Genioplasty

Overview

Repositioning of the chin bone to improve its projection, height or symmetry.

Every recommendation follows an individual assessment of your concerns, anatomy and goals. The sections below explain how this treatment is typically diagnosed, planned and carried out.

Who May Benefit

• Adults, or adolescents who have completed facial growth, with a skeletal discrepancy between the jaws
• Patients whose bite problem cannot be fully corrected with orthodontics alone
• Patients with functional concerns such as difficulty chewing, biting or lip closure
• Selected patients with facial imbalance related to the underlying jaw position

Conditions Treated

• Retruded chin
• Chin asymmetry
• Excess or deficient chin height
• Lip strain on closure

Diagnosis

Assessment typically includes a detailed clinical examination of the face and bite, standardised facial photographs, dental models or intraoral scans, and radiographic imaging such as a cephalogram or CBCT. The aim is to identify which jaw — or both — contributes to the problem, and in which dimension.

Treatment Planning

Orthognathic treatment is usually a collaboration with an orthodontist. A common sequence is pre-surgical orthodontics to align the teeth, surgery to reposition the jaws, and a phase of post-surgical orthodontics to refine the bite. The plan is individualised to the diagnosis, functional needs and the patient’s own goals.

Virtual Planning

Surgical Overview

Through an incision inside the lower lip, the chin bone is separated and repositioned in the planned direction, then fixed with a small plate. It may be performed alone or combined with jaw surgery.

Recovery

Most patients spend one or more nights in hospital. Swelling usually peaks within the first few days and then gradually settles over several weeks, with residual changes continuing for months. A soft or liquid diet is commonly required initially. Many patients return to desk-based work or study within a few weeks, although this varies between individuals and procedures.

Risks & Considerations

All surgery carries risk. Potential risks are discussed in detail during consultation, and may include:

• Swelling, bruising and discomfort
• Altered sensation of the lip, chin or cheek, which may be temporary or, less commonly, persistent
• Bleeding or infection
• Changes to the bite requiring further orthodontic or surgical adjustment
• Relapse of the jaw position over time
• Hardware-related problems requiring removal of plates or screws
• Risks associated with general anaesthesia

Frequently Asked Questions