Guide to Chin Surgery (Mentoplasty)

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About
Benefits
Who is a Candidate
Anesthesia
Procedure
Risks
Recovery
Outlook
Next Steps

Reviewed by the physicians of Columbia’s Plastic Surgery Team, July 2026

Chin surgery, or mentoplasty, is a procedure that reshapes or repositions the chin to improve facial balance and profile. The surgery may involve placing a chin implant to enhance projection or repositioning the chin bone.

Mentoplasty can enhance facial harmony by bringing the chin into better proportion with the nose, lips, and jawline.

Key Info

  • Mentoplasty reshapes or repositions the chin for cosmetic facial balance or to correct structural issues.
  • The procedure may involve chin implants or bone repositioning (genioplasty).
  • Chin surgery is often combined with rhinoplasty or jaw surgery.

What Is Mentoplasty?

Mentoplasty refers to procedures that alter the shape, size, or position of the chin.

The two main approaches are:

  • Chin Implant Surgery – A synthetic implant (often silicone) is placed over the chin bone to increase projection and improve contour.
     
  • Sliding Genioplasty – the surgeon cuts the chin bone and moves it forward, backward, or vertically before securing it with small plates and screws.
    • Sliding genioplasty allows more dramatic structural changes than implants and can correct more complex deformities.

What Are the Benefits?

Chin surgery can provide:

  • Improved facial balance and symmetry
  • A stronger jawline and profile
  • Enhanced definition of the chin and neck
  • Long-lasting or permanent results
  • Increased confidence and satisfaction with appearance

Because the chin plays a major role in facial proportions, even small changes can significantly improve facial harmony.

Who Is a Candidate for Chin Surgery?

You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Have a recessed or small chin
  • Have a facial imbalance between the nose, lips, and chin
  • Are in good overall health
  • Have realistic expectations about results
  • Have completed facial growth (usually late teens or adulthood)

Patients with jaw alignment problems may require evaluation by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

What Type of Anesthesia Is Used?

Mentoplasty may be performed using:

  • Local anesthesia with sedation
  • General anesthesia

The choice depends on the procedure's complexity and the patient's preference.

How Is Chin Surgery Performed?

Chin Implant Procedure

Typical steps include:

  • An incision is made either inside the mouth or beneath the chin.
  • A pocket is created in front of the chin bone.
  • The implant is carefully inserted and positioned.
  • The incision is closed with sutures.

The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes.

Sliding Genioplasty Procedure

Steps include:

  • An incision is made inside the mouth.
  • The chin bone is carefully cut.
  • The bone segment is repositioned forward, backward, or vertically.
  • Small plates and screws secure the bone in its new position.
  • The incision is closed.

This procedure typically takes 1–2 hours. Chin surgery is often performed with other procedures, such as rhinoplasty or jaw surgery, which will add to the overall time in surgery.

What Are the Risks?

Although chin surgery is generally safe, possible risks include:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Swelling or bruising
  • Numbness in the lower lip or chin
  • Implant movement (for implant procedures)
  • Asymmetry
  • Rare need for revision surgery

Choosing an experienced surgeon reduces these risks.

What Is Recovery Like?

Recovery typically includes:

  • Swelling and bruising for the first week
  • A soft diet for several days (especially for intraoral incisions)
  • Wearing a supportive chin dressing or bandage initially
  • Avoiding strenuous activity for several weeks

Most patients return to work or school within 5–10 days.

Is Chin Surgery Painful?

Patients usually experience mild to moderate discomfort during recovery. Pain is generally well controlled with prescribed medications and improves within several days.

How Long Does Full Recovery Take?

  • Initial recovery takes 1–2 weeks
  • Swelling gradually improves over 4–6 weeks
  • Final results are often visible in 3-6 months

Bone healing for sliding genioplasty continues for several months.

Will There Be Scarring?

In most cases, the incision is made inside the mouth, leaving no visible external scar. If an incision is placed under the chin, the resulting scar is usually small and fades over time.

What Is the Outlook?

Chin surgery can significantly improve facial balance and profile. When performed by experienced surgeons, mentoplasty provides long-lasting and natural-looking results.

Many patients report increased confidence and satisfaction with their facial appearance after the procedure.

Next Steps

If you are considering a cosmetic procedure, our team is here to help. Call us at (212) 305-3103 or request an appointment online.
 

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