mentoplasty

Mentoplasty, also known as genioplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at altering the chin to improve facial balance and profile. It covers both augmentation (chin projection) and reduction or contouring (chin resizing or setback). The operation is commonly performed by plastic surgeons or maxillofacial surgeons and may be done alone or in combination with other procedures such as rhinoplasty or lip surgery.

Augmentation techniques place an implant or advance bone to increase chin projection. Implants are typically made of silicone or porous polyethylene and are inserted into a subperiosteal pocket or connected to surrounding tissues. In some cases, a surgeon may use a bone graft or perform a sliding genioplasty, where a segment of the mandible is cut and repositioned anteriorly to achieve the desired contour.

Reduction or contouring aims to decrease chin prominence or correct asymmetry. Sliding genioplasty or osteotomy reshapes and repositions the chin bone, occasionally shortening or rotating the segment to achieve a more balanced facial relationship. Fixation with plates and screws helps stabilize the new chin position.

Candidates include individuals with a recessed or overly prominent chin, facial asymmetry, or a desire to harmonize the chin with the nose, lips, and overall facial structure. Anesthesia is usually general. Recovery involves swelling for several weeks, with gradual resolution and adherence to soft diets during initial healing.

Risks are similar to other facial bone or implant procedures and include infection, bleeding, numbness or altered sensation (often related to the mental nerve), implant migration or malposition, bite changes, and visible scarring (more likely with external approaches). Outcomes are typically stable and can enhance facial harmony when carefully planned.