Genioplasty (chin augmentation surgery)

Genioplasty is divided into two categories

Α. Typical genioplasty

Genioplasty, or chin surgery, is a surgical procedure for the reshaping of the chin, either with augmentation, placement of implant, or reduction. On many occasions, the plastic surgeon may recommend the combination of genioplasty and rhinoplasty (nose surgery) in order to achieve a harmonious face because the size of the chin may later affect how our nose looks (profiloplasty).

Genioplasty may deliver a more harmonious result on the face, either combined or not combined with Rhinoplasty. Your plastic surgeon will help you decide on the surgery. Our medical practice is equipped with a special computer imaging software to help you visualize your postoperative image prior to the surgery.

The steps followed in the procedure are those of Rhinoplasty, as both profile parts are analyzed together. After examining the occlusion, a key factor in determining the technique to be applied, we recommend the procedure that should be followed to the candidate, male or female.

A small chin is repaired with an implant, whereas a large chin or a bad occlusion requires cephalometric evaluation and possibly orthognathic surgery. In any case, what’s really important when visiting the plastic surgeon is to first analyze the profile and then proceed with advice. It should be emphasized that a plastic surgeon may advise on the case, but the final decision is reached by the patient. During the consultation, the plastic surgeon discusses with the patient and analyzes all parameters to be taken into consideration.

How to choose the right chin implant size

At our office, we have the ability to try several sizers (testing implants), take a photo of the patient, and analyze the chin implant size applicable to his/her case. Sizers can help both surgeons and patients co-decide on the right size. The simulation program combined with the sizers help us plan the surgery in our office. See the chin implant sizes below:

Chin Sizers

small-medium-large-extralarge

A genioplasty lasts from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the problem. The incision is performed inside the mouth and so external incisions are avoided. When only genioplasty is performed, the anesthesia is local with sedation. When genioplasty and rhinoplasty are combined, anesthesia is general.

Genioplasty requires only a few hours of hospitalization, but when it is combined with rhinoplasty, the patient is hospitaized overnight.

Following genioplasty, a special bandage is placed for 48 hours.

Typically, the patient feels a slight discomfort, which usually remits with common analgesics, a light numbness and local swelling. Buccal stitches are removed 6-7 days after the surgery. In the meantime, the operated patient must eat soft food and wash their mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash for 10 days.

6 days later, the patient can resume his/her professional activities. The result is immediate but the final form of genioplasty is noticeable within 4-6 weeks.

Β. Reduction of mental groove depth with implant

Our chin is made of several tissues composing a soft, ball-like region which covers the bone part of the chin. On the top of this ‘ball’, there is a horizontal groove separating the lower lip from the chin, and is located on the upper 2/3 of the chin. This is what a natural chin looks in most people. This line, or groove, originates in the adhesion of the jaw muscles coming from the top and ends (adheres) under the skin below the lower lip, to form a 130o angle

It resembles nasomalar groove which changes with aging and deepens, whereas the labiomental crease remains stable over the years. When lower teeth project more than the upper ones (underbite-class III malocclusion), this groove becomes flat or is not present at all. It is due to heredity factors. The labiomental crease is not a common cosmetic surgery problem, however, many want to improve its depth and so they turn to traditional genioplasty (chin surgery) which either does not solve the problem by itself or makes things worse.

Non surgical and surgical management

The most common deep labiomental crease augmentation surgery is performed with injectable materials and fat transfer, but with short-term results.

Surgical techniques are divided into:

Plain surgical correction with straight silicone implant, and
Orhognathic techniques following cephalometric analysis and orthodontic assessment to provide comprehensive solution to the problems, in case malocclusion grade II co-exists.

Many patients do not wish a complex surgical solution and opt for the silicone graft method.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Two 1 mm, practically invisible, incisions are performed to release the jaw muscle and reduce the depth of the groove. The space created hosts the Soft silicone tube-shaped implants (Permalip) under the skin. Implant sizes depend on the problem.

Typically, an implant measuring 5 mm in diameter and 35 mm in length would suffice.

The two small incisions are sutured and gradually disappear. No postoperative bruising occurs, and the operated patient, male or female, is really pleased with the results.