take several weeks to resolve completely.
While significant improvement can be observed relatively soon after surgery, it can take six months to a year for the swelling to completely subside and the final result fully apparent. During this time, the tissues around the chin area continue to settle and adapt, contributing to the last appearance. It is essential to carefully follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions and attend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure proper healing.
It is essential to remember that individual healing varies, and it can take 9 to 12 months after genioplasty for the final results to manifest fully. This is due to the body’s natural healing processes and the settling of the tissues.
Immediately after the surgery, there will be significant swelling, and it is impossible to draw definite conclusions about the final result. The most considerable swelling subsides 2-6 weeks after surgery. However, minor residual swelling may persist for another three months. 2-3 months after surgery, the first results may become evident. However, consider these as preliminary due to the ongoing healing.
Sliding genioplasty typically takes longer to show final results than chin implant procedures. More extensive procedures usually require longer recovery times. Each patient heals at their own pace, which affects the timeline. Patience is essential when undergoing genioplasty. Following your surgeon’s instructions meticulously and allowing enough time for recovery will optimize your results.
How Much Does Genioplasty Cost?
Like any surgical procedure, the cost of genioplasty can vary significantly depending on various factors, such as the surgeon’s experience and expertise, the location of the surgery, special techniques, facility fees, anesthesia fees, and any additional procedures required. It is essential to consult with a qualified surgeon to obtain a precise cost estimate tailored to your individual needs and circumstances. Furthermore, health insurance coverage for genioplasty varies depending on the insurance provider and the reasons for the surgery (e.g., cosmetic versus functional). Here are the factors that affect genioplasty prices:
- Type of procedure: The method of genioplasty you choose significantly affects the cost. Sliding genioplasty involves specialists repositioning the bone, which usually results in higher fees than chin implant placements. Additional techniques such as fat grafting or tissue manipulation further affect the price.
- The surgeon’s expertise: The surgeon’s qualifications, experience, and reputation play an important role. Well-known surgeons with an extensive portfolio often charge higher fees, reflecting their specialized knowledge and proven track record.
- Geographical location: Regional differences in surgeon fees, cost of living, and facility overheads contribute to price disparities. Expect significant cost differences between countries and even within different states or cities.
- Anesthesia and facility fees: The surgeon’s fee is only one piece of the puzzle. Anesthesia and facility use administered by a board-certified provider are subject to separate fees that can increase significantly.
- Additional procedures: Combining this with other cosmetic surgeries, such as rhinoplasty or jawline contouring, increases the total cost due to extended operative time, different expertise, and potentially more extensive facility utilization.
- The complexity of your case: The extent of bone or tissue manipulation required in your specific case directly affects the complexity of the surgery, impacting the surgeon’s time investment and, potentially, the cost.
- Post-operative care: Depending on the specifics of the procedure and your recovery process, post-operative care, such as medications or follow-up appointments, can affect the total cost.
In Which Countries is the Cheapest Genioplasty Procedure Performed?
The cost of genioplasty procedures can vary significantly depending on factors such as the country, the surgeon’s experience, hospital charges, and other related expenses. Countries with lower overall healthcare costs may offer more affordable genioplasty procedures. However, it is crucial to consider the quality of care and expertise available everywhere. It would help if you also considered travel and accommodation costs when considering medical tourism for this procedure. Always consult multiple healthcare providers and research your options thoroughly before deciding. Here are the genioplasty prices by country:
| COUNTRY | COST |
| United States | $3000 to $7000 |
| Brazil | $1500 to $4000 |
| China | $1500 to $4000 |
| Japan | $3000 to $6000 |
| South Korea | $2000 to $6000 |
| India | $1000 to $3000 |
| Argentina | $1500 to $4000 |
| Mexico | $1500 to $3000 |
| Germany | $2000 to $6000 |
| Turkey | $1000 to $3000 |
| Colombia | $1500 to $4000 |
| Italy | $2000 to $5000 |
| France | $2000 to $6000 |
| Spain | $2000 to $5000 |
| Taiwan | $1500 to $4000 |
| Venezuela | $1000 to $3000 |
| United Kingdom | $2000 to $6000 |
| Netherlands | $2000 to $5000 |
| Egypt | $1000 to $3000 |
| Peru | $1000 to $3000 |
| AVERAGE COST | $1000 to $7000 |
Attention: For Information Purposes Only
Please note that the content of this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult a specialist surgeon for personal guidance.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26579866
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12739183
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29263973
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26847515
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/genioplasty
