How Can Genioplasty Reshape Your Chin?
Chin reshaping (genioplasty) can change the shape of your chin and overall facial appearance. Chin reshaping procedures can also move your chin forward or backward.
Types of Chin Reshaping
U of U Health offers two types of chin reshaping: bone work and facial implants. Your surgeon will give you a physical exam to help you decide which procedure is best for you.
It’s important to note that your surgeon will consider your entire facial harmony when evaluating which type of chin reshaping you need. Genioplasty may give your chin the look you desire, but it could also throw off the rest of your facial proportions. Your surgeon will consider facial harmony when looking at you head-on and from the side (profile). Sometimes, surgeons actually recommend a different procedure on another part of the face to achieve the results you want.
Facial Implants
This outpatient procedure takes about one and a half to two hours and utilizes one of two types of chin implants: silicone and porous polyethylene.
Implants come in many different shapes, sizes, and configurations. Your surgeon will determine which implants you need based on your desires and your facial harmony.
Silicone implants are similar to the materials used for breast implants, but they are much smaller and denser. Once inserted into your face through an incision on the inside of the mouth or underneath the crease of your chin, your body will form a scar layer around the implant.
Porous polyethylene implants allow for in-growth of tissues. Since it's a porous material, your natural tissues will grow into it, which means it will hold position better and be less apt for infection and rejection. It's important to note that if it needs to come out due to infection or mispositioning, it's more difficult to get out than the silicone implant.
Bone Work
This outpatient procedure takes about two to two and a half hours. Your surgeon will make an incision on the inside of your mouth and cut the bones of your chin. Titanium plates and screws will hold your bones in place once your surgeon moves them into the desired position.
Bone work is a good option if you need to make a chin more prominent. It's also optimal because the body tolerates titanium well, reducing the risk of rejection that can sometimes come with an implant.
Chin Reshaping Recovery Time
Chin reshaping recovery can take anywhere between two and eight weeks, depending on your type of genioplasty.
People who get bone work usually take about six to eight weeks to fully heal and people who get implants usually take about two to four weeks to fully heal.
Twenty-Four Hours After Surgery
It’s important to plan accordingly for your first night home. Arrange to have a family member or friend who is dedicated to taking care of only you during the first 24 hours of recovery. You’ll likely feel the effects of the anesthesia and prescription pain medication after surgery, which means no driving. Some patients consider arranging for some extra help with their children, too.
First Week After Surgery
Regardless of the type of chin reshaping you get, you’ll experience swelling. You can also expect some numbness of the lower lip and teeth due to stretching during surgery. Both of these symptoms will subside in two or three weeks.
You won’t be able to participate in high-impact sports or activities for up to eight weeks if you get bone work and for up to three weeks if you get an implant.
Surgeons recommend you take at least one week off of work after your surgery, depending on what you do. If your profession involves risks of high impact, like construction or athletics, you’ll need to take at least two weeks off of work.
Qualified Plastic Surgeons
If you are considering a chin reshaping surgery, you should be able to trust your surgeon. University of Utah Health board-certified plastic surgeons are qualified beyond regular training with additional specialized experience.
To determine if chin reshaping surgery is the right decision for you, request a consultation with one of our facial plastic and reconstruction specialists.
Chin Reshaping Financing
The U of U Health team can assist you in finding financial resources to supplement chin augmentation surgery costs.
