Chin surgery or chinplasty (mentoplasty)

Chin shape differs widely between men and women, so it is an important element in the recognition of gender…

Chin Gender

The female chin tends to converge at a midpoint. The male chin tends to have two points directly under the canine teeth and a flat segment between them. In addition to this, masculine chins have more volume and a more square shape. Female chins have a more uniform shape which decreases progressively towards a center point.
The male chin also tends to have more vertical height, meaning a bigger distance between the lower lip and the base of the chin.

Feminization of the chin

Fortunately, the features of the chin can be greatly modified on several planes: its width, height and projection. The changes may vary depending on the anatomical characteristics of the patient and the aim we want to achieve. Using a sliding genioplasty we can section the chin from the front to the back, separating a segment of bone in a horseshoe shape. By removing different segments we can modify height and width. The final achievement will allow us to obtain the projection or regression desired.

In addition, a liposuction is sometimes performed to for the removal of excess fat located under the chin, in order to obtain better definition.

Procedure

The procedure is done under general anaesthesia. All the incisions are made inside the mouth, leaving no visible marks on the outside. The chin is cut from back to front on both sides, to remove a horseshoe-shape piece of bone. A second cut is made parallel a few milimetres from the first; this creates a central segment which is removed. Through this procedure, we are able to reduce width and get a more tapered chin. Finally, the chin is relocated in the desired position. The segments are fixed using mini-plates and titanium screws which are not  removed, unless needed. Liposuction is only performed if necessary. The incisions are closed with dissolving stitches.

Postoperative and possible complications of mentoplasty

Most patients must spend one to two nights in hospital after the surgery.

• Chin compression bandage: A bandage will be placed around the chin to reduced swelling, prevent bruising and help with the healing procedure. It will be removed 24 – 48 hours after surgery.
• Sensory changes: Temporary sensory disorders may emerge.
• Work and sport: The patient can go back to social activities 7 to 10 days after surgery, if inflamation is moderated. You must wait until the third or the fourth week to go back to work or practise exercise.
• Scars: If a complementary liposuction is needed to shape the final form of the chin, two small incisions will be made (2mm.) at the bottom of the chin and it will dissapear over the months following the surgery.
• Infection is possible but very rare.