Genioplasty

Genioplasty surgery in Paris : a solution to restore facial harmony

A genioplasty moves the chin forward (or downward) or recentres it in the middle of the face. The new chin position is chosen mainly according to the expected aesthetic result and the position of the lips at rest (the chin position must allow the lips to remain closed without straining). It is a low-risk, effective and frequently performed maxillofacial surgery procedure.

Genioplasty surgery in Paris is an appropriate solution when the chin causes aesthetic or functional discomfort. We support each patient throughout this journey, aiming for a natural, stable result that respects their expectations and well-being.

WHAT ARE THE ABNORMALITIES OF CHIN POSITION?

Chin defects are most noticeable in profile:
  • Receding chin: retrogenia. The chin is effaced or set back. It will be advanced.
  • Prominent chin: progenia, or a jutting chin. The chin projects too far forward
  • Chin too high: the face is too short (also called a “short face”). The chin will be lowered.
  • Chin too low: the face is too long (also called a “long face”). The chin will be raised.
  • Asymmetric chin: the chin is deviated and will be recentred

PRINCIPLES OF A GENIOPLASTY

It is an osteotomy of the chin that changes its position through a sliding movement. The chin can be advanced, set back, or moved in a vertical plane. This procedure harmonises the face by balancing the relationships between the chin, nose, lips and forehead.

Chin advancement osteotomy

Setback or impaction osteotomy

The goal is both aesthetic and functional

This procedure corrects lip incompetence at rest, that is, difficulty closing the lips without straining the chin muscles when the chin is too low or set back. This is known as “chin strain” when an orange-peel dimpling of the skin appears as the lips close.

It also improves breathing in mouth-breathing patients, as it is impossible to breathe properly through the nose when the lips do not touch spontaneously without effort.

This procedure can be combined with a sagittal split osteotomy of the mandible when the whole jaw is too far back, or with a bimaxillary osteotomy as part of more complex orthognathic surgery in Paris (orthognathic surgery corrects misalignments and deformities of the jaws).

When a rhinoplasty is combined with a genioplasty, it is called a profiloplasty.

ALTERNATIVE

Some surgeons offer chin implants. However, at Orthognathic Paris we prefer not to place an implant on the chin, as we find the results imperfect and far less natural with an implant. We prefer to perform a genioplasty.

A dermal filler injection with hyaluronic acid is also possible. The effect is much more subtle and, above all, temporary.

Why choose genioplasty surgery in Paris?

A chin that is too prominent, underdeveloped or deviated can disturb the balance of the face. Genioplasty surgery in Paris is intended for those wishing to correct symmetry, improve projection or reshape the chin.

Thanks to our expertise, we treat a range of profiles: advancing a receding chin, reducing a prominent chin or recentring an asymmetry. We guide our patients towards the best option, in a climate of trust and transparency.

HOW A GENIOPLASTY IS PERFORMED

Preparation for a genioplasty begins with a personalised consultation at our Paris practice. We use 3D simulation to visualise the treatment plan and tailor it to each face.

The procedure consists of a chin osteotomy, that is, a precise bone cut allowing the chin to be repositioned according to the identified needs. The bone is moved and then fixed with strong, discreet miniscrews, without the need for prosthetic material or unnecessary invasive procedures.

Advancement or setback techniques are chosen according to the indication. Some profiles benefit from an advancement to correct a lack of projection, while others require a reduction or recentring to balance the width or vertical proportions of the face.

Sometimes genioplasty surgery in Paris is part of a comprehensive orthognathic treatment. In that case, we coordinate each step with the orthodontists to ensure a harmonious balance of the jaws and smile.

From what age can a genioplasty be performed?

A genioplasty (chin osteotomy) is offered once facial bone growth is complete, that is, from the age of 16. However, we operate as early as 12 or 13 in children who have a receding chin and difficulty closing their mouth without straining, at the request of their orthodontist and their parents.

Before surgery

Before any maxillofacial or aesthetic surgery, two preoperative consultations at least 15 days apart are required. This interval is a legal requirement and above all a useful one, as the quality of these consultations is essential to building the treatment plan and establishing a relationship of trust between the patient and their doctor.
During these consultations, we will discuss your precise treatment plan with you. We will explain the practical details and the risks associated with the procedure, and provide you with a detailed quote.

The procedure

The procedure is performed from inside the mouth. There is no scar on the face. The chin bone is released with a Piezotome (a gentle ultrasonic technique) and then moved further forward and upward (and sometimes downward) so as to shorten the face in patients with a long face, or lengthen it in patients with a short face. The repositioned chin bone is stabilised with miniscrews and consolidates within a few weeks.

