Mentoplasty is aesthetic surgery to remodel the chin, reducing or increasing its size, in order to make the face more harmonious, as it improves the balance and symmetry of facial structures between the chin, jaw, cheeks and forehead, for example.
This surgery can be performed using different techniques such as bone reduction, use of implants with biocompatible material or transferring fat from other parts of the body, such as the abdomen or flanks, to the chin.
Mentoplasty is performed by a plastic/aesthetic surgeon or oral/maxillofacial surgeon, and lasts on average 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the technique performed, as well as the anesthesia applied, which can be local or general, with rapid recovery, if they are taking the care recommended by the doctor.
What is it for
Mentoplasty serves to increase or decrease the chin, which is the scientific name for the chin, as it remodels or repositions the chin, leaving it with a more harmonious shape in relation to the facial structures.
This type of surgery is performed using implants in the chin, removing adipose tissue from other regions of the body and applying it to the chin or even reducing the bone.
Mentoplasty must be performed by a plastic surgeon or oral and maxillofacial surgeon, after evaluating facial characteristics and treatment objectives.
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When is it indicated
Mentoplasty is indicated in the following situations:
- Mandibular retrognathism, which is the absence of a chin or a retracted or small chin;
- Mandibular prognathism, which is a large chin;
- Wide chin;
- Thin or crooked (asymmetrical) chin.
Gentoplasty can be performed with different surgical techniques, which varies according to the objective and characteristics of the chin.
How to prepare for surgery
Preparation for genioplasty simply consists of fasting for at least 2 hours before surgery, if the anesthesia is local, or 12 hours, if it is general anesthesia.
Furthermore, to prepare for genioplasty, it is important to clarify with the surgeon all doubts regarding the surgery, such as expectations, risks and recovery.
It is also important to inform the doctor of all the medications you are using, as it may be recommended to stop using anticoagulants a few days before the procedure. You should also inform yourself if you have any allergies or other health problems.
For good healing, you must stop smoking 1 to 2 months beforehand and you can only start smoking again 2 months after the procedure.
If the person has a flu, cold or infection, especially close to the area to be treated, surgery should be postponed.
How it is made
Mentoplasty is preferably performed in the hospital, or in some simpler cases, you can opt for the minor surgery room in the office. This surgery can be performed with general anesthesia or local anesthesia with or without sedation, depending on the surgical technique to be performed and the patient’s profile.
To perform genioplasty, the doctor must follow some steps, such as:
- Apply general anesthesia or local anesthesia with or without sedation;
- Make a cut below the chin or inside the mouth;
- Placing the implant in the chin or reduce the lower jaw bone;
- Close the cut with stitches and apply a bandage in case of the cut on the chin.
Another way to perform genioplasty is to remove fat from other parts of the body, such as the abdomen or flanks, for example, through liposuction, and inject the removed fat into the chin to reshape it.
What is recovery like?
Generally, recovery is quick, with no pain or mild pain that can be relieved with painkillers. Additionally, the person may feel swelling in the region in the first few days after surgery.
A dressing is also used at the site, which serves to keep the prosthesis immobilized and/or to protect the region in the first few days, and care must be taken not to get the dressing wet, if it is not waterproof.
Only one day of rest is necessary, unless the doctor recommends it for a longer period of time. In the first few days, it is also advisable to follow a diet with soft, liquid and/or pasty foods, so as not to put too much pressure on the area that was subjected to the procedure.
You should also brush your teeth carefully, using a soft brush, which can be used for children, avoid intense sports and avoid shaving and applying makeup for 5 days after surgery.
Is the scar visible?
When the procedure is performed inside the mouth, the scars are hidden and not visible, however, when the surgery is performed through the skin, the incision is made in the lower part of the chin, which may result in a red, hard scar for the first few days. However, if it is treated well, it becomes almost invisible.
Therefore, you should avoid sunbathing, preferably in the first month after surgery and, in the following months, you should always use sun protection and apply the products recommended by your doctor.
Possible complications
In rare cases, post-operative complications may arise, such as infection, injuries or hemorrhage and, in these cases, it is necessary to remove the prosthesis.
Furthermore, although it is also very rare, displacement or exposure of the prosthesis, hardening of the tissues in the region, sensitivity in the area or abscesses may occur.
