Chin Surgery
Chin augmentation is a facial plastic surgery procedure designed to reshape or refine the chin to achieve more balanced facial proportions. It can help provide greater harmony to the facial profile by extending or reducing the chin in relation to the rest of the face, thereby improving facial harmony. Patients who have a relatively normal dental bite but seek enlargement, reduction, or modification of the shape of their chin are typically the best candidates for chin surgery.
Unlike many other types of cosmetic surgery, chin surgery — whether accomplished by moving your existing bone (sliding genioplasty) or by inserting a chin implant — is typically associated with a relatively short downtime. Patients often report mild pain and discomfort and can return to work in only a few days. Contact Gryskiewicz Twin Cities Cosmetic Surgery® today to learn more about aesthetic chin surgery.
- Chin Surgery Benefits
- Types of Chin Surgery
- Chin Surgery Candidates
- Chin Surgery Recovery
- Chin Surgery Risks
What Can Chin Surgery Achieve?
The chin plays a central role in facial balance, meaning even subtle changes can create a powerful and noticeable improvement in overall appearance. Whether a patient feels their chin is too small, recessed, or lacking definition, aesthetic chin surgery can provide a stronger profile, a more youthful look, and improved self-confidence. Benefits often include:
- Enhanced proportion and facial balance
- Greater harmony between the chin, nose, and cheeks
- Improved facial profile from the front and sides
- Sharper, more defined jawline
Types of Chin Surgery
The two main types of chin surgery offered at Gryskiewicz Twin Cities Cosmetic Surgery® are chin implants and sliding genioplasties. The choice between the two techniques depends on many variables including your unique goals, overall health, and personal surgical preferences. A personalized approach helps ensure each patient receives the best approach for their specific concerns.
Sliding Genioplasty
Sliding genioplasty, also known as osseous genioplasty, is a more advanced surgical procedure in which Dr. Luck carefully repositions the chin bone. A sliding genioplasty offers more customization than chin surgery with an implant. Using precise maneuvers through incisions hidden inside the mouth, Dr. Luck can narrow, widen, lengthen, shorten, and even reshape the chin entirely. The repositioned chin bone is then secured in place with small plates and screws. Because surgery is performed through an internal incision, patients have no visible scars. Dr. Luck is one of the only plastic surgeons in the Twin Cities region that performs sliding genioplasties.
Chin Implant
Chin implant surgery involves placing a specially designed implant over the existing chin bone to enhance projection and definition. These implants come in a variety of sizes and shapes, allowing our surgeons to customize the result for each patient’s unique anatomy and goals. Patients can also opt for a fully customized, 3D-printed chin implant that precisely attaches to their chin bone. Chin implant surgery is relatively straightforward, with most patients experiencing a smooth recovery and permanent improvement. Unlike sliding genioplasties, chin implant surgery can often be performed comfortably in our office under light sedation. Immediate results can be seen after just a one hour procedure without the need for a trip to the operating room. Chin implants can be placed through a small incision made under the chin in a natural crease, or can be placed through a hidden incision inside the mouth.
Who is a Good Candidate for Chin Surgery?
A consultation is necessary to confirm whether you would benefit from chin surgery, but in general, chin surgery from a well-qualified plastic surgeon is ideal for those who:
- Feel their chin is too small or weak compared to their other facial features
- Feel their chin is too long or protrudes too far
- Believe their facial profile is unbalanced or disproportionate
- Are healthy with no unmanaged medical conditions
- Are non-smokers
In some cases, chin surgery is performed in combination with other procedures, such as a neck lift or neck liposuction, to optimize your results. A chin implant is performed alongside rhinoplasty perhaps 10 percent of the time because a recessive chin often accentuates a large nose. If facial balance is established, a proportional chin can automatically give the illusion of a smaller nose.
What is Recovery From Chin Surgery Like?
Soreness and discomfort—which are easily controlled by pain medication—will occur after surgery. Patients who opt for a chin implant are usually up and around the same day and may go back to work and normal activities within a day or two if they do not object to wearing the chin strap in public. Patients who opt for a sliding genioplasty can expect to take about a week off of work and will experience slightly more swelling and bruising.
What are the Risks of Chin Surgery?
Risks include infection, bone resorption, chin and/or lower lip numbness, asymmetry, implant malposition, and bleeding. While every surgical procedure carries some degree of risk, the likelihood of complications with chin surgery is greatly reduced when performed by a highly skilled plastic surgeon. Our experienced aesthetic surgeons have both the technical expertise to place implants securely or reposition the bone precisely, as well as the artistic judgment to create results that look natural and harmonious with the rest of the face. Careful surgical planning, advanced techniques, and strict adherence to safety protocols all play a role in minimizing risks. This high standard of safety and care ensures patients achieve beautiful, balanced outcomes while prioritizing health and safety. By selecting the right surgeon, patients can feel confident that their chin surgery will be performed with both precision and attention to detail.
Please call or text our office to schedule your consultation today.