Mentoplasty - Chin surgery

What is mentoplasty or chin surgery?

Mentonplasty is the procedure that corrects mild abnormalities in the chin area, especially when it is too small or too large to fit in with the other facial features.

From birth, everyone has some degree of microgenia or receding chin. As we grow and as the face forms, the chin becomes the most prominent feature of the jaw relative to the face structure.

Within the field of maxillofacial surgery, the surgeon incorporates the prevailing aesthetic standards to determine the proper size and structure of the chin in relationship to the face.

Mentoplasty not only improves appearance and facial harmony, it can correct functional problems that are associated with jaw and face defects, such as snoring.

Mentoplasty - Chin Surgery Consultation

In consultation prior to surgery, patients should discuss what expectations they have with the procedure. This way the surgeon can explain the scope and actual results that can be achieved with Chin Surgery.

Chin Surgery Outcomes

Chin surgery corrects anomalies that can appear in and around thechin giving you a more harmonious appearance.

In many cases Dr. Sanchez works together with a Maxilofacial specialist to give you the best results possible.

Chin Surgery Before & After photos

The surgeon will examine the jaw and discuss the most appropriate method according to patient characteristics, type of prosthesis that will be required and type of incision.
Inform the surgeon about all medications you are taking and discuss the potential impact on the procedure.
Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatories or vitamin supplements since it may increase bleeding. Ask your plastic surgeon when these should be stopped prior to surgery.
The patient will be informed about postoperative care and about any possible complications.

Mentoplasty Procedure

After a careful analysis, there can be two situations:
Small chin:
When the chin is small and does not reach the facial plane, this condition is called microgenia or retroagnasia. In this case, there are two ways to correct this:
- The first is to incorporate an exogenous material or implants either Medpor (polyethyl linear high density) or Gore-Tex (polytetrafluoroethylene), both have excellent tolerance and permanence. Silicone is not recommended use in the face. The prosthesis is introduced through an external incision near the crease of the chin. The location of the incision is discussed with the patient, and the surgeon prepares a space and introduces the implant. The incision is then closed with stitches, leaving a slightly visible scar.

- The second operation is to project the jaw bone by cutting a segment sliding forward and then securing it with wire or screws. This option requires general anesthesia and has a moderate risk of injury to nerves.
Prominent chin:
This happens when a prominent chin or projected chin is either forward or down. The surgeon proceeds to dry out or cut off the tip through a small incision under the chin.
In both cases, the procedures are outpatient and local anesthesia is used.

Mentoplasty Post-Op Care

In the first days after surgery, patients should expect swelling and minimal pain, which can be controlled with prescription pain relievers.
Patients should eat soft foods for the first week.
Apply ice to the chin area for 20 minutes every hour the first three days.
Adhesive plasters are placed on the chin and are not to be removed.
Get lots of rest and avoid exposure to cold.