Mentoplasty

What is a mentoplasty?

A mentoplasty, or genioplasty, is a surgical procedure that reshapes the chin by either augmenting or reducing it. The procedure can improve your profile by strengthening a weak-looking chin, and can reduce a chin that is too prominent. To create a good aesthetic balance, mentoplasty is often performed in conjunction with rhinoplasty (nose surgery).

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

If you want to improve the proportions of your chin or jaw, a mentoplasty will certainly help to achieve this. You can look forward to improved facial symmetry and an enhanced overall appearance of your facial features. The procedure can also rejuvenate your neck and jawline.

SOME FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS

Download

How do I plan for my mentoplasty surgery?

Before any surgery is performed, your cosmetic surgeon will want to discuss your expectations in order to establish what you would like to achieve. A mentoplasty will change the appearance of your chin and jaw, which will change the shape of your face and profile, so it’s very important that your surgeon knows exactly what your expectations are.

He or she will also examine your face and jaw, and discuss the various augmentation and implant options, explaining the procedure to you so you know all you need to in order to make an informed decision.

What is the procedure for a mentoplasty?

In a mentoplasty, the surgeon will begin by cutting along the gum of the lower lip and separating it from the chin bone.

If you are having your chin moved backward or made smaller, the surgeon will cut out a wedge of bone, then slide it into a different position, attaching screws and sometimes a metal plate to keep it in place. To lengthen a chin, the bone is repositioned, and to shorten it, a wedge of bone is removed. If your chin needs to be moved forward, the surgeon will create a “step” in the bone.

When the procedure is complete, the incision is stitched closed, and compression tape is placed on the outside of your mouth and chin for protection.

For a chin implant, the surgeon will make an incision inside your mouth or under your chin and will then insert an implant, which has been sculpted to the right shape. The implant is then attached to the bone with screws and once it is in place, the incision is stitched closed.

A non-surgical implant often involves the injection of dermal fillers, or the surgeon may use some of your own fat as a filler.

How should I prepare for a mentoplasty?

Before your surgery you may be asked to stop smoking for 2 – 4 weeks prior to the procedure. Nicotine retards the healing process, and quitting for as long as possible before surgery helps improve blood flow.

You will also have to have a blood test before surgery is performed.

You should stop taking certain medication, like aspirin and some anti-inflammatory drugs. Avoid recreational drugs, and disclose to your surgeon any other medication you’re taking, since you may need to adjust these.

Be sure to arrange for transport to and from the clinic, since you will not be able to drive yourself after the procedure.

Where will my mentoplasty surgery be performed?

The surgery will be performed in one of our fully equipped operating theatres.

What anaesthetic will be used for my mentoplasty?

A mentoplasty is usually performed under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will discuss the options with you.

How do I recover from my mentoplasty?

After your surgery, you will need to take oral antibiotics for two days. You will have stitches in your mouth, which will dissolve after about a week, and dressings and compression tape, which you can remove after 3 to 5 days, then return to your normal routine.

What can I expect after my mentoplasty?

A mentoplasty is not a particularly painful operation. You will experience some soreness in the first few days, but your medication will help ease the pain, which should only last 3 – 5 days. You will also experience some swelling and tightness in your chin, but the compression garment will help reduce the swelling.

When can I return to normal activities?

You should be able to return to normal activities within about ten days. Avoid exercising for the first ten days after the procedure, and don’t take part in any contact sports for six to eight weeks. For the first two weeks you will be advised to eat only a liquid-based or soft food diet. You’ll be fully recovered after about six weeks.

What are the risks involved in mentoplasty surgery?

With mentoplasty, like all other surgery, there is a (low) risk of post-operative infection, bleeding and swelling.

Serious complications are rare, but the risks that are specific to this procedure can include numbness in the lip and chin, asymmetry, implant displacement or, in the case of augmentation surgery, bone absorption.