What Is Genioplasty (Chin Surgery)?

Chin surgery is often performed alongside jaw surgery. Here is what genioplasty involves.

Genioplasty (sliding genioplasty) is a surgical procedure that repositions the chin bone to improve facial balance and profile. It is frequently performed at the same time as orthognathic surgery but can also be done on its own.

  • What genioplasty corrects:
  • Receding chin (chin is too far back)
  • Chin that projects too far forward
  • Chin that is vertically too long or too short
  • Chin asymmetry (crooked chin)
  • Weak chin profile
  • How it differs from a chin implant:
  • Genioplasty moves the bone itself
  • A chin implant adds synthetic material on top of the bone
  • Genioplasty is more versatile and can correct asymmetry
  • Genioplasty heals as real bone and looks more natural
  1. How it is done:
  2. An incision is made inside the lower lip
  3. The chin bone is carefully cut horizontally
  4. The bone segment is moved to its new position
  5. Titanium plates and screws hold it in place
  6. The incision is closed with dissolvable stitches
    1. What to Expect

      • Surgery takes 30–60 minutes if done alone
      • Often combined with orthognathic surgery in the same procedure
      • Swelling of the chin and lower lip area
      • Temporary numbness of the lower lip and chin (common)
      • Soft food diet for 2–3 weeks
      • The bone heals in 6–8 weeks

      Clinical Guidance

      Genioplasty repositions the chin bone to improve facial profile and balance. It is commonly performed alongside jaw surgery and offers more natural, versatile results than chin implants, with healing similar to other jaw procedures.