Also known as mentoplasty or chin surgery, genioplasty is a form of cosmetic surgery that is used to alter the shape of a person’s chin. Other techniques may also be used, such as introducing an implant that makes the chin larger or reducing the size of the jawbone so the chin is smaller.
This procedure is more common among men than women. Based on a report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in 2019, 57% of these procedures are done on men.
What Genioplasty Entails
Most people who choose genioplasty do so to improve their appearance. There are two methods of reshaping the chin. The bone that supports the chin can be repositioned, or chin implants can be placed. Various implants are available in different materials, including silicone and others.
Osseous genioplasty is the most common technique; it involves modification of the skeletal structure of a person’s chin. However, there are other ways to reshape the chin, such as:
- Jumping genioplasty
- Reduction genioplasty
- Sliding genioplasty
- Widening genioplasty
A plastic surgeon performs genioplasty, often under general anesthesia. It is a popular procedure for people of all ages and genders.
Jumping Genioplasty
With this form of genioplasty, the chin bone is moved in two directions: upward and forward. A cut is made on the lower part of the jaw before that section is brought forward and upward. This results in the lower edge of the chin resting on the upper part of the lower jaw. The way the cut area moves from the lower jaw and upwards is why it is known as the jumping genioplasty.
Reduction Genioplasty
Reduction genioplasty is a procedure that removes or reduces the amount of bone at the chin. It can also be used to make the chin smaller for those who feel it is a bit too prominent. Two cuts are made parallel to each other, each the width of the chin itself. The chin can be made narrower, smaller, or moved backward. Sometimes, two or more of these things are done at once.
Sliding Genioplasty
For a misaligned chin or a retrusive chin, sliding genioplasty tends to be the best procedure. An inverted V-shaped cut is made from one canine all the way to the other side of your teeth. A saw will then be used to pull the chin bone away from the remaining parts of the jaw. This corrects the defect and creates better jaw alignment.
Widening Genioplasty
If you have a narrow chin, widening genioplasty is designed to make it wider. Horizontal and vertical cuts are made to divide the bottom of the chin into two parts. Once cut, a bone graft is used as a midline divider to widen the chin to your preferences.
Is Genioplasty Right for You?
Genioplasty tends to offer great results with soft tissue and bone stability. If you are interested in genioplasty, make sure to speak with an experienced facial plastic surgeon to learn about your options.
