What Is Mentoplasty (Chin Aesthetics)?

Mentoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at changing the shape, size, or position of the chin tip. It may be preferred for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Since the chin tip affects the overall balance of the face, it is often combined with procedures such as rhinoplasty.

Pre-Operative Period

1. Examination and Evaluation:
Your facial proportions are analyzed. If necessary, a simulation can be done using profile photos.
Your chin structure, your bite, and the position of the chin tip are evaluated.

2. Required Imaging:
Radiography (panoramic X-ray) or, if necessary, tomography may be requested.
These images are important especially if bone sliding will be performed.

3. Blood Tests and Risk Assessment:
Standard pre-anesthesia tests are performed. Attention is paid to blood-thinning medications and smoking.

4. Can It Be Combined with Other Aesthetic Procedures?
Yes. It is especially often preferred to be performed in the same session with rhinoplasty. Facial harmony is achieved at the same time.

Surgical Process

Duration: Between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours
Anesthesia: General or sedation-assisted local
Method:
- Implant mentoplasty: A silicone or Medpor implant is placed through an intraoral approach.
- Sliding mentoplasty (genioplasty): The bone is cut, repositioned forward or backward, and fixed with miniplates.
Discharge: It can be on the same day or the next day.

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Post-Operative and Recovery Process

First Days:

There may be mild swelling, bruising, and numbness.
Nutrition with liquid foods is recommended.
Oral hygiene is very important for intraoral stitches.

Week 1:

Most of the swelling goes down.
Speaking and chewing become easier.
The chin contour begins to become more defined.

Weeks 2–3:

Returning to daily life is possible.
Sports and heavy activities should be avoided.
Routine check-ups are performed.

1–3 Months:

The final shape settles.
Numbness and sensitivity largely subside.

Scar:

If done through the mouth, there is no external scar.
If done through a submental approach, a very thin scar fades over time.

In Conclusion

Mentoplasty is a procedure that aesthetically balances the lower 1/3 of the face and has a fairly manageable recovery process. The right doctor selection, detailed analysis, and the surgeon’s experience are decisive for a successful result.

Frequently Asked Questions by Patients

1. In which cases is mentoplasty performed?

Receding or protruding chin tip
Imbalance in facial proportions (for example, if the nose looks large and the chin looks small)
Asymmetrical chin tip
Lack of a defined chin contour

2. Is mentoplasty surgery painful?
Generally, there is mild to moderate pain. Sensitivity is normal in the first days. Pain can be easily controlled with prescribed medications.

3. Does it leave a scar?

The scar depends on the technique used. In incisions made inside the mouth, there is no visible external scar. In those performed through a submental approach, there is usually a very thin scar that becomes less noticeable over time.

4. Is chin shaving the same as mentoplasty?

No. Shaving is the removal of excess bone. Mentoplasty is the reconstruction of the shape of the chin tip. When necessary, the shaving procedure can be added to mentoplasty.

5. Is an implant placed, or is the bone moved?

Depending on the case, both can be done. If a small augmentation is needed, a silicone implant can be used; in more advanced cases, shaping can be performed by moving the patient’s own bone (genioplasty).

6. Does it affect my speaking or chewing?

No. There may be a short adaptation period after surgery, but it does not adversely affect speaking or chewing functions in the long term.

7. Will my face change completely after chin surgery?

No. The aim is not to change the face completely, but to ensure harmony between facial features. Your face will still be yours; it will just gain a more balanced appearance.