Genioplasty

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

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

Another option is a filler injection with hyaluronic acid. The effect is much subtler and, above all, temporary.

From what age can a genioplasty be performed?

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

Before surgery

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

The procedure

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

The mini-screws cause no 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
– Oedema and swelling of the chin: 10 to 15 days– Bruising of the chin: 10 to 15 days
– Diet: warm and soft food for one week
– Stitches are resorbable but are sometimes removed on day 10

Immediate results: visible at 10 days
– Bone healing 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 skin of the chin 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, some loss of sensitivity of the skin of the lip or chin may persist longer.
– Failure of bone healing: this complication is exceptional.
– Compressive haematoma: this complication is exceptional and requires reoperation.
– Infection: very rare.