Chin Surgery-Mentoplasty

A weak chin can make a normal nose appear large and an already prominent nose seem even larger. It may also give the appearance of a 'fleshy' neck. On the other hand a too prominent chin may give the appearance of having too small of a nose. The end result should be a balanced relationship between the structure of the face.

Chin surgery, also known as mentoplasty, is a surgical procedure to reshape the chin either by enhancement with an implant or reduction surgery on the bone. Many times a plastic surgeon may recommend chin surgery to a patient having nose surgery in order to achieve facial proportion, as the size of the chin may magnify or minimize the perceived size of the nose. Chin surgery helps provide a harmonious balance to your facial features so that you feel better about the way you look.

Length:	30 minutes to 2 hours.
Anesthesia:	Local with sedation, or general.
In/Outpatient:	Usually outpatient. Occasionally overnight hospital stay.
Side Effects:	Temporary discomfort, swelling, bruising, numbness and/or stiffness. In jaw surgery, inability to open mouth fully for a week.
Risks:	Shifting or imprecise positioning of implant, or infection around it, requiring a second operation or removal. Excess tightening and hardening of scar tissue around an artificial implant ("capsular contracture"), causing unnatural shape.
Recovery:	Back to work: about 1 week. Normal appearance: 2 to 4 weeks. Activity that could jar or bump face: 6 weeks.
Duration of Results:	Permanent.