Chin surgery
If your chin is too large or too small it can affect all your facial features
Chin surgery (also known as genioplasty) is a way of improving the appearance of your chin and side jaw profile. It works by repositioning and/or recontouring your chin. It may be done at the same time as corrective jaw surgery, or as a stand-alone procedure. If you’re uncomfortable with the way your chin looks from the side, chin surgery may be the solution.
Types of Chin Surgery
There are two ways to achieve a more attractive chin profile:
Sliding genioplasty
If you have a severely receding chin, or if your chin is sitting too far forward, sliding genioplasty may be recommended. Dr van Mourik will cut your chin bone and reposition it using small screws and plates to hold it in place.
Chin implants
Another way of improving the look of a receding chin is to insert an implant — a piece of synthetic material that will integrate with the bone of your chin.
How chin surgery is performed
Dr van Mourik will perform your chin surgery in a private hospital. The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic which is administered by an anaesthetist. It is usually a day surgery procedure.
All incisions are made inside your mouth, so you’ll have no visible scars. The incisions are sutured with dissolvable stitches.
Recovery after chin surgery
Hospital stay: Chin surgery is usually a same day procedure, but it’s possible you’ll need to spend one night in hospital. If you’re having a same day procedure, because of the general anaesthetic you’ll need someone to pick you up and take you home.
Pain management: Pain is different for everyone but normally chin surgery is not that painful and normal painkillers such as Nurofen® and Panadeine® should keep you comfortable. An icepack can help reduce any swelling or pain.
Work/school: You’ll need to allow approximately 1 week off.
Stitches: Dissolving stitches are used in most cases. They gradually dissolve over 1 to 2 weeks.
Follow up care: Dr van Mourik will want to see you after your surgery to monitor your healing.
Complete healing can take 2 to 4 months.
Dr Van Mourik will give you detailed post-operative instructions during your pre-surgery consultation. To maximise your chance of making a quick recovery without complications, please pay careful attention to these instructions. General information can be found on the Post-op and Patient Care page.
Possible Complications
It’s unusual to have complications with chin surgery when you have a skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeon to perform the procedure. However, all surgeries have some potential risks and complications and for chin surgery they include:
- Infection
- Numbness/tingling caused by nerve injury
- Shifting of the implant
Cost of chin surgery
Medicare will reimburse you for part of your initial consultation.
Dr van Mourik will give you a written quote for the cost of your chin surgery at the initial consultation. We’ll help you make your Medicare and private health insurance claims so that you’ll know how much of the cost will be covered.
We’ll give you contact details for the anaesthetist so you can obtain their fee schedule. Medicare and private health insurance will cover part of the anaesthetist’s costs.
Dr van Mourik is a highly experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He explains things clearly and he’s a good listener, so ask him questions about your chin surgery — he’ll take the time to answer you and manage your concerns sensitively.
Learn more about orthognathic (jaw) surgery in our comprehensive guide
(02) 9416 4809
admin@kristianvanmourik.com.au
Suite 5, 12 Tryon Rd, Lindfield 2070, NSW
Suite 104, 568 Oxford St, Bondi Junction 2022, NSW