Mentoplasty/Genioplasty (Surgery of the Chin)

View our before & after gallery and procedure instructions below

Mentoplasty Surgery

Chin Surgery

Mentoplasty surgery of the chin can help improve facial balance by reshaping, enhancing, or refining the contour of the chin and jawline.

Mentoplasty surgery, also referred to as chin surgery, is a facial plastic surgery procedure designed to improve the size, shape, projection, and overall balance of the chin. Because the chin plays an important role in facial harmony, even a subtle change can create a more balanced relationship between the nose, lips, jawline, and neck.

Patients may consider mentoplasty if they feel their chin appears recessed, underdeveloped, overly prominent, asymmetric, or out of proportion with the rest of the face. Chin surgery may help create a stronger profile, improve jawline definition, reduce the appearance of a double chin, or bring better balance to the lower face.

Mentoplasty can be performed alone or in combination with other facial plastic surgery procedures. For example, chin enhancement is often combined with rhinoplasty to create better balance between the nose and chin. It may also be combined with facial liposuction or neck contouring procedures when fullness beneath the chin affects the definition of the jawline and neck.

Depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals, Dr. Trimas may recommend a chin implant, reshaping of the chin, or a combination approach to achieve the most natural and balanced result. During your consultation, Dr. Trimas will evaluate your facial structure, profile, skin quality, and chin projection to determine the most appropriate surgical plan.

Recovery varies depending on the specific technique used and whether mentoplasty is performed by itself or with another procedure. Swelling, bruising, tightness, and temporary tenderness around the chin and jawline are expected during the early healing period. Most patients notice continued refinement as swelling decreases, with the final result becoming more apparent as healing progresses.

Mentoplasty is typically performed with anesthesia for comfort. Dr. Trimas will discuss the most appropriate anesthesia option and surgical approach with you during your cosmetic consultation appointment.

Instructions for Mentoplasty Surgery:

Surgery preparation and recovery guidance

Surgery Morning

Before Surgery
  • Nothing to eat or drink after midnight-may brush teeth.
  • Take a shower and wash hair and face in the morning.
  • Do not wear any make-up (includes mascara and eyeliner). Wash face with baby shampoo when arrive at surgery center to remove any residual eye make-up.
  • Leave all jewelry at home. Cannot have any metal on your body, so please remove any body piercing.
  • DO NOT WEAR CONTACTS.
  • Clothing: Button-up shirt, sweat pants, socks, shoes (comfortable and easy to walk in).
  • Bring pain medication with you. You will be numb after surgery and may not feel anything. However, the nurses will give you a pain pill prior to discharge to help keep pain level at a minimum.

Surgery Night

After Surgery
  • Liquid Bland Diet and avoid spicy and acidic foods.
  • Start your antibiotics at dinnertime; IF NAUSEATED may start antibiotics the next day.
  • Sleep with head elevated using a recliner or at least 3-4 pillows for a week.
  • Apply ice compresses to chin and jawline areas every hour for at least 15 minutes for a couple of days. Frequent application of ice compresses decreases swelling and bruising.
  • You may have a face wrap overnight and it is removed the next day. Face wrap/bandage may be tight and uncomfortable.
  • Take pain medication, as you need it, do not try to brave the pain. You will be more comfortable if you keep your pain at a minimum.

Next 2 weeks

Recovery Care
  • Consume a liquid diet for 1 week and then very soft diet (almost puree) for the 2nd week. Minimize chewing as much as possible.
  • Expect swelling and bruising around the chin and jawline for about 2 weeks (more or less).
  • May use make-up to cover up bruises after 1 week.
  • Tape may be placed on your chin and will be removed in 3-7 days.
  • Dr. Trimas may want you to tape your chin or wear a “jaw-bra” for a couple of weeks. You will be instructed to do this after your face wrap is removed, if needed.
  • Suture Removal:
  • Chin Implant – (sutures) removed after 1 week post-op
  • No exercise, heavy lifting, or bending over until cleared by the office.