The purpose of chin surgery, or mentoplasty, is to enhance or reduce the chin either with an implant or with bone reduction surgery.

In order to improve one’s self-esteem and confidence, plastic surgery is often performed on the lower jawline and chin area. In order to improve the harmony of facial features and the balance of the chin, jaw, cheek, and forehead, board-certified plastic surgeons often recommend these types of interventions.

An operation called a mentoplasty or genioplasty can sometimes move bone from the jaw forward. A shaped silicone implant can also be used to increase the projection of the chin. A protruding chin can also be reduced by removing bone. Additionally, upper and/or lower jaw modifications can be recommended to improve chewing dynamics and occlusion. A variety of operations can be performed, from the simplest to the most complex.

In many cases, rhinoplasty patients may benefit from chin surgery to achieve better facial proportions, as the size of the chin can magnify or minimize the perception of the nose’s size.

Additionally, with recent advances in technology, your plastic surgeon may suggest off-label use of FDA-approved gel filler material, after obtaining informed consent after reviewing all options, risks, and benefits, as an alternative for providing augmentation of the chin area that may last for a shorter period of time.

Mentoplasty can alter or improve the appearance of the chin. In terms of chin surgery, there are two main types: chin augmentation and chin reduction.

An under projected chin can be augmented with chin augmentation surgery. Implants are typically placed directly on the bone in order to achieve this. During the procedure, a small incision is made inside the mouth or beneath the skin of the chin. Sutures are then used to close the incision after the implant is placed. In most cases, patients can return to work within a week after experiencing mild swelling.

A prominent or overprojected chin can be reduced with chin reduction surgery, also called chin shaving surgery. As an outpatient procedure, the surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, a small incision is made either inside the mouth or beneath the skin on the chin. A chin contour is created by removing excess bone and contouring the chin to the desired shape. Sutures are used to close the incision.

A mentoplasty is a permanent procedure. In contrast to implants used elsewhere that may require replacement, chin implants rarely require additional surgery when performed successfully.

It is even more essential to find the right surgeon for a mentoplasty since it is a permanent procedure. The best way to minimize complications is to choose a board-certified surgeon with extensive experience. Make sure you follow the instructions of your surgeon as closely as you can before and after the surgery. Lastly, if you feel that something in the healing period isn’t right, speak up.

In patients who desire a more defined chin, mentoplasty can add more projection or prominence to the chin. With this surgery, you can enhance your confidence and transform your face in a variety of ways.

Some of the many benefits of mentoplasty include minimizing the appearance of a double chin or jowls, strengthening a weak chin, producing a more attractive triangular-shaped jawline, increasing the width and height of the chin, and bringing balance to the face. The lack of definition between the jawline and neck can lead to an overall look of disproportion when the chin is weak. A stronger chin profile can help your plastic surgeon create a stronger jawline and a more youthful facial contour by bringing balance and proportion to the rest of your face.

Mentoplastys can be performed at Altman Aesthetic Center. We serve patients from Englewood Cliffs NJ, Tenafly NJ, Cresskill NJ, Alpine NJ, Fort Lee NJ, Edgewater NJ and surrounding areas.