Chin-wing genioplasty

A chin-wing genioplasty is a chin osteotomy that modifies the position of the chin and the mandibular angles through a sliding movement and a so-called counterclockwise rotation. It is a “Genioplasty 2.0” that achieves more significant results. The mandibular angles are lowered while the chin is advanced. The movement takes place in both a vertical and a horizontal plane.

This procedure increases the height of the posterior part of the face (the back of the jaw at the angles) if you have a “hyperdivergent” face with a chin that is too receded or set back. If you have lip incompetence at rest (difficulty closing your mouth without straining your lips), it will be treated by advancing the chin and positioning it higher (closer to the lips).

Before any maxillofacial and aesthetic surgery procedure, two preoperative consultations at least 15 days apart are required. This interval is a legal requirement and serves the patient’s interest, as the quality of these consultations helps build a relationship of trust and a sound surgical plan. During these consultations we will discuss the treatment plan with you and explain the details and risks of the procedure. We will also provide you with a cost estimate.

The procedure is performed from inside the mouth, leaving no visible scar on the face. The chin bone and the entire mandibular border up to the angles are released in a single piece using a Piezotome (ultrasonic technique), then moved forward for the chin and downward for the mandibular angles.

The chin bone is stabilized with miniplates and miniscrews and heals within a few weeks. These miniscrews do not cause allergies or rejection. There is no need to remove them, even though they serve no purpose after 6 weeks, because they cannot be felt. The miniplates 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 used for dental implants and orthopedic prostheses.

Postoperative course

• No dressing required
• Chin edema and swelling: 2 to 3 weeks
• Chin bruising: 10 to 15 days
• Diet: lukewarm and soft for one week
• Sutures: absorbable
• Immediate results: visible at 15 days
• Bone healing and final result visible at 6 to 8 weeks
• Sports: to be avoided for 1 to 2 months

Risks of chin-wing genioplasty

The most frequent complications are:

– Almost systematic decrease in the sensitivity of the chin and lip skin for a few days, with numbness of the gums and teeth. This loss of sensitivity is temporary, lasting a few weeks before disappearing completely. Very rarely, a loss of sensitivity in the skin of the lip or chin may persist longer.

– Failure of bone healing: this complication is exceptional.

– Compressive hematoma: this complication is exceptional and requires reoperation.

– Infection: very rare.