Genioplasty (Chin Augmentation)

What is a genioplasty?

A genioplasty, or chin augmentation, is a type of chin surgery to enhance the size or shape of your chin. It helps your chin appear balanced with your other facial features. You might want a genioplasty to make your chin larger or more defined. The procedure can also reposition your chin if it’s recessed (too far back), protruding (too far forward) or misaligned.

While most people get a genioplasty for cosmetic reasons, some need the procedure to reconstruct their chin. Reconstructive surgery might be necessary if you have:

• A birth defect (congenital condition).
• A traumatic chin injury.
• Surgery to remove a tumor in the lower part of your face.

Different types of genioplasty

There are two types of genioplasty:

• Chin implants: A chin implant makes a small chin bigger or gives it more definition. Most chin implants are made from a flexible piece of silicone. 
• Sliding genioplasty: A sliding genioplasty repositions your chin bone by moving it forward, backward or sideways. 

Who is a candidate for genioplasty?

The best candidates for chin augmentation are people who:

• Don’t smoke and are physically healthy. 
• Have normal jaw and tooth alignment (bite).
• Have reached full skeletal maturity, so their bones have stopped growing.
• Have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure.

How should I prepare for genioplasty?

Your healthcare provider will give you instructions on how to prepare for a genioplasty. They may do bloodwork or other tests to be sure this surgery is safe for you. Your provider may also perform imaging exams, such as X-rays, to examine your chin bone and plan your surgery. They might also take photographs of your chin and jawline before and after your surgery.

Before surgery, you may need to stop taking certain medications. Tell your provider if you take aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, herbal supplements or anticoagulants (blood thinners). If you smoke, you should quit smoking several weeks before the procedure.

What happens during the procedure?

Your surgery will vary depending on whether you get a chin implant or a sliding genioplasty. For either procedure, you receive some form of anesthesia. Most people get general anesthesia, but sometimes, your provider may recommend local anesthesia or sedation.

Both types of genioplasty require an incision (cut). In genioplasty, your surgeon makes an incision inside your mouth. For a chin implant, your surgeon can make the incision inside your mouth or hide it under your chin.

During chin implant surgery, your surgeon inserts the silicone implant. They’ll will make sure the implant is centered and properly aligned.

During a sliding genioplasty, your surgeon cuts part of your chin bone. They reposition the bone forward, backward or sideways to achieve the right chin shape. Your surgeon then secures the bone in place with plates and screws.

When they’re done, your surgeon closes the incision with dissolvable stitches. Sometimes, they put a bandage or wrap on your face to support your chin and reduce swelling. They may give you a dose of intravenous (through a vein in your arm) antibiotics to prevent infection.

What happens after a genioplasty?

Most people can go home the same day as their genioplasty. Your care team will watch you for a few hours as you recover. You’ll receive specific instructions about how to care for your incision once you get home. 

Try not to touch or irritate your incision or stitches. Rinse your mouth out regularly to keep it clean. Your provider may give you a special oral rinse to prevent infection. Stick to liquids or very soft foods for a few days after your surgery. You can start eating a regular diet once your provider tells you it’s safe.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

A chin augmentation can:

• Add definition and contour to your lower face.
• Enhance the size of a small chin.
• Give a more symmetrical look to your face, jawline and side profile.
• Realign a recessed, protruding or crooked chin.

What are the risks or complications of this procedure?

Although rare, a genioplasty may cause:

• Bleeding.
• Bruising.
• Complications from anesthesia.
• Infection.
• Pain.
• Poor wound healing.
• Issues with the chin implant or hardware.
• Scarring.
• Tingling or numbness in your lower lip or chin. 

What can I expect after chin augmentation?

It’s important to take it easy after chin augmentation surgery. Avoid heavy lifting, bending or strenuous activity for at least a week. Depending on your job, you may need to stay home from work for a few days or weeks.

It’s normal to have some swelling and bruising for a few weeks after your procedure. If your chin hurts, your provider may recommend pain relievers. Cold compresses can relieve discomfort and swelling as your incision heals. Try to sleep with your head elevated above your heart, which can further reduce swelling in your face.

When should I see my healthcare provider after a genioplasty?

Contact your healthcare provider if you have:

• Breathing problems such as shortness of breath (dyspnea).
• Chest pain.
• Fever, chills or other flu-like symptoms.
• Prolonged numbness in your chin, lips or anywhere on your face.
• Signs of infection, like pus or drainage coming from the incision.
• Swelling or pain that lasts longer than a few weeks.
• Unusual pulse or heart rate.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Our faces say a lot about us. They often reveal when we’ve had a bad night’s sleep, or if we’re feeling happy or sad, confident or shy. If you don’t like how your chin looks, you might spend a lot of time hiding it. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Talk with your healthcare provider about your feelings. They can steer you toward the right therapies for you, whether it’s genioplasty or something else.