JAW SURGERY

Chin augmentation (genioplasty)

In order to get the very best aesthetic facial harmony, adjustment of the chin can be undertaken either combined with other orthognathic procedures, or in isolation for aesthetic reasons.

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Chin augmentation (genioplasty) — clinical reference

Quick answer about this procedure

QUICK ANSWER

Surgical adjustment of the chin to improve facial harmony. Genioplasty can advance, reduce or reshape the chin in a single procedure, performed in isolation or combined with corrective jaw surgery for skeletal discrepancy.

Procedure
Sliding genioplasty / advancement / reduction
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia
Duration
1–2 hrs
Stay
Day-stay or 1 night
Recovery
1–2 weeks back to work

IS THIS FOR YOU?

Genioplasty is usually considered when:

  • Facial harmony would be improved by adjusting the chin position
  • A combined orthognathic case includes a chin component
  • Genio-advancement is part of the sleep apnoea surgical plan
  • Asymmetry or vertical excess of the chin warrants surgical correction
  • An isolated aesthetic adjustment is sought after thorough discussion
WHO PERFORMS THIS

Performed by Richard Cobb

Mr Richard Cobb performs this procedure at OMS Specialists.

Mr Richard Cobb, Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Mr Richard Cobb

Specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

BDS · MBBS · MFDS(Eng) · MRCS(Eng) · DHMSA · FRCS(OMFS)

  • Oral Surgery
  • Jaw Surgery
  • Facial Surgery
  • Skin Surgery
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RECOVERY TIMELINE

Recovery timeline

  • 0–1 day

    First 24 hours

    Day-stay or single night admission. Swelling and bruising of the chin and lower lip, managed with prescribed pain relief and head elevation.

    Red flags · Difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, fever over 38.5°C, or severe pain not relieved by prescribed medication.

  • 1–14 days

    Week 1–2

    Swelling settles, soft diet continues, and most patients return to desk-based work within 1 to 2 weeks.

  • 6–12 weeks

    Week 6–12

    Bone healing is largely complete, sensation to the lower lip and chin progressively recovers, and the final aesthetic result becomes apparent.

RISKS & HONESTY

Risks we discuss before consent

  • Altered sensation

    Numbness or altered sensation of the lower lip and chin is common in the early weeks and usually recovers over months. A small risk of permanent altered sensation is discussed at consent.

  • Aesthetic outcome

    Aesthetic surgery has subjective outcomes. We use clinical photography and planning to set realistic expectations at consultation.

  • Infection or hardware sensitivity

    Infection at the surgical site or around the fixation plate is uncommon and is managed with prescribed antibiotics.

  • Bleeding and swelling

    Bruising and swelling around the chin are expected for the first 1–2 weeks. Significant bleeding is uncommon.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Common questions about genioplasty

What is the difference between a chin implant and a sliding genioplasty?

A sliding genioplasty repositions the bony chin by cutting and moving the patient's own chin bone, then fixing it with a small plate. A chin implant uses an alloplastic (artificial) implant placed against the existing chin bone. Sliding genioplasty allows true 3D adjustment (advancement, reduction or vertical change) using the patient's own tissue and is often preferred for permanent skeletal change. Implants can be appropriate for smaller aesthetic augmentations.

Can genioplasty be done at the same time as jaw surgery?

Yes. Genioplasty is often combined with corrective jaw (orthognathic) surgery in a single operation. Combined cases are planned using Virtual Surgical Planning to ensure the chin movement complements the upper and lower jaw position for the best functional and aesthetic outcome.

Will I have a scar?

Genioplasty is usually performed entirely from inside the mouth, leaving no external scar. The intra-oral incision heals quickly and is hidden inside the lower lip.

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