Genioplasty

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A sliding genioplasty procedure involves the following steps:

• ·  The surgeon cuts along the border of the lower gums and the inside of the lower lip.
• ·  The surgeon makes an incision in the layer of soft tissue to access the chin bone.
• ·  Once the chin bone is exposed, the surgeon makes a small vertical cut in the chin, which they use as a reference point during the operation.
• ·  The surgeon makes a horizontal cut below the roots of the bottom teeth. The surgeon can change the height of the chin by cutting at different angles. They may cut out a wedge-shaped piece of bone if they need to make the chin smaller or move it backward. 
• ·  They slide the bone fragment forward, backward, or sideways. After positioning the chin, the surgeon will check the alignment and file any excess bone along the jawline.
• ·  They will reattach the chin bone to the jaw with screws and a metal plate. Some surgeons may use biodegradable plates and instead of metal ones so that a person cannot feel the screws under the skin.
• ·  The surgeon sutures the incision closed. Then they place compression tape over the front and sides of the chin to minimize swelling. 

Surgical implant procedures typically involve the following steps:

• ·  The surgeon makes a small incision either on the inside of the mouth or under the chin.
• ·  They insert the implant through the incision and position it around the chin bone then attach the implant.
• ·  The surgeon closes the incision with stitches.
• ·  If someone chooses a nonsurgical augmentation option, the surgeon will inject dermal fillers around either the mouth, chin, or jaw. They may need to repeat this procedure as the filler material dissolves after several months.

In most cases, you’ll be put under anesthesia. This is to make sure you can sleep peacefully during the surgery. Surgery can be done as day care procedure or one night stay in the hospital. When you have been under general anesthetic, you’ll need to prepare for someone to drive you home. It may be best to have someone stay with you and help you during the first few days of post-operative recovery. 

By following your surgeon’s recovery instructions, you should heal within a week or two. You can also start adjusting to your new appearance during that time.  

You will likely be pretty sore after your genioplasty. Doctor will prescribe pain medicine to control pain. The pain will lessen as your face heals. 

After your surgery, your chin may feel swollen and bruised. You should use an ice pack or cold compress and sleep upright for the first few days. This will help reduce your swelling. ‌

You should also stick to a soft diet for the first few days. Once your chin starts to heal, you can gradually start eating your regular foods. You should still take it easy and not chew a lot of difficult foods. ‌

During your recovery process, make sure you take your prescribed pain medicine and any other medication until the end, unless your doctor says otherwise.