Mentoplasty
Mentoplasty is the aesthetic surgery that is performed with the purpose of restructuring and reforming the chin to create better harmony with the face. The aesthetic balance of the face results from harmonic and symmetrical facial proportions. This surgical procedure improves the appearance of the chin and the overall proportions of the face. All facial anatomical structures need to be in harmony and proportional for a desirable aesthetic appearance. Although the features of these facial structures, the angles and distances between them may vary from person to person, "ideal proportions" can be tailored for each individual. To create optimal facial proportions, mentoplasty is often performed in conjunction with nose surgery.

For an ideal jawline, the chin position should be 2-3 millimetres behind an imaginary line drawn vertically down from the base of the nose. A “weak chin” is a condition in which the chin is retro-positioned greater than 2 to 3 millimetres; otherwise, it is considered as a strong jaw. In women, a slight degree of retro-positioning is acceptable and even desired aesthetically. However, in men, a strong jawline that gives a masculine appearance is preferred.

In What Cases is Mentoplasty Performed?
In order to build-up a weak jaw and augment a small or receded chin, mentoplasty can be done by either adding an implant or by moving part of the patient’s own chin forward. In some patients with very small chin, the procedure may require the addition of the patient’s own bone, usually from the hip. Mentoplasty can also be done by removing part of the bone to reduce a prominent, jutting jaw that spoils the general appearance.

Preparation Process before Mentoplasty
Your surgeon will analyse your face and make suggestions to establish realistic expectations about the results of your mentoplasty procedure. The surgical procedure will be explained in great detail so as not to leave any question or concern you have unaddressed. When the decision to conduct surgery is made, your surgeon will take your comprehensive medical history and ask questions about any previous surgeries you may have had. X-rays may be required to determine the amount of augmentation, projection, recession, change in the height or in the position required to improve the appearance of the chin. The surgeon must be informed about any medications that affect bleeding. Aspirin, any medications containing aspirin, ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, gingko biloba extracts, and vitamin E supplements should be avoided in the weeks leading up to the surgery; daily regular medicines must be continued as long as they are approved by your surgeon. Nothing should be eaten or drunk after midnight before the operation unless instructed otherwise. Before the operation, make sure to brush your teeth.

Mentoplasty Operation
Mentoplasty may be performed under local anaesthesia, with or without mild sedation, or under general anaesthesia. The procedure may be performed on an out-patient basis without requiring hospitalization. The mentoplasty procedure lasts approximately an hour and a half. If a chin implant is required, the surgeon begins the procedure by making a small incision under the chin or inside the mouth. Your surgeon will provide you information about the place of the incision before the surgery. After the incision, the surgeon stretches the tissue to allow the implant insertion. The implant is carefully placed in front of the mandible, deep into the chin’s soft tissue. Through the same incision, the chin is sculpted a little to achieve the desired shape.

Recovery Process after Mentoplasty
Tenderness and pain that may be experienced after surgery are taken under control with appropriate medication. The tightness sensation in the chin that might be experienced after surgery subsides within weeks. Swelling and bruising are also likely to occur.
Swelling generally reaches the maximum and then begins to subside. A bandage or chin dressing is applied after the surgery. The bandage or chin dressing is generally kept in place for two or three days following surgery. The sutures are usually removed, or dissolve on their own within five or seven days after the operation. After surgery, chewing may be limited and it may be necessary to have a liquid and soft food diet for the first few days. Patients can resume their daily lives within ten days following the surgery.

Patients are recommended to avoid strenuous activities for the first few weeks after surgery. In addition, activities that pose a risk of being struck in the face should be avoided for about six weeks.