Site Map

Chin augmentation - series

Chin augmentation - series

Normal anatomy

The mandible, or lower jaw, determines much of the facial profile and the alignment of the upper and lower teeth. The teeth must be properly aligned for a normal dental bite.


Indications

Indications

The best candidates for chin augmentation or genioplasty are patients with weak or receding chins (microgenia), but with a normal dental bite. Expectations of looking and feeling better after surgery should be discussed with the plastic surgeon before any surgery, keeping in mind that the desired result is improvement, not perfection.

The facial profile can be balanced by extending the chin in relationship to the nose. Reconstructive genioplasty to correct bite dysfunction can be performed in conjunction with jaw surgery. Thousands of genioplasties are performed successfully each year.

Surgery may be performed in the surgeon's office-based facility, a hospital, or an outpatient facility.


Incision

Incision

One surgical approach is to make an incision inside the mouth along the inferior sulcus (a landmark inside the jaw) to gain access to the chin bone. There is no incision made on the skin.


Procedure

Procedure

A horizontal cut (called an osteotomy) is made through the jaw bone (mandible) with a bone saw or chisel. The lower portion of the separated bone is moved forward to the desired position and wired in place. The neurological nerves are carefully protected. The incision is closed with sutures and an external pressure dressing is applied. There is no visible scarring since the surgery is performed through an incision inside the mouth.


Aftercare

Aftercare

There is some discomfort and soreness, which is easily controlled by medication. A liquid diet may be advised for a day or two. Light activity can resume the same day as surgery. Return to work and usual activity is allowed within 7 to 10 days. Within a week of surgery, the external dressing is usually removed.


Related Information

Chin augmentation
BACK TO TOP

Review Date: 3/2/2023  

Reviewed By: Tang Ho, MD, Associate Professor, Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

ADAM Quality Logo
Health Content Provider
06/01/2025

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics. This site complied with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information from 1995 to 2022, after which HON (Health On the Net, a not-for-profit organization that promoted transparent and reliable health information online) was discontinued.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2024 A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.