Genioplasty / Chin Surgery

Genioplasty, commonly called chin surgery, is an invasive procedure to alter the chin and improve facial harmony. Typically, it is conducted by a trained and experienced cosmetic surgeon or plastic reconstructive surgeon. However, oral-maxillofacial surgeons holding special training and experience in performing head, face, jaw, and mouth surgeries can also do genioplasty.

Types of Genioplasty

1. Sliding Genioplasty
Sliding Genioplasty, also known as osseous genioplasty, is a type of chin surgery wherein the chin bone is cut from the rest of the jaw with the help of a surgical saw and repositioned by sliding either forward or backward to correct a chin deficiency (protruding or receding chin). Once this is done, the surgeon reattaches the repositioned chin bone to the jaw with surgical screws.

This surgery is recommended for people whose chin is severely receded i.e. far too back in relation to the remaining face or protruded i.e. far too forward than the rest of the face and is too long. Surgeons may also perform this surgery for the correction of asymmetrical chins by reshaping or sliding one side of the chin to match the other side.

2. Chin Augmentation Surgery with Implants
Chin implant augmentation is another invasive procedure to elongate, reshape, or enhance one’s chin by placing alloplastic/synthetic implants (such as silicone, Teflon, and medpor/plastic with pores chin implants) around the existing chin bone.

To know more about chin surgery in India one can visit Designer Bodyz.

Indications for Genioplasty

A receding chin (Retrogenia). When the chin is set back with little space left between the neck and tip of the chin.
A chin that seems to be too small or big and out of proportion to other facial features, making the nose appear too long and creating a double chin appearance.
A deviated chin - a chin that is too short or too high.
A canted (protruding) chin - influenced by the forward positioning of the lower jaw or bony chin.
Misaligned or asymmetrical chins.
Extending or overly large chins.
Problem with the upper airways.
Abnormal dental bite.

Chin surgery may be considered for aesthetic purposes or as a reconstructive operation after chin trauma/injury.

Prerequisites for Genioplasty

Do not smoke for at least 8 days beforehand and even thereafter to promote quick and better healing.
Suspend any sports activities and exercises with risk of trauma/injury for at least 3 weeks.
Avoid intake of any blood-thinning medications such as NSAIDs or health supplements that could impair healing.
Prepare for someone to drive home and take care of you during the first few days of the recovery.

The Procedure of Chin Surgery

Prior to the surgery, the candidate is typically made to fall asleep by providing general anesthesia to ensure no pain or discomfort throughout the surgery. The operation and recovery times vary for each patient, depending upon the type of genioplasty the candidate is undergoing and the extent of chin corrections carried out by the surgeon.

1. For Sliding Genioplasty
To start with, the surgeon first pulls down the lower lip and makes a gum incision of the lower lip at the bottom teeth. Next, the soft tissues are separated from the chin bone. Using a surgical saw, a small vertical cut is made in the chin for reference, to ensure that the chin bone remains straight when it's moved. The surgeon then makes a horizontal incision along the chin bone. If the chin is to be moved backward or made smaller, a wedge of bone is also cut out. Next, the bone is moved backward or forward and secured in place with screws or a metal plate. To achieve a longer chin, the chin bone is reattached keeping a gap between the chin and the rest of the jaw. This gap is eventually filled by the natural growth of the chin bone. For creating a shorter chin, the wedge bone is removed and the chin is reattached to the rest of the jaw. If moving the chin forward, the surgery may help create a “step” in the bone. Lastly, the incision is stitched closed and protected during healing with compression tape which is placed on the outside of the mouth and the chin.

2. For Chin Implant Surgery
The procedure involves making incisions in the lower lip or under the chin, placing the chin implant over the chin bone, and securing the implant with the chin bone using sutures or surgical screws. Before insertion, the surgeon sculpts the chin implant to the right size and shape. This surgery may take anywhere between 30 minutes to 3 hours.

Following the surgery, the candidate can expect some soreness, swelling, and bruising for a few days. The recovery can be expected within a week or two. At that time, the candidate can start adjusting to the new appearance.

Post-surgical care/Post-treatment instructions for Genioplasty

Apply ice packs or cold compresses to the chin to reduce any discomfort or swelling.
Sleep upright for the first few days to alleviate the swelling.
Stick to a softer or liquid diet for a couple of days and gradually start having regular foods when the chin heals. Take it easy and do not chew much hard, sticky, or chewy foods.
Take medications prescribed by the doctor until the end of the recovery period or otherwise stated by the surgeon.
Visit the surgeon’s clinic or hospital after 5-8 days to remove wound dressings and compression tape and return to the daily routine.
Do not exercise or do any vigorous physical activities for at least the first 10 days after the surgery.
Avoid participation in any contact sports for 6-8 weeks.

Frequently Asked Question

What are the side effects/risks associated with genioplasty?

The post-operative, transitory side effects that may occur include:

Slight bleeding.
Pain.
Little swelling in the lower face.
A little difficulty in the opening of the mouth.

Can I get definitive results from Genioplasty?

The chin defects are permanently corrected by Genioplasty. Initially, the noticeable changes in the chin appearance can be seen after 10 days. The final desired appearance of the chin can be appreciated by the candidate approximately 2 months following the procedure. This recovery period typically corresponds to the complete resorption of the edema.

How long do the results of genioplasty last?

The longevity of the results depends upon the type of genioplasty performed and how drastic changes are made in the chin appearance. Generally, osseous genioplasty is a better long-term option and is more predictable than the chin implants that come with the risk of infection and shifting.

Why Choose Designer Bodyz & Dr. Parag Telang?

When choosing the best surgeon for chin surgery in India, it is important to check his qualifications. Dr. Parag Telang specializes in all kinds of aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery procedures.
He has several years of experience and has been serving patients from across the globe.
His deep understanding of human anatomy ensures safe surgical experience and pleasant results for all his patients.
He is a reputed cosmetic surgeon in India practicing at Designer Bodyz, and he makes sure to follow the highest standards for safety as well as hygiene.
It is really important that a skilled surgeon like Dr. Parag Telang performs such surgeries so that there are no unwanted complications. He understands the needs and expectations of the patient as well as the anatomy of the face and plans the treatment accordingly.