Chin Reduction Fact Sheet

The objective

The purpose of chin reduction surgery - or ‘mentoplasty’ - is to decrease the size of a chin which ‘juts out’ or is perceived as being too large, in order to give the face a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The procedure

The operation is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic and can take 1-4 hours, depending on complexity. Sometimes local anaesthetic with sedation may be used.

The surgeon will make cuts inside the mouth under the lower lip, or under the chin in a discreet position, and will then either remove a wedge of the bone using a drilling instrument (a burr), or may slide part of the bone to reposition and reshape the chin point.

The incision will then be stitched and surgically taped.

The outcome

There may be a lot of swelling and bruising for up to two weeks, with the chin area tender and painful. An elastic garment made for the chin and neck can help swelling to reduce more quickly. Normally, dissolvable stitches will be used and therefore will not require removal.

You will need to be on a ‘soft diet’ of mashed or pureed food for around one week as chewing can prevent the wounds from healing properly and it will also be difficult to eat.

You may be able to leave the hospital within a few hours, though sometimes an overnight stay may be required. You can normally return to work after 1-2 weeks and should avoid strenuous activity for 2-3 weeks. Any situation which might involve facial contact should be avoided for up to six weeks.

A chin that is aesthetically contoured and reduced in size and in proportion with the face, within realistic expectations of what the surgery can offer, can be expected as a result of this surgery.

The risks

All general anaesthesias carry associated risks, but complications particular to mentoplasty include infection and problems with wound healing, particularly if the incision was made inside the mouth. If infection occurs and antibiotics aren’t effective, on rare occasions this may involve surgical drainage to remove the infection.

There may be a risk of developing a blood clot, or haematoma, under the skin.

Over time, small parts of the chin bone may erode but this is not normally a problem.

If the nerves to the lower lip have been damaged during surgery there may be temporary numbness.

You may not be happy with the result or the post-operative shape of your chin.

The costs

In the UK expect to pay around £3,200. Abroad, expect to pay from around £1,370 (India) to around £1,642 (South Africa).

The availability

Mentoplasty is available at many private cosmetic surgery clinics in the UK and abroad. A specialist in facial reconstructive surgery would be most appropriate to consult.

The popularity

This surgery is popular amongst men and women who do not feel confident about the size or shape of their chin, often where it is felt to be overly large or prominent, and they have a reduction to give more balance to the face.