The position of the chin plays an important role in the overall aesthetic appearance of the face. A “weak” chin or a chin that is positioned too far back, can make a facial profile look unbalanced. Too “strong” of a chin or a chin that is positioned too far forward, can also create an unnatural and overly masculine appearance. Dr. Robert Morin, a top-rated facial plastic surgeon, performs chin surgery, also known as genioplasty, for patients in New Jersey who want greater harmony between their facial features.
The goal of chin surgery is to put the chin in a position that looks natural and creates an aesthetically appealing profile. In a woman, the position of the chin should ideally be at, or just behind, a line drawn obliquely along the face touching both the upper and lower lip. In a man, the position of the chin should be at, or just beyond, this line.
The aesthetically ideal chin position for a woman is based on a line that touches both the upper and lower lips and the tip of the chin.
It is possible to change the position of the chin by either moving one’s own bone or by inserting an artificial implant. There is a general principle in plastic surgery, however, that states that a patient’s own tissue should be used whenever possible. In the case of chin surgery, it is almost always possible to use a patient’s own tissue. This allows the surgeon to permanently move the chin in 3 different directions. Chin implants are not the preferred method of changing the chin position due to the lifetime risk of implant infection, malposition and exposure. Procedures that change the position of one’s own bone either significantly reduce or eliminate these risks. As a result, Dr. Morin does not use chin implants on his NJ patients. He only performs chin procedures that use the patient’s own tissue.
A sliding advancement genioplasty involves the use of a saw to cut the lowest part of the chin bone. Once the bone is cut, it is advanced forward the correct number of millimeters in order to correct the facial profile. Once in the correct position, a titanium plate and screws are used to rigidly fix the bone in its new position. All incisions are made inside the mouth, and therefore there are no scars on the skin from the sliding genioplasty procedure.
The position of the chin can also be reduced if it is determined to be too far forward. The same technique is used to cut the bone, but instead of advancing the detached segment forward, a second cut is made and the intervening excess bone is removed. The two remaining bony segments are then fixed rigidly, using plates and screws. Again, all incisions are made in the mouth, meaning no facial scars.
In this procedure, the position of the chin is moved forward and upward by advancing the cut segment the complete length of the bone. The advanced segment is then transposed so it is sitting on top of and in front of the remainder of the mandible, and fixed in the new position with plates and screws. This technique gives a large advancement and can also be used to shorten the length of the chin.
The position of the chin can be both advanced and lengthened by placing a bone graft in between the two segments of cut bone. The size of the graft determines the amount of downward advancement. Once the bone graft is in position, the two segments of bone are rigidly fixed with plates and screws.
An asymmetric chin can be centered by either reducing one side of the chin more than the other side, or by placing a thicker bone graft on one side of the chin as compared to the other side. The position of the chin is then effectively centered, restoring a balanced look to the face.
The two-tier genioplasty results in the greatest amount of advancement possible. By making two separate cuts in the bone, two free bony segments can be advanced in a step-like fashion. Each segment is then secured in place with plates and screws.
More before and after genioplasty and chin surgery pictures can be seen by clicking on the photograph below.
*Results may vary
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Genioplasty Chin Surgery New Jersey Hackensack
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For those looking to bring the chin into balance with other facial features, chin surgery, also known as a genioplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that can have dramatic results. Chin augmentation surgery effectively reshapes and repositions the chin, creating a better-proportioned face and profile.
Dr. Robert J. Morin, a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in New Jersey, regularly performs chin surgery in NJ on patients who wish to increase the size and projection of a small or receding chin or would like to address a developmental abnormality, such as hemifacial microsomia. In most cases, a genioplasty procedure is done to augment the chin. However, in some instances, surgery may be done to reduce the size of the chin.
Ready to start looking your best? We offer virtual and in-office consultations.
