Chin Correction - Introduction

Some people like themselves less when seen from the side. This may be due to the fact that, in some cases, the chin - one of the most prominent parts of the facial profile - is either too strongly defined and protrudes forward or is too weakly defined and appears flat and sunken. Both of these are obstacles to an aesthetic and harmonious facial profile. With a successful chin correction, referred to as a genioplasty in medical terminology, the chin can be resituated forwards, backwards, upwards, or downwards. An optical improvement of the overall impression one's face makes, especially in profile view, can thus be achieved.¹ In some cases, a genioplasty (chin correction) may also be carried out for medicinal or maxillo-orthopaedic reasons.

This procedure can generally be carried out after the completion of the jawbone growth cycle. Resituating the chin region in the desired direction is then executed operatively after a comprehensive facial analysis and consultation, in most cases using general anaesthesia. Depending on the type of correction, the operating doctor either removes part of the chin, or, in the case of a receding chin, achieves on optical forward lengthening of the chin through the insertion of an implant. This implant is often made of silicon; however, parts of bone and cartilage from one's own body may also come into play and would be removed from the pelvic bone in advance. The implant is affixed using small screws or plates made of titanium which can then be removed after a healing period of around 6 to 12 months. This so-called "profile correction" encompasses the nose and the chin in most cases.

After the operation, you will have to deal with swelling and bruising; however, these should recede after a few days. Pain when eating or speaking are also possible. The healing process is supported by using cooling compresses and maintaining good aftercare. Naturally, you will need to treat your wounds with great care when brushing your teeth and performing facial hygiene. With good wound healing and a generally positive course of treatment, normal daily life free from impairments is typically possible again after 7 to 10 days.

Serious complications as a result of treatment errors only arise in rare cases. Possible risks are inflammations, feelings of numbness, or bleeding. Sometimes the results do not correspond to your aesthetic wishes and may possibly need to be revisited in a second procedure. In a successfully executed procedure, however, most patients are very satisfied with the results: a harmonious facial profile with facial proportions that are more beautiful overall.