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What Is Mentoplasty?

7 Surprising Things You Didn’t Know About Mentoplasty

Mentoplasty, commonly referred to as chin surgery, is a cosmetic procedure used to reshape the chin to achieve a balanced facial appearance. Symmetry can be achieved via enhancement of the chin structure with an implant or reduction of the chin bone. Chin restructuring can help the facial structure achieve harmonious proportions. If you’re thinking about mentoplasty and scratching your chin, keep reading to find out seven surprising things you don’t already know and the answers to the seven most-searched questions about mentoplasty. In this guide, we discuss more about what is mentoplasty and everything you should know before having this surgery.

What Is Mentoplasty Surgery?

Mentoplasty is a cosmetic surgery to reshape the chin, either through augmentation or reduction. Chin surgery can improve the shape and line of the jawbone and contribute to a balanced, symmetrical facial structure.

#1 It’s Popular With Men and People Under 40

Of all the mentoplasty procedures in 2018, over 50% of them were performed on men. Besides improving the chin shape and position, the jawline can also be improved making it appear more defined and masculine. Many men opt for jaw surgery if they are self-conscious of the appearance of their profile. After undergoing the procedure, they often have heightened self-esteem and feel better when they look in the mirror. Mentoplasty isn’t just popular with men; it’s also gained popularity in the younger crowd.

Is Chin Surgery Safe?

When performed by a board-certified surgeon, there are generally very few risks to chin surgery. Your surgeon will review the possible risks that may be associated with this procedure.

Mentoplasty accounted for nearly 15% of all cosmetic surgeries done on individuals between the ages of 20 and 29 in 2018. The safety and effectiveness of the procedure contribute to its popularity among the younger generation. Young people are always looking for ways to improve their looks as they move through life. Chin surgery is appealing because of its affordability and safety, and because it has the ability to drastically improve the look of the face.

Mentoplasty and other chin procedures can also adjust the chin as it is affected by age and lifestyle.

How Long Does It Take for Chin Implants to Heal?

There is very little downtime required for chin augmentation patients, and many are able to go back to work within seven days of the procedure. Near-final results can be seen as soon as one month after the procedure, with complete healing done after about three months. Though mentoplasty and genioplasty surgeries can be used to fix aesthetics, they can also address physical concerns.

What Causes a Double Chin?

The dreaded double chin is an extra layer of fat that can develop under the jawline. While it sometimes is a side effect of weight gain, it can also be caused by diet modifications, genetics, age, and posture.

Beyond speech impediments, mentoplasty can also help improve the look of other facial plastic surgeries. For the most aesthetically-pleasing face, everything needs to be balanced. For example, getting a nose job to make your nose smaller may not be enough to create a symmetrical face. There are many procedures you can undergo to improve your face, from a full facelift to minimally-invasive procedures like liposuction. Your surgical team will discuss these options with you to determine what area and what procedure is best to create a balanced facial structure.

Do I Need a Nose Job If I’m Planning on Getting a Chin Surgery?

Maintaining the golden ratio is crucial when undergoing facial plastic surgery. If adjusting the shape or size of the chin causes asymmetry in the face, a nose adjustment may be necessary to correct the balance.

Your surgery team will know what procedures will be necessary to give you the face you want. You may think you’re unhappy with your nose, but it may actually just be your facial proportions you’re unhappy with. Rather than undergoing rhinoplasty, which has a slew of potential complications, you may be able to undergo mentoplasty instead to even out your facial structure.

#2 The Chin Can Be Augmented or Reduced

Like other areas of the body (for example, the breasts, buttocks, and stomach), the chin can also be enlarged or shrunk down. An augmentation procedure often requires the use of cosmetic implants. Meanwhile, a reduction can shave the jaw bone itself into a smaller or more pleasing shape.

The shape and size of the chin can impact the look of the entire face. A pointier chin often creates a longer face, while a rounded chin creates a shorter, rounder face. Depending on your preference, you can adjust your face shape with a mentoplasty surgery.

Men commonly opt for an augmentation surgery—an implant to make the chin and jawbone appear larger and more robust to achieve a more masculine look. Women typically opt for a reduction procedure—shaving of the jaw bone to create a smaller or more rounded chin feature to create an idealized feminine appearance.

How Do I Get My Chin Augmented?

Surgical chin augmentations use implants made from a biocompatible material, which are inserted underneath the skin and attached to the jaw. These implants are customized to fit the needs and shape requirements of the patient.

Fat transfer to the chin is another popular option that involves harvesting some fat from one’s own body (generally the abdomen or sides), processing and then injecting the fat into the desired area.

For those looking for a quick procedure with no downtime, Injectable fillers can be used. Although there are some more permanent products available, most injectable fillers last between 1-2 years.

