Asymmetrical facial features can impact confidence and self-esteem. At the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago, we understand that each patient has unique aesthetic goals, the motivations for which go beyond just what we see in the mirror.

You may be a candidate for a genioplasty if you have an overly projecting chin, a retrusive jaw (one that is displaced backwards from a central position), an asymmetrical chin or jaw, or would like to reshape and enhance your chin. Additionally, your plastic surgeon may suggest genioplasty as a supplement to rhinoplasty surgery, in order to create balance and facial harmony.

If you believe you are a candidate for a genioplasty, contact the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago for a consultation. A board-certified plastic surgeon will review your medical history and perform a full facial evaluation to see if genioplasty surgery is right for you. We will take the time to explain all aspects of the procedure, including recovery, any potential risks associated with it, and we never perform a procedure unless we are certain it is the best treatment plan for you.

After general anesthesia is administered, incisions are made, typically inside the mouth. From there, the process of performing a genioplasty varies depending on the goals of the individual patient.

For patients who have a chin and jaw that is pushed too far back or forward in relation to other facial features, the plastic surgeon makes incisions along the gums below the bottom teeth. The chin is separated from the jaw so that the surgeon can make the necessary corrections, and plates and screws are used to hold the chin in place.

If a chin is being shortened, a wedge of bone is removed from the chin, or otherwise contoured, before it is reattached. If the goal is to make the chin larger, it can be advanced forward and downwards to give the appearance of a larger chin.

Lastly, sutures are used to close the incisions. Oral sutures are usually absorbable, so they will not have to be removed later.

Bruising and swelling at and around the surgical site is normal after a genioplasty. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medication and give specific instructions regarding diet and physical activity. A soft-food or liquid diet is recommended in the days following a genioplasty, and patients should not perform any rigorous activity for up to two weeks following the procedure.

The results of a genioplasty will be noticeable immediately, but the full correction will be apparent after swelling and bruising goes away completely, usually within a month after the procedure is performed.

Every surgical procedure involves some potential risk. Although rare, the following complications are generally associated with genioplasty surgery:

You should always ensure that your surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery before undergoing any surgical procedure, and that the surgery is being carried out in an accredited surgical facility.

The average cost of a genioplasty in the United States is around $8,000, but that cost can vary greatly depending on your location, the surgeon, and the extent of the procedure. The Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago always provides a detailed breakdown of costs after an initial consultation. Since genioplasty is generally considered an aesthetic procedure, it is rarely covered by health insurance.

All surgical procedures by the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago are performed at top hospitals in Chicago and CMS or AAAASF-certified surgical centers for safety.

If you would like to learn more about facelifts, or you have questions about the procedure, give us a call to schedule a consultation. We will make sure that you understand the entire procedure all the way through recovery, and we are always upfront about the associated costs and potential risks involved with plastic surgery. If a more youthful and natural-looking appearance is what you desire, contact the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago today.

All surgical procedures by the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago are performed at top hospitals in Chicago and CMS or AAAASF-certified surgical centers for safety.