Plastic surgery restores form and function through reconstructive procedures, cosmetic enhancements, and body contouring.
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Chin surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia or deep IV sedation (twilight). The choice depends on the complexity of the procedure (implant vs. bone movement) and patient preference. General anesthesia protects the airway, a crucial factor in intraoral procedures.
The anesthesiologist monitors vital signs continuously. Local anesthesia is also injected into the chin area to provide numbness that lasts for hours after the patient wakes up, reducing immediate post op pain.
The surgeon makes an incision inside the mouth, usually in the vestibule (the groove between the lower lip and gum). This creates a “degloving” exposure, where the soft tissue is lifted off the chin bone.
This approach provides excellent visibility of the mental nerve and the bony symphysis without leaving any external scars on the face.
For bone movement, the surgeon marks the bone cut line. Using a reciprocating or oscillating saw, the bone is cut horizontally. The cut is placed well below the tooth roots to prevent damage.
The mobilized bone segment is then grasped and moved to the pre-determined position (forward, down, up, etc.). This physical translocation of the bone is the core of the procedure.
Once the bone is in the correct position, it is secured using titanium plates and screws. These are pre-bent or bent intraoperatively to fit the step off in the bone.
The fixation must be rigid to allow for immediate healing and to withstand the muscular forces of the chin. The hardware is low profile and typically imperceptible.
For implants, a subperiosteal pocket is created. This pocket must be precise—just large enough to fit the implant. A pocket that is too large allows the implant to migrate.
The implant is inserted and positioned. Some surgeons secure the implant with a screw to the bone or sutures to the periosteum to guarantee stability.
The mentalis muscle, which was detached to access the bone, must be carefully re-sutured. Failure to reattach this muscle correctly can lead to a droopy chin (chin ptosis).
The mucosa is then closed with absorbable sutures. These stitches dissolve on their own and do not need to be removed.
The mentalis muscle, which was detached to access the bone, must be carefully re-sutured. Failure to reattach this muscle correctly can lead to a droopy chin (chin ptosis).
The mucosa is then closed with absorbable sutures. These stitches dissolve on their own and do not need to be removed.
The mentalis muscle, which was detached to access the bone, must be carefully re-sutured. Failure to reattach this muscle correctly can lead to a droopy chin (chin ptosis).
The mucosa is then closed with absorbable sutures. These stitches dissolve on their own and do not need to be removed.
The patient is moved to the recovery room. Ice packs are applied immediately to minimize swelling. A compression dressing (chin strap or tape) is placed to support the tissues.
Patients are monitored until they are alert and stable. Most genioplasty procedures are outpatient, meaning the patient goes home the same day once the anesthesia wears off.
Pain is usually moderate. The local anesthetic injected during surgery provides relief for the first few hours. Afterward, oral pain medication (narcotics or potent anti-inflammatories) is used for a few days.
Most patients transition to Tylenol within a week. The chin will feel tight and bruised, but severe pain is uncommon.
Swelling is significant and expected. It peaks around day 3 or 4. The chin will initially look boxy and undefined. Bruising may appear on the chin and drift down into the neck due to gravity.
Keeping the head elevated (sleeping on 2-3 pillows) is critical to help drain the fluid. The majority of visible swelling subsides in 2 weeks, but subtle swelling persists for months.
A soft diet is required for 1 to 2 weeks to protect the intraoral incision and reduce muscle movement. Patients should eat foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, eggs, and smoothies.
Hard, crunchy, or spicy foods must be avoided. Straws should also be avoided as the suction can put stress on the incision.
Keeping the mouth clean prevents infection. Patients are instructed to rinse with salt water or a prescription mouthwash after every meal.
Teeth brushing should be done gently, avoiding the incision line in the lower vestibule. Water picks should not be used until fully healed.
Numbness of the lower lip and chin is widespread after surgery due to traction on the mental nerve. This creates a “dental block” sensation.
Sensation typically returns gradually over weeks to months. Patients may feel tingling or itching as the nerves wake up. Permanent numbness is a rare risk.
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Yes, you can speak immediately, but you may sound a bit mumbled due to the swelling and numbness in your lower lip. It is best to rest your voice as much as possible for the first few days.
You can start light walking the day after surgery. You should avoid heavy lifting, running, or strenuous gym workouts for at least 3 to 4 weeks to prevent increased swelling or bleeding.
If the pocket was made correctly and/or the implant was secured with a screw, it should not move. A capsule forms around it to hold it in place. Avoiding trauma to the chin in the early weeks is essential for stability.
If it happens once, it likely won’t ruin the surgery, but it might cause pain or minor bleeding. If you consistently chew hard foods too early, you risk opening the incision or displacing the muscle repair. Stick to the soft diet.
Signs of infection include increasing redness, a hot-to-the-touch incision, fever, a foul taste in the mouth, or pus draining from the incision. If you experience these, contact your surgeon immediately.
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