Mentoplasty (chin surgery)

Chin surgery (sometimes called mentoplasty) reshapes the chin to improve the patient’s profile.  Often performed in combination with a nose job, chin surgery begins by putting the patient under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision either in the mouth or under the chin.  If liposuction of a double chin is necessary, the incision is under the chin for easier accessibility throughout the entire procedure.

If the patient’s chin is too weak, the surgeon inserts a gortex or silicone implant in front of the patient’s mandible and presses it into the chin’s soft tissue to alter the contour.  The surgeon then fixes the implant in place with a suture or places it beneath the jawbone’s fibrous protective layer.  Although the results are immediately apparent, they are completely visible about 6 to 8 weeks after the chin surgery.  If the patient’s chin is too strong, then the surgeon removes part of the bone to reshape the chin.  The surgeon finally closes the incision with sutures, which are barely visible under the chin and not at all visible from within the mouth.  The surgeon will apply a dressing that remains in place for 2-4 days.

Patients may experience a “tight” sensation around the area of the implant, which lasts for approximately one week.  The swelling of the chin, however, could take up to six weeks to reduce.  Following mentoplasty, patients are restricted to liquids and soft foods minimize chewing.  They can resume normal activity within approximately 10 days but should avoid vigorous activity for a few weeks.