Chin Surgery

If you are dissatisfied with the way you look, you might consider chin surgery to change your overall facial structure. Chin surgery is a cosmetic procedure that alters the size, shape, and appearance of your chin.

• It may involve placing an implant over the chin bone.
• It can also involve the use of liposuction under the chin and around the jawline.

Chin surgery is performed primarily as an outpatient procedure during which the patient is sedated using general or IV anesthesia. It takes about an hour to complete, and the patient can typically return home one to two hours after the surgery is finished.

Patients elect to undergo chin surgery to address cosmetic issues like a jawline that is too strong or too soft. They also may opt for this procedure to refine their neckline and achieve a more balanced profile. Chin surgery is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed in the U.S today. It is also known as genioplasty or mentoplasty.

Prior to the surgery, the patient will be sedated. Once the patient is asleep, the surgeon makes a small incision under the jaw and inside of the mouth. Depending on the type of cosmetic surgery being done, the surgeon may then either insert a silicone implant or use a liposuction device to suction away excess fat and tissue.

Once the surgery is complete, the incisions are closed using surgical skin glue or sutures. The patient’s chin and face are bandaged, and the patient is then taken to recovery to wake up from anesthesia. Once the patient is stable and capable of drinking water, he or she may be able to go home to continue recovery.

The typical recovery time for chin surgery lasts anywhere from seven to 10 days. During that time, it is important that the patient rest as much as possible and sleep with his or her head elevated to prevent swelling. It is not uncommon for patients to experience pain, bruising, and tenderness in their faces. They can use over-the-counter pain relievers for relief.

During the recovery period, patients also may not be able to talk, yawn, or chew solid foods. In fact, their surgeon may tell them to eat a soft or liquid diet for the first 10 days after the surgery. After the swelling, bruising, and pain dissipate, patients may resume eating their normal diet. They can also return to school or work after seven days of recuperating at home.