#3 The Chin Is One of the Significant Aesthetic Parts of the Face

The face can be viewed in three sections: the forehead, the midface including the nose, and the lower third which includes the mouth and chin. Symmetrical faces are most appealing, so you may want to make sure these three regions are balanced. Performing a procedure on one region, such as the chin, may help to balance the entire face completely.

The Golden Ratio

Balancing the three major facial regions is often described as achieving the “golden ratio.” The golden ratio is essentially a 1:1:1 ratio for the face; the forehead should take up as much space as the mid-face, and the midface should take up as much space as the lower third. Basically, if you divide your face into three parts horizontally, all three should be equal to one another.

#4 Liposuction May Be a Viable Alternative

Before undergoing surgery, less-invasive procedures may give you the look you want. For minor changes or adjustments, procedures like liposuction or botox may be enough to balance the face. Specifically for the chin region, Kybella is an FDA-approved injection that can help to visibly melt away excess fat under the chin.

How Do I Get a Better Jawline?

It has been suggested by some that the jawline can be strengthened and improved naturally through simple exercises like smiling, chewing gum, chin lifts, or making a fish face. Lifestyle choices, such as hydration and not smoking, can also affect the shape of the jaw.

Chin liposuction can reduce the appearance of a double chin in patients with skin healthy enough to undergo the procedure. Like other liposuction procedures, chin liposuction procedure has results that can last for years. Recovery time from liposuction is generally much shorter than for invasive procedures—you can be in and out of the office in one day and have visible, nearly-healed results within a week.

#5 Genioplasty Can Be the Same Procedure

If you’ve looked into chin procedures, you’ve probably come across the term genioplasty alongside mentoplasty.

Both procedures adjust the contours of the chin to be more aesthetic and balanced with the rest of the face. The two terms are often used interchangeably today, as well. Mentoplasty procedure traditionally referred to chin reduction, whereas genioplasty referred to chin augmentation. Additionally, chin surgery designed to fix malformation or trauma is usually referred to as mentoplasty, as well.

Today, these terms are used as synonyms for each other and different offices may refer to the chin surgery procedure by either name.

What Is a Sliding Genioplasty?

A sliding genioplasty is a chin surgery where the jaw is physically moved forward to make it more protrusive in the lower face. This often gives the chin a more pronounced look.

This procedure is performed with an incision inside the mouth. Stitches dissolve within seven to 10 days, and full recovery may take up to six weeks.

#7 Mentoplasty Is One of the Most Affordable Cosmetic Procedures

The lower cost of augmentation mentoplasty—and its effective, visible results—makes it an appealing procedure for the masses. Different offices charge differently based on the experience of the doctor and the difficulty of the procedure, among other variables. To check the price of different plastic surgery procedures offered in San Diego, please follow the link - Plastic Surgery Prices.

If you’re looking to put your best face forward, cosmetic surgery may be the right option for you. Creating a balanced facial profile will not only improve the aesthetic beauty of your face but can increase your confidence and change your life.

Mentoplasty FAQ

7 Commonly-Asked Questions – ANSWERED!

What Is Mentoplasty Surgery?

Chin surgery, or mentoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that adjusts the contours of the chin, either through implants (augmentation) or by shaving the bone (reduction), with the end goal of creating an asymmetrical, more harmonious face.

How Much Does It Cost for a Chin Reduction?

The average cost for a chin reduction procedure in the United States is between $3,500 and $10,000. Costs can vary based on local versus general anesthesia, specific patient needs, and doctor specialty.

Can a Chin Implant Improve the Jawline?

The shape and size of the chin affect the look of your profile. Getting a chin implant can change your jawline by bringing your chin more in line with other facial features, primarily the nose and forehead.

Are Silicone Chin Implants Safe?

In the United States, chin implants are commonly made of solid silicone due to how easy it is to implement and its ability to exist in the human body. This type of implant can also be removed if necessary with little impact on the overall structure of the chin.

How Long Do Facial Implants Last?

For the most part, implants last a lifetime. If the implant is made from body material (i.e. fat or bone tissue), some of it may be reabsorbed into the body. After an implant is inserted, the full effect may take a few months to be visible, as it takes time for swelling to decrease.

Does Chin Surgery Hurt?

Anesthetic is used during chin surgery procedures. Depending on the patient request, the procedure can be performed under local anesthetic or full IV general sedation. Since it involves the jawbone, patients who experience dental anxiety may opt to undergo full sedation.

Is Genioplasty Safe?

Genioplasty is an effective, low-risk procedure that improves the shape of your jaw. This cosmetic surgery has minimal risks when performed by a certified surgeon and can yield great results.

For more information on mentoplasty and similar procedures, check out San Diego’s plastic surgery scene.

The decision to undergo a cosmetic procedure is extremely personal. If you are considering an enhancement, you want to be confident that your results will appear fresh and natural – and like you. Dr. Sadrian is among the finest plastic surgeons practicing in the San Diego area and has achieved acclaim for consistently achieving natural-looking results. Schedule an appointment to learn more.

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