The miniscrews do not cause allergy or rejection. There is no need to remove them, even though they serve no purpose after 6 weeks, because they cannot be felt. The mini-plates are made of titanium and are very thin (less than 1 mm). They are visible only on X-rays and do not set off airport security scanners. They are biocompatible and made of titanium, the same material as dental implants and orthopaedic prostheses.

Postoperative course

– No dressing
– Chin oedema and swelling: 10 to 15 days– Bruising of the chin: 10 to 15 days
– Diet: lukewarm and soft for one week
– Sutures are resorbable but sometimes removed on day ten

Immediate results: visible at 10 days
– Consolidation and final result visible at 6 weeks
– Sport: avoid for 1 to 2 months.

Risks of a chin-wing genioplasty:

The known complications are:

– Almost systematic reduction in the sensitivity of the chin skin and lips for a few days, with numbness of the gums and teeth. This loss of sensitivity is transient, lasting a few weeks before disappearing completely. Very rarely, a loss of sensitivity of the lip or chin skin may persist longer.
– Failure of bone consolidation: this complication is exceptional.
– Compressive haematoma: this complication is exceptional and requires reoperation.
– Infection: very rare.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

  • Consultations take place at 15 rue Chateaubriand 75008 Paris (George V metro station – line 1)
  • The surgery is performed at the Clinique du Trocadéro in Paris 16 or at the Groupe Hospitalier Privé Ambroise Paré – Hartmann in Neuilly-sur-Seine.
  • Hospital stay: 24 hours (one night in the clinic)
  • Anaesthesia: general anesthesia
  • Duration: 1 to 2 hours
  • Covered by the French social security system: yes

Discover our other orthognathic surgery treatments, such as mandibular osteotomy in Paris, 3D orthognathic surgical planning in Paris and maxillofacial surgery in Paris, to learn more about our full range of techniques and indications.

Benefits and indications of genioplasty surgery in Paris

The main advantage of chin surgery lies in its ability to restore lasting facial harmony. This procedure improves the aesthetics of the facial profile while maintaining good oral function.

In some patients, it makes spontaneous lip closure easier, particularly when the chin is set too far back. It also helps restore a more relaxed expression and improve breathing if mouth breathing was an issue.

  • Objective correction of facial asymmetry
  • Improved lip contact at rest
  • Reduced muscle tension around the chin
  • Overall facial harmonisation

We generally recommend waiting until bone growth is complete, around age 16, before considering a genioplasty. However, some young patients with significant discomfort can be treated earlier after multidisciplinary assessment.

Each indication is established rigorously. We always discuss matters with the patient and their family to ensure an appropriate and safe therapeutic approach.

Genioplasty surgery in Paris causes moderate swelling and some bruising, which resolve within ten to fifteen days. Pain remains limited and is well controlled with appropriate medication. A soft diet is recommended for the first week. Sport should be avoided for one to two months. The sutures used are mostly resorbable, or removed after ten days if needed.

Potential risks and specific considerations of genioplasty in Paris

As with any bone surgery of the face, there is a small risk of temporary reduction in sensitivity of the lips or chin. This phenomenon usually resolves quickly during healing.

We operate in accredited facilities to guarantee safety and optimal follow-up. The internal fixation devices require no subsequent removal except in exceptional circumstances. No external dressing is needed. The result of the change in chin shape is visible within ten days, giving patients rapid satisfaction.

  • Possible temporary numbness
  • No external dressing required
  • Result visible quickly
  • Short hospital stay under supervision

Your care pathway for genioplasty surgery in Paris: expertise and support

All consultations take place at our practice in Paris, where we take the time to listen and analyse each request using photography and morphological simulation.

The genioplasty procedure is performed under general anesthesia, lasts one to two hours, and requires personalised monitoring over twenty-four hours. We remain available to answer any questions, even after discharge, to ensure professional and reassuring follow-up.

  • In-depth discussion of expectations and wishes
  • Complete clinical and radiological assessment before the decision to operate
  • Attentive postoperative follow-up over several weeks

Restoring confidence and comfort to those who choose genioplasty surgery in Paris is our commitment. Our approach combines technical rigour with respect for facial identity, for natural, permanent results.

Practical information

  • Consultations take place at 15 rue Chateaubriand 75008 Paris (George V metro station – line 1)

  • The surgery is performed at the Clinique du Trocadéro in Paris 16 or at the Groupe Hospitalier Privé Ambroise Paré – Hartmann in Neuilly-sur-Seine.

  • Hospital stay: 24 hours (one night in the clinic)

  • Anaesthesia: general anesthesia

  • Duration: 1 to 2 hours

  • Covered by the French social security system: yes