Genioplasty

Genioplasty requires precise surgical judgment, specialized training, and familiarity with the anatomical and functional nuances of this procedure. Outcomes depend heavily on the surgeon's experience, technique, and ability to anticipate and manage the full range of possible findings. Surgeons who perform this procedure regularly are typically better positioned to achieve consistent, safe results.

In a private practice setting, care is often more streamlined and consistent, with the same surgeon closely involved in evaluation, treatment planning, surgery, and follow-up.

In academic or hospital-based settings, care may involve a larger team that can include residents or fellows participating under supervision. Both models can provide excellent care, but the structure and continuity of treatment may feel different. At our center, your care is delivered directly by your surgeon — not by residents, fellows, or surgeons in training.

It is important to understand who is performing each part of your treatment. In some settings, the attending surgeon performs all critical portions of the procedure, while in others trainees may assist or participate under supervision. This should be discussed clearly in advance. At our center, your surgeon performs all critical portions of the procedure.

Depending on the treatment setting, residents, fellows, or students may be involved in aspects of care. Patients and families should feel comfortable asking about their role and how care is supervised throughout treatment.

At our center, there are no residents or fellows involved in performing surgery.

Post-operative follow-up is an important part of surgical care. At our center, your surgeon personally follows you through recovery and any additional visits required.

At our center, your surgeon is directly involved at every stage — from the initial consultation and treatment planning through surgery, post-operative visits, and long-term follow-up.

A genioplasty is a surgical procedure that repositions the chin bone to improve facial balance and proportion. The chin may be moved forward, backward, upward, downward, or to the side depending on what the patient's facial anatomy requires. It is performed through an incision inside the mouth, leaving no visible external scars.

A genioplasty moves the patient's own bone, allowing for precise three-dimensional repositioning that cannot be fully replicated with an implant. It is generally preferred when significant movement is needed, when the chin requires vertical adjustment, or when a more durable and anatomically integrated result is the goal. Implants are a separate option that may be appropriate in certain limited circumstances.

Genioplasty can address a chin that is too small or receded, too prominent, too long or too short vertically, or shifted to one side. It is often performed as part of a broader jaw surgery plan but can also be performed as a standalone procedure when the chin is the primary concern.

Yes. Genioplasty is frequently performed at the same time as upper or lower jaw surgery to refine the overall facial result. In some patients, the chin position cannot be optimally addressed through jaw surgery alone, and a simultaneous genioplasty allows the surgeon to achieve the best possible balance in a single procedure.

The incision for genioplasty is made inside the lower lip, so there is no visible external scar. Internal dissolvable sutures are typically used.

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision inside the lower lip, carefully moves the chin bone to the planned position, and secures it with small titanium plates and screws. The incision is then closed with dissolvable sutures. The procedure typically takes one to two hours depending on the complexity of the movement required.

Swelling and some temporary numbness of the chin and lower lip are expected after surgery and improve over weeks to months. Most patients manage discomfort well with prescribed medication and are eating soft foods within a few days. The titanium hardware used to secure the bone is not typically removed unless it causes a problem.

Temporary numbness or altered sensation of the chin and lower lip is common after genioplasty due to proximity to the mental nerve. In the large majority of patients this resolves over weeks to months. Permanent numbness is uncommon but is a recognized risk that is discussed during the surgical consent process.

In most patients the hardware remains in place permanently without causing any issues. Removal is only considered if a plate or screw causes discomfort, becomes palpable, or is otherwise problematic, which is uncommon.

Genioplasty produces lasting changes to chin position and facial balance. Final results are appreciated once post-operative swelling has fully resolved, which typically takes several months. Most patients are very satisfied with the improvement in facial proportion and profile.