Frequently Asked Questions about Chin Surgery

Education is one of the fundamental aspects of life as a cosmetic surgeon. After over 30 years as a board-certified plastic surgeon, I have accrued no shortage of knowledge and experience to be shared with fellow surgeons, as well as patients. I take pride in educating my patients about how a wide-range of plastic surgery procedures, including some slightly less well-known ones, can be terrific solutions for improving their appearance and increasing their self-confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chin SurgeryChin surgery, or mentoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to reshape the chin. This can be done with either chin enhancement or chin reduction surgery. It’s common for patients to pair chin surgery with a rhinoplasty in order to achieve a more dramatic facial balancing effect. Compared to more popular procedures like liposuction or a facelift, chin surgery is less known to many patients. This is why I am happy to answer some common questions about chin surgery today.

Who are ideal candidates for chin surgery?

Chin surgery is meant for patients who are interested in achieving a more proportional face by adjusting the size or shape of their chin to their other facial features. Whether you are interested in chin augmentation or chin reduction, chin surgery can help patients achieve a rejuvenated appearance. Chin surgery patients should be in good overall health and should also have reached full physical maturity in the head and skull.

How is chin surgery performed?

How chin surgery is performed depends on if the patient wants chin augmentation or a chin reduction. During chin augmentation, a small incision is made either inside the mouth or under the chin, the tissue is stretched, and a synthetic implant is inserted. Scarring is typically very minimal. In the case of a chin reduction, an incision is made either inside the mouth or just under the chin. The bone and tissue is then sculpted in order to reduce the size and/or alter the shape of the chin.

What should I expect during my chin surgery recovery?

Normally, chin surgery patients can resume their normal daily routine about 10 days after the procedure. I recommend that they refrain from more strenuous activities for a few weeks. Some patients experience tightness around the chin that normally subsides after a week or so. Patients can typically begin high impact, more intense exercises again 4-6 weeks after chin surgery. Following your post-surgical instructions closely and maintaining communication with your surgeon is an integral part of successfully healing and promoting the best possible results from your chin surgery.

Regardless of whether you seek chin augmentation or chin reduction, I strongly believe in chin surgery and its ability to help patients attain the facial balance they desire. If you are interested in chin surgery or any other plastic surgery procedure and would like to discuss your options, please schedule a plastic surgery consultation with me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more plastic surgery tips and practice updates.