WHAT IS A GENIOPLASTY?

Also referred to as bone advancement surgery, genioplasty is designed to reconstruct and restore the proportions of a patient’s lower third of the face by altering their chin. In some cases with significant jaw size discrepancy or bite problems, the most effective way to do this is to gently slide the jaw forward. Other patients will benefit from implants placed just at the end of their chin to improve their facial proportions. Genioplasty is typically carried out with other cosmetic procedures such as rhinoplasty, orthognathic (corrective jaw surgery), or a facelift to produce more balanced results.

BENEFITS OF GENIOPLASTY

The primary benefit of genioplasty is the ability to reshape the chin so that that it matches the patient’s other facial features. It will also:

• Strengthen the patient’s front and side profile.

• Minimize the appearance of a double chin.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR GENIOPLASTY?

All patients will need to schedule a consultation with Nathan Eberle, M.D., D.D.S., F.A.C.S. to learn more about this procedure and determine if they will be a good candidate for genioplasty. The two most important factors are the patient’s mental health and physical health. Every patient should have realistic expectations of the surgery and be free of any medical conditions that could affect their recovery. The ideal candidate is a healthy individual who is not happy with their appearance due to a weak or small chin. During your initial consultation, Nathan Eberle, M.D., D.D.S., F.A.C.S. will also help you determine if bone advancement surgery or a chin implant will better help you meet your goals. These unique procedures can strengthen your chin and bring balance to your face, but they will not give you a completely new look.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM MY CONSULTATION?

Your initial consultation will begin with a discussion about your cosmetic goals. You will also learn more about how these treatments are carried out and what you can expect immediately following the procedure.

All patients should head to their initial consultation with a list of their allergies, any medications they are taking, previous surgeries they have had, and medical conditions that could affect the surgery. Being open and honest during your consultation will reduce your risk of post-surgery complications.

HOW IS GENIOPLASTY PERFORMED?

Bone advancement begins with an incision being made just on the inside of the mouth. The patient’s lower jaw will then be cut on both sides, advanced forward, and held in position plates and screws. Bone advancement surgeries are generally a better option for patients who need to have their chin advanced a large distance or patients that have issues with their teeth coming together properly.

For a chin implant surgery, an incision can be made on the inside of the mouth between the patient’s lips and gums. For some patients, Nathan Eberle, M.D., D.D.S., F.A.C.S. might suggest a small incision just below the chin. After the incision is made, a pocket is formed and the implant is inserted. Sutures will be used to close the incision and protect the soft tissue. While oral sutures dissolve on their own, sutures on the chin will need to be removed.

GENIOPLASTY RECOVERY

Patients will need to schedule a follow-up appointment to have their surgical dressing removed 24 to 48 hours after the surgery. Bruising and swelling are common, but these issues will generally disappear within 5 to 10 days. Medication can be used to ease any post-operative discomfort.

HOW MUCH DOES GENIOPLASTY COST?

The cost of genioplasty depends on whether you are interested in chin advancement or a chin implant and what the ideal procedure would be for you. Surgical specifics, such as the type and size of chin implants and the extent of the surgical reshaping of the natural tissues required when inserting the implant will affect the cost. Financing is available.

WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?

A genioplasty is an excellent option for any patient who is unhappy with their appearance due to a weak chin. If you are a resident of Ft. Lauderdale or Broward County, please contact Nathan Eberle, M.D., D.D.S., F.A.C.S. of Weston Center for Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation.