Chin Liposuction (Genioplasty)
What is Chin Liposuction?
Chin liposuction (also known as genioplasty) is a surgical procedure which improves the shape and/or positioning of your chin. The surgery is predominantly performed by maxillofacial surgeons (mouth and jaw surgeons) but can also be performed by plastic surgeons.
What does Chin Liposuction Involve?
Genioplasty procedures are carried out from inside your mouth, meaning that there will be no visible scarring. A small incision is made through your gum on the inside of your lower lip, this allows access to your lower jaw bone and chin. Your chin is then cut and a small break is made to allow your surgeon to gently manoeuvre it into its new position.
Once your surgeon has successfully moved your chin into its new position, it will be held in place with small metal plates and screws. Your gum where your incision was made is then stitched back into place with dissolvable stitches. These will naturally fall out within after a few weeks.
Genioplasty takes place under general anaesthetic and is commonly combined with other corrective surgery on the jaw, neck or face (these options can be discussed with your surgeon during your consultation).
What are the Benefits of Chin Liposuction?
Genioplasty is predominantly viewed as cosmetic surgery as the benefits are entirely aesthetic. Genioplasty is used to help transform the appearance of a patient’s chin, jaw or jawline in order to improve the symmetry and proportions of the face. It is not uncommon for this type of procedure to be partnered with rhinoplasty, as changing the shape of your chin or jaw may impact the perceived appearance of your nose. However, this is entirely subjective and rhinoplasty is not compulsory.
In some cases, genioplasty may also be combined with mentoplasty, a surgical procedure which involves altering the jaw’s bone structure. Mentoplasty can be used for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes, depending on your requirements. Alternatively, if you’re looking to add projection to your chin, your surgeon may suggest silicone implants. Conversely, you can also reduce the size of your chin by removing bone.
Reconstructive chin surgery: If you’re considering surgery on your chin to help with chewing, speech or comfort, this will need to be discussed with your surgeon during your consultation. These operations are deemed as reconstructive as opposed to cosmetic and range in complexity depending on the patient’s individual needs.
For more information, we would be delighted if you wanted to arrange a consultation with us. You can call the Helpline for free and professional advice.
This article was written by The McIndoe Centre, in collaboration with Paul Banwell BSc MB BS FRCS (Eng) FRCS (Plast) Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. All information, advice and procedures were updated on 17th September 2019.