What is chin surgery (Mentoplasty)?

Chin surgery, clinically known as mentoplasty, may be performed to augment a recessive chin, reduce a disproportionately prominent chin or correct other anomalies of size or shape structure. Several  patients will be able to go back to work or resume their normal activities in about one week after chin surgery. However, they must refrain from strenuous activity and exercises for a few weeks to allow the healing to be completed safely. Bruising will subside from the second week and may be entire gone in about 10 to 14 days. Chin implant surgery is usually an outpatient procedure performed using general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Through this incision, the cosmetic surgeon creates space for the chin implant and fits it around the chin bone.

Minor swelling will linger on for most of the week but the patient can hide it with makeup and routine with their social and professional life. Results will be present in about 2 weeks as the bruising and swelling is significantly resolved. Total results will however be seen only after a few months as the swelling goes away completely. The meals on the first day after the surgery should be with minimal chewing. The lower lip is likely to have numbness for more days after the procedure. Therefore, sufficient care should be taken to ensure that excessively hot food is not eaten. Eating can be slightly difficult at first because the muscle activity of the lips will be temporarily altered. Bending over and putting pressure on the chin part with the hand should be ignored for first six weeks. The patient can brush the teeth normally, however care should be taken in the incision area if implants are placed through the mouth. Grinning, smiling and excessive facial movements should be avoided for initial two to three weeks.