Mentoplasty

Mentoplasty or chin surgery is a procedure that can sculpt the chin by either enhancing or reducing it. Mentoplasty is almost always performed in combination with Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery. The chin and the nose define a person’s profile, and matching these two facial features can even out the contours of the face and can help a patient attain an overall balanced and even facial shape.

The Procedure

In order to change the shape of the chin, a surgeon will use one of two procedures, either chin augmentation or chin reduction surgery. Chin augmentation enhances the chin, where as chin reduction surgery reduces it.

The surgeon begins augmentation by making an incision either inside the mouth where the lower lip and gum meet or in the natural crease line just under the chin. After the incision is made, the tissue is carefully stretched which allows space for the implantation. Once the implant is inserted, fine sutures are used to close the incision. The implants used in chin augmentation are made of synthetic materials. They are made to feel like the natural tissue that is found in the chin, so most patients can’t even tell the difference. The implants can be sized and shaped differently in order to enhance the patients other facial features. A strong chin makes for a balanced profile.

Chin reduction surgery also begins with an incision made either inside the mouth or in the crease just under the chin. The incisions provide access to the bone and surrounding tissue of the chin. The surgeon then uses specialized power bone instruments to reduce and reshape the bone. The surgeon sculpts the bone so that the shape will better enhance the patient’s facial features. Once the sculpting is done, sutures are used to close the incision.

Will It Hurt?

The Mentoplasty procedure can take anywhere from two to three hours depending on the complexity of the changes being made. Depending on the patient, the procedure will be performed under either a local or general anesthetic. Once the surgery is completed, patients will experience pain and discomfort for several days. Swelling and bruising are common but do eventually subside. Pressing cold packs on the face as well as keeping the head elevated above the heart will help to reduce overall swelling and bruising.

What Will My Results Be?

Following the surgery, patients will find that talking and smiling are difficult at first. Chewing will also be a temporary problem so most patients endure a liquid diet for the first two or three days following surgery. Patients can go back to work about a week after the surgery, but they should still avoid strenuous activities. Most swelling will subside after the first few days, but patients do experience mild swelling that could last for several months. Results are not immediate, but if all the precautions are taken, within a few months after the surgery, patients can be happy with a strong, well defined profile.

Costs

The average cost for Mentoplasty surgery is $1,500 but this can vary based on patient location and the doctor that is performing the procedure. This is a cosmetic procedure so it is generally not covered under insurance however, if this surgery is needed as a result of injury or deformity, insurance may cover it. This surgery is a great way to balance out the face and create a stronger profile.