Mentoplasty – Chin Surgery

Mentoplasty, also known as chin surgery, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves improving the overall appearance of the chin and face. This procedure is considered a facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, that aims to reshape and reposition the chin to achieve a desired aesthetic and proportional face.

People may consider having this surgery because they want to improve the appearance of their chin which affects their whole facial image. Larger, smaller or a misshapen chin caused by congenital facial issues or facial injuries, can be corrected with a mentoplasty surgery.

A mentoplasty, or chin surgery, can be either a chin augmentation or a chin reduction surgery, the most appropriate technique for the patient’s need is applied. For non-permanent results, an injectable filler can be used for chin augmentation, while for permanent results implants are used. In the case of chin reduction surgery, fat and tissue is removed surgically to achieve the desired size of the chin.

Why would someone need a Mentoplasty surgery?

A mentoplasty, or chin surgery, is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgery that can be considered by people that are not satisfied with their chin’s appearance. This can be due to congenital asymmetries, or an abnormal or misplaced shape of the chin caused by an accident. For some people, the appearance of their chin may affect the image of the rest of the face and having chin surgery can improve their physical facial appearance but also improve their confidence and self-esteem.

What are the types of Mentoplasty procedures?

Chin surgery is designed for those who wish to improve their facial appearance and self-esteem. There are different types of chin surgery that range from non-invasive to invasive and from non-permanent to permanent.

Chin surgery can also be done in combination with other cosmetic surgeries such as a nose job, or neck/facelift.

The types of chin surgery include: chin augmentation; with injectable fillers (fat transfer or soft tissue fillers) for non-permanent results or chin augmentation with implants or chin reduction surgery for permanent results.

What to expect from the Mentoplasty surgery?

Preparation

Before deciding to have chin surgery, the doctor will perform X-rays of the face and chin to decide what type of chin surgery is suitable. The chin will be examined to assess the size and shape to determine which part of the chin needs to be enhanced or reduced.

Depending on the type of surgery the doctor will provide the patient with information about the preparation for the surgery and instructions for the aftercare and recovery process. A certain diet and quitting smoking might be recommended depending on the type of surgery, in the case of injectable fillers those instructions may not be necessary, as the surgery is minimally invasive and is safer.

The surgeon will also perform several laboratory tests and examine the medical history of the patient to ensure that they are ready to have the surgery. Current medications will also be evaluated and one may be asked to stop or adjust these.

Chin Surgical Procedures

The chin surgeries include chin augmentation or chin reduction, these are determined by the surgeon and patient according to the patient’s case.

Chin Augmentation with Implants

Chin augmentation with implants is the most common surgery for chin enhancement. The surgeon uses implants to achieve volume and contour the chin for a stronger and enhanced chin appearance. The implants used are usually made of synthetic silicone materials, and the size and shape are determined proportionally to the patient’s facial characteristics.

This surgery involves an incision made inside the mouth (inside the lower lip) where a pocket is created. Once the incision is made, the surgeon inserts the implant and secures it in place, in front of the jawbone. The incision is then closed using sutures.

The surgery usually lasts about 45-60 minutes and it is performed under either local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia. The patient can return home the same day, as this is an outpatient procedure.

Chin Augmentation with Fillers

Chin augmentation with injectable fillers, is a non-surgical procedure that achieves chin enhancement for non-permanent results. This surgery does not involve surgical incisions and thus it is considered non-invasive.

For the fillers, hyaluronic acid or fat transfer tissue is used. In the case of hyaluronic acid filler, the doctor injects the fillers into the chin in the target areas for augmentation. In the case of fillers with fat transfer, the doctor extracts fat from the patient’s body and injects it into the chin. This technique is a day case procedure and lasts for about 20-30 minutes. This procedure is usually done under local anaesthesia.

Chin Reduction Surgery

The chin reduction surgery is considered by those who have a larger chin and want to achieve a desired size and shape that balances the rest of their facial characteristics.

In this surgery, the surgeon makes an incision inside the mouth or under the chin to remove fat tissue and excess bone to reshape and reposition the chin or contour the tip of the chin. The surgery may also involve reshaping and repositioning the chin bone (or jawbone) using a bone drill, to reduce the volume of the tip of the chin and define it. Once the surgery is done, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures.

The surgery lasts 1 to 2 hours and is usually done under general anaesthesia. The patient can return home the same day as the procedure.

Recovery and Aftercare

After a chin augmentation or chin reduction surgery, the doctor will provide the patient with information and instructions about the aftercare and the recovery process.

The instructions for the aftercare and recovery include; a liquid diet for the first few days, abstaining from smoking or consuming alcohol, and avoiding intense physical exercise. The doctor will also provide the patient with compression bandages or garments to be placed on the chin and around the head to prevent swelling, pain and to aid healing.

A few side effects such as swelling, pain and tightness of the chin may be experienced but these symptoms will last for 3 to 5 days, painkillers will be recommended to relieve discomfort.

The recovery process from mentoplasty surgery usually takes about 6 weeks and the results will be visible after this period.

What are the risks of Mentoplasty surgery?

The mentoplasty or chin surgery, as with any surgery, comes with several risks and complications that need to be considered before deciding to have this surgery.

The risks and complications of mentoplasty surgery include:

• Bleeding and infection of the incisions/stitches
• Negative reaction to anaesthesia
• Implant displacement, in case of chin augmentation with implants
• Bone absorption, in case of chin augmentation
• Pain and swelling of the face
• Scarring due to incisions
• Asymmetry of the chin – poor results
• Loss of tissue sensation – numbness of the lips or chin
• Unsatisfactory results

What is the cost of Mentoplasty surgery in the UK?

Mentoplasty surgery cost can vary from clinic to clinic depending on the quality of the clinic and plastic surgeon and the type of chin surgery performed. Typically, the price range for a mentoplasty surgery is between £2,000 and £4,000.

Mentoplasty is considered cosmetic reconstructive surgery and thus it is not available on the NHS.