Mentoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure to enhance, although there is also a reduction option for the chin. Some techniques simulate the surgery, so there is also the option to perform it non-surgically, although the aesthetic results are lesser, while the post-operative process and recovery are much smoother for both men and women.
Mentoplasty, What It Is
It is called genioplasty in surgical circles, although most people know it as mentoplasty, that is, the operation to make the chin and jaw bigger.
This surgical procedure involves enlarging the maxillofacial bone when the jaw is smaller than usual by birth. But there are different types, including the following:
- Enlargement with implants.
- Intraoral.
- With buccal fat removal and rhinoplasty.
- Non-surgical.
In many cases, it is necessary to use prosthetics or implants, so let’s see how it works.
Mentoplasty for Enlargement with Implants
Generally, it is necessary to implant a small piece of silicone or another material to enlarge the chin. With mentoplasty for enlargement, the small dimension of the chin disappears, extending its length.
The use of prosthetics for mentoplasty simulates the texture and hardness of bone, preventing differences between the real bone tissue and the implanted one from appearing.
Two techniques can be used to add the implant:
- Intraoral mentoplasty.
- Through the neck.
Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages, with intraoral presenting the highest risk of prosthesis encapsulation. At the same time, it also has a higher percentage of infections during the post-operative period.
The advantage of neck mentoplasty is that it minimizes risks and produces a small scar, hidden under the chin.
Intraoral Mentoplasty
Depending on the facial features, the maxillofacial surgeon may recommend performing it. Intraoral mentoplasty is done through an incision below the teeth. Using this line, below the tooth root and the dental nerve, it is possible to reach the chin and fix the parts of the bone.
To enlarge the chin, an osteosynthesis must be performed, a technique that joins bone tissue with metal plates to give a functional and effective result, preventing movement or slippage afterward.
Although there are higher infection risks, over time, intraoral mentoplasty avoids the drawbacks of implants, preventing rejection since there is no prosthesis, or movement if it loosens after years. It is also important to note that the risk of fibrosis decreases.
Another important aspect of this intraoral technique is that it allows for a better result than mentoplasty with prosthetics, which have a different molding. To correct mandibular asymmetries, it is perhaps the best method.
The downside of this technique is that the post-operative period is slower and recovery is somewhat more painful. The jawbone is manipulated, and after a few hours, the pain becomes stronger.
Non-Surgical
This is a non-invasive technique, and therefore much milder. It doesn’t require a post-operative period since it’s not a surgery, nor does it have one.
In most cases, hyaluronic acid for the chin is injected. Through the injection of synthetic glycosaminoglycans, tested and hypoallergenic, the surgeon can create an extension of the chin to improve the facial contour appearance.
The advantage of non-surgical mentoplasty is that it is much cheaper than the surgical one, and it does not require complex procedures. The downside is that its reach is smaller, and the results too. After a while, the hyaluronic acid is absorbed by the body, so it must be reinjected for reinforcement.
Can mentoplasty and rhinoplasty be done together?
Yes. They are often performed simultaneously. When you decide to improve the facial contour, the maxillofacial surgeon can modify the chin, and at the same time, a plastic surgeon can perform rhinoplasty to enhance the overall appearance of the face. In many aesthetic surgery clinics, you can find this procedure referred to as profiloplasty.
What about with a buccal fat removal?
Just like with rhinoplasty, mentoplasty and buccal fat removal can be done at the same time. This involves removing the excess fat from the cheeks to create a more beautiful and harmonious face.
Through buccal fat removal, the Bichat balls or fat pads from the buccinator and masseter muscles are resected and modified to enhance the cheekbones, which, when combined with genioplasty, further highlights the mouth and overall facial beauty.
Another option is to reduce the fat from the chin. At the same time, improving the facial oval and combining it with double chin liposuction can provide much better results.
Is hospitalization required?
No. This type of surgery is outpatient, meaning it can be performed the same day, and after the procedure, you can go home to rest and begin the post-operative period for mentoplasty. This is a great advantage when compared to other aesthetic surgeries.
Only some people may need to stay overnight at the medical center, but this will be determined by the plastic surgeon if necessary. It is usually informed before surgery, and in rare cases, after the procedure if there is any issue with returning home.
Risks
- Infection.
- Rejection of the prosthesis.
- Bleeding.
- Fibrosis.
- Inflammation.
- Damage to the dental nerve.
Although complications and health risks are rare, you must be aware that it is still surgery, and there are certain considerations to keep in mind.
Infection can be caused by various pathogens, bacteria, and fungi, and if it occurs, it should be treated with antibiotics or medications prescribed by the doctor.
Rejection of the mentoplasty prosthesis can happen in some people. The prosthetic materials are made with hypoallergenic tissues and substances, so it is not common, but it can occur. Each body or person responds differently to the same surgical materials.
Bleeding is common in surgeries, and the medical team uses all available resources to prevent it during the procedure.
Fibrosis is part of the tissue formation around the chin implant. This can cause pain, discomfort, and unpleasant sensations in the face. In severe cases of fibrosis, it may be noticeable to others.
As for dental nerve injury, this occurs with intraoral mentoplasty. This procedure enters below the root, very close to the dental nerves.
Mentoplasty Price
Like all interventions in private centers, the total cost is quite high for many people, although the results, when necessary, are promising and improve quality of life. The price of mentoplasty is $3,630, an amount that many clinics offer to pay in installments. However, before starting, everything will be explained so you can decide whether to pay it all at once or in small payments.
Can the results be noticed before and after?
Yes. This is the purpose of the procedure: the person with a small chin will notice a big difference afterward. However, the goal is to create facial harmony, so a person who doesn’t know you won’t notice anything unusual in your expression or face.
You can see the before-and-after of mentoplasty in the following photos:
These people are anonymous, but many celebrities have undergone this procedure in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and other cities in Spain and abroad. It is a relatively common procedure today when there are imperfections in the chin.
Is there a mentoplasty for reduction?
Although originally meant for enlargement, many people know the chin reduction surgery as mentoplasty for reduction.
This involves reducing the bone structure of the chin, reshaping the proportions of the chin bone, and decreasing its projection.
Generally, an incision is made beneath the tooth to access the jaw and avoid scars. As with enlargement, it can also be done beneath the chin.
The final results can be seen after a year, just the necessary time for all tissues to grow back, and the parts settle permanently.
Hello, I want to get mentoplasty without surgery. What is the price and how long does recovery take?