Chin lengthening – Genioplasty – Simulation

Chin Lengthening Surgery

Chin surgery (genioplasty) involves moving the chin forward and possibly changing its orientation (the direction of its projection). This creates a more harmonious face, tightens the skin of the neck, and fills in wrinkles in the lower face. It therefore rejuvenates the face.

• The operation is performed on both men (square chin, more masculine chin) and women (facial harmony).
• The surgery is performed from the inside of the mouth and leaves no visible scars on the face.
• Chin lengthening is performed by cosmetic surgeons (injections) and maxillofacial surgeons (osteotomy and grafting).
• The operation is performed under general anesthesia in an operating room and generally lasts 1 to 2 hours.
• It is performed from the end of adolescence, or even earlier in some cases.

Chin advancement surgery should not be confused with short face surgery (where the entire lower face is underdeveloped).

The 3 main methods for chin lengthening:

Osteosynthesis

To do this, the surgeon will cut the tip of the chin to advance it and secure it with titanium plates and screws. The surgeon may also fill the gap with bone debris if the advancement is significant. This is the most durable and most commonly performed method.

Chin implant grafting

The surgeon will graft a chin prosthesis made of silicone or synthetic composite material onto the tip of the chin. Several types of prostheses exist depending on the desired chin shape (square, rounded, raised, etc.). It is also possible to use a rounded titanium mesh fixed to the chin, into which the surgeon will place bone debris to promote consolidation. The graft is placed on the chin bone from the inside of the mouth, thus leaving no scars on the face.

Injections

The chin can be plumped up with injections administered by the surgeon. Hyaluronic acid injections (fillers or fillers) do not require surgery. This is called non-surgical genioplasty or medical genioplasty. The injection lasts between 30 minutes and 1 hour, and the final effect is visible after 3 days. Hyaluronic acid injections are less expensive than surgical genioplasty. The cost ranges from €300 to €1,500. However, the results are temporary and will disappear after one to two years. Injections cannot be performed if you are taking anticoagulant or anti-inflammatory medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are allergic to the product. Injections can be used to compensate for the beginnings of sagging of the neck skin and to fill in wrinkles in the lower face.

How does it differ from the Chin-Wing method?

Chin-Wing genioplasty is an extensive genoplasty that affects the tip of the chin but also the entire lower face.

How does it differ from Skeletal Class II surgery?

Surgery for Skeletal Class II malocclusion involves the entire lower jaw (mandible). This operation can affect the position of the teeth, as well as the position of the tongue and the soft tissues at the back of the throat (sleep apnea, etc.). This surgery is much more extensive than a simple chin advancement, which is solely intended for aesthetic modification. Class II surgery is more complex and involves a longer recovery time. Genioplasty and Class II osteotomy are sometimes combined to achieve a perfect aesthetic result.

In what cases is chin lengthening genioplasty performed?

• Chin too short
• Small chin
• Tucked-in chin
• Chin too shallow
• Chin too deep
• Weak chin
• Asymmetrical chin
• Retromandibular joint
• Receding chin without dental occlusion problems
• Aesthetic discomfort, loss of self-confidence

Procedure of the forward chin movement surgery

The patient considers the surgery and creates a before/after simulation based on a photo to show the surgeon what they would like.
Initial consultation with the surgeon to discuss the feasibility, risks, and timeline. Second consultation to plan the operation and validate the patient’s informed consent.
Tests to be performed before the operation (blood tests, anesthesiologist meeting, X-rays, etc.)

• D-Day: Operation. Outpatient procedure (admission and discharge within the same day) or with an overnight stay in the hospital.
• D-Day 5: Removal of the chin compression bandage (to limit swelling).
• D-Day 7: End of liquid and soft foods.
• D-Day 10: End of brushing teeth with a water jet and a special toothbrush.
• D-Day 14: Return to work.
• D-Day 15: Disappearance of swelling and bruising in the lower face. Follow-up visit.
• 1 month: Resume gentle activities.
• 3 months: Bone is healed. Return to normal life.
• 6 months: Final aesthetic results are consolidated. Follow-up visit.

If discomfort persists, the surgeon may remove the plates and screws during a new operation.

How much does chin advancement cost?

The cost of the operation will depend greatly on the surgeon chosen, the clinic, and the method used. The operation is not very major, but like any surgical procedure, it requires prior examinations and the use of an anesthesiologist. It must be performed in an operating room. Therefore, there are significant costs. Expect to pay between €2,500 and €7,500 for this type of operation.

Is chin lengthening covered?

Chin lengthening is purely cosmetic; therefore, it will not be reimbursed by the French Social Security. The surgery must have a functional benefit for reimbursement to be considered. Reimbursement is sometimes possible when the surgery is to correct a birth defect.

Risks of Chin Advancement Genioplasty

• Risks common to any surgical procedure: allergy to anesthetics, infection, etc.
• Excessive internal bleeding. The surgeon will repeat the operation the same day or the next day.
• Calcification problems and bone failure (rare).
• Lesions on the roots of the lower teeth (rare).
• Intolerance to plates and screws (very rare; titanium is well tolerated by the human body).
• Permanent loss of sensation in the chin and lower lip due to damage to an alveolar nerve (rare).