Mentoplasty

Chin surgery, or mentoplasty, is a surgical procedure to reshape the chin either by enhancement with an implant or bone reduction surgery.

Chin implants improve a person's profile by making a "weak" chin appear stronger; chin reduction also improves the profile, but to do so, bone and/or tissue and muscle are removed.

To create optimal facial proportion, mentoplasty is often performed in conjunction with rhinoplasty (nose surgery).

Candidates for mentoplasty often have a weak chin and/or a prominent nose, or a prominent jaw.

The mentoplasty procedure

Chin augmentation

Mentoplasty, which enlarges the chin, takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to perform.

Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia is used.

During the procedure, an incision is made inside the mouth, which removes visible scarring. A pocket is created for the implant (usually made of semi-solid silicone), which is then placed and positioned in front of the jaw.

Once placed, the implant is secured with sutures. When it is not possible to make an incision in the mouth, it is made under the chin so that the scar is not evident. The patient returns home the same day.

Chin reduction

Mentoplasty, which reduces the chin, takes approximately 1 to 2 hours to perform. General anesthesia is usually used.

The procedure begins with Dr. Edgar Santos making an incision inside the mouth or under the chin.

Excess bone and/or tissue and muscle are removed, and the tip of the chin is shaped to the desired shape using a bone drill or burr.

In some cases, a piece of bone is removed and the chin is repositioned. Sutures are used to close the incision. The patient returns home the same day.

Chin surgery recovery

After mentoplasty, the patient may experience tightness and swelling in the chin. Discomfort can be relieved with pain medication, although most patients report that the pain goes away within 3 to 5 days.

A compression garment may be placed on your chin to reduce swelling.

For 2 weeks following mentoplasty, it is recommended to consume only a light liquid diet.

Sutures are removed within 10 days. Full recovery from mentoplasty takes 6 weeks.

Consultation

To discuss the possibilities of mentoplasty, start an online consultation to speak with Dr. Edgar Santos about chin reduction in Tijuana, Mexico.

You can also call the office at (619) 798-8099 and one of our staff will schedule your appointment.