Also referred to as sliding mandibular osteotomy, this surgical procedure is performed to reshape the chin’s contours, either by reducing or enhancing its size using the patient’s natural bone. The procedure involves creating an incision on the inner side of the lower lip to access the mandible. A thin saw is then utilized to separate the lower portion of the chin bone from the rest of the jaw bone and move it in the desired direction to enhance or diminish chin projection. This technique can also address asymmetry issues and adjust the chin’s length. The bone is repositioned most commonly using plates and screws. Genioplasty serves as a viable, and in certain instances better, alternative to chin implants.

Individuals with varying chin sizes (small, large, wide, narrow) or chin asymmetry are suitable candidates for genioplasty.

Genioplasty can be performed with local anesthesia and IV sedation or under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Most patients typically recover within 10-14 days. During the postoperative period, a chinstrap or chin dressing is often worn to provide support for 10-14 days.

Although genioplasty is generally considered a safe procedure, minor complications may occur. These include numbness or tingling in the lip and chin, delayed bone or wound healing, and the possibility of hardware exposure.