Genioplasty (Chin Surgery)
Genioplasty — commonly called chin surgery — is a procedure to reshape or reposition the chin to improve facial balance, correct chin asymmetry, restore harmony to the lower third of the face, or address functional issues. At MAXFAC London, Mr Nabeel Bhatti, Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, offers personalised genioplasty care delivered as part of a multidisciplinary pathway with consultant orthodontists and clinical psychologists where appropriate.
Genioplasty refers to surgical procedures that change the size, shape or position of the chin. There are two broad approaches:
- Sliding (osteotomy) genioplasty — the lower border of the mandible (chin) is cut (osteotomy) and the bony segment is advanced, set back, elevated, lowered or moved laterally and secured with small plates and screws. This is the gold-standard technique when repositioning the bone is required.
- Chin implants (alloplastic augmentation) — a biocompatible implant is placed over the anterior mandible to augment projection or shape. This avoids bony osteotomy but is less versatile for complex repositioning.
- Soft-tissue procedures — fat grafting or soft-tissue augmentation can refine contours in selected patients but do not change skeletal relationships.
Choice of technique depends on facial analysis, occlusion, airway considerations, dental alignment and patient goals.
who benefits from genioplasty?
Genioplasty may be appropriate for patients who have:
- A weak (retrognathic) chin causing an imbalanced facial profile
- An overly prominent (prognathic) chin that needs reduction
- Vertical chin excess or deficiency (long or short lower face)
- Chin asymmetry from developmental differences or prior trauma
- Need for combined treatment with orthognathic surgery to correct jaw and dental relationships
A thorough clinical and photographic assessment, together with cephalometric analysis and, if required, 3D imaging, determines the optimal procedure.
our assessment and planning process
At MAXFAC London we follow a structured pathway to ensure safe, predictable results:
- Initial consultation — detailed facial analysis, discussion of concerns and realistic outcomes.
- Imaging & measurements — lateral cephalometry and/or 3D CT when needed to assess bony relationships and plan osteotomy vectors.
- Multidisciplinary input — we collaborate with consultant orthodontists when dental alignment or occlusion may influence chin position. Clinical psychologists are available for preoperative assessment if there are concerns about body image, expectations, or psychological suitability for aesthetic surgery.
- Surgical planning — for sliding genioplasty we simulate the desired movements and plan fixation; for implants we select appropriate size and profile. Virtual surgical planning is used selectively for complex or combined cases.
- Informed consent & preparation — a clear explanation of risks, benefits and postoperative pathway.
the operation - what happens
- Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia or sedation with local anaesthesia as indicated.Incision: Most genioplasties are performed through an intra-oral incision (inside the lower lip) to avoid external scars. When an external approach is required, scars are placed to be inconspicuous.
- Osteotomy technique: For sliding genioplasty, a horizontal cut is made in the chin bone; the segment is mobilised and fixed in the planned new position with low-profile titanium plates and screws. Bone grafting is rarely necessary.
- Implant technique: A subperiosteal pocket is created over the mandibular symphysis and the selected implant is seated and stabilised. Implants are secured where required to prevent migration.
- Closure: Layers closed carefully; intra-oral sutures are absorbable. A chin strap or dressing may be applied for support.
- Hospital stay: Day-case or 1 overnight stay depending on the procedure and comorbidities.
- Swelling & bruising: Expected in the first 1–2 weeks; largely settles over 4–6 weeks.
- Diet: Soft diet for 1–2 weeks while intra-oral tissues heal.
- Activity: Avoid heavy exercise and contact sports for 4–6 weeks.
- Follow-up: Early review at 1 week, then 4–6 weeks and 3–6 months to assess healing and symmetry. Plate removal is rarely required but may be discussed if symptomatic years later.
- Return to work: Often 1–2 weeks for sedentary roles; longer for physically demanding jobs.
Genioplasty is generally well tolerated, but all surgery carries risks. These include:
- Temporary or (rarely) permanent numbness of the lower lip/chin from mental nerve disturbance
- Infection (managed with antibiotics; implant removal may be needed if persistent)
- Implant malposition, visibility or patient dissatisfaction (with implants more than osteotomy)
- Relapse or under/over-correction (minor adjustments may be required)
- Unsightly scarring (rare with intra-oral approach)
- Bleeding, hematoma, poor wound healing
Mr Bhatti and the team will discuss personalised risk factors, and strategies to minimise complications, at the consent visit.
genioplasty vs. implant - which is right for me?
- Choose sliding genioplasty if you need skeletal repositioning (advancement, setback, vertical change or correction of asymmetry). It provides a permanent change to your bone profile and avoids the long-term presence of an implant.
- Choose chin implant if you desire modest augmentation and prefer a less invasive option without osteotomy; implants are simpler but have limitations in correcting asymmetry and in longevity considerations.
- In some cases a combination of procedures (e.g., genioplasty with lip procedures or chin soft-tissue refinement) yields the best balance.
why choose maxfac london and mr nabeel bhatti?
- Specialist expertise: Mr Bhatti is a Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon experienced in facial skeletal surgery and aesthetic reconstruction.
- Multidisciplinary care: We work closely with consultant orthodontists to integrate occlusal and dental considerations, and with clinical psychologists for preoperative assessment and support when appropriate.
- Patient-centred planning: Individualised 3D-informed planning, clear explanation of realistic outcomes, and shared decision-making.
- Safety & aftercare: High standards of perioperative care, follow-up and rehabilitation to support optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes.
frequently asked questions
Will genioplasty change my bite?
If a sliding genioplasty is performed in isolation it usually does not alter occlusion significantly. However, whenever dental occlusion or orthognathic planning is relevant, we involve an orthodontist to coordinate treatment.
How long do the results last?
Skeletal changes from sliding genioplasty are permanent. Implant longevity can be excellent but may require future revision in rare cases.
Will I have a scar?
Most procedures use an intra-oral incision with no visible external scarring.
Is there noticeable pain after surgery?
Postoperative discomfort is common but usually well controlled with prescribed analgesia. Swelling is the main early feature.
Book a consultation with Mr Nabeel Bhatti at MAXFAC London for an individual assessment and tailored treatment plan.
