This webpage has been designed to improve understanding of Genioplasty and contains answers to the most commonly asked questions about this treatment. If you have any other questions that the website does not answer or would like further explanation please ask a member of our medical staff.

The problem
The profile of the chin needs correction because the bones of the face and jaws are out of balance with each other. Surgery to change position of the chin is called genioplasty. The surgery will take place under a general anaesthetic, ie: the patient is going to be put to sleep completely. Genioplasty is often carried out at the same time as other corrective surgery on the jaws but patients may well find that their surgeon has advised them to have it carried out at a later stage.

What does the operation involve?
The operation is carried out from the inside of the mouth so that there are no visible scars on the skin of the face. A cut is made through the gum on the inside of the lower lip to gain access to the lower jaw bone and chin. The chin is then cut with a small saw to allow it to be broken in a controlled manner. It is then moved into its new position and held in place with small metal plates and screws. The gum inside the mouth is stitched back into place with dissolvable stitches that can take 7-10 days to fall out.

What can be expected after the operation?
Perhaps surprisingly it is not a particularly painful operation but it is still likely to be sore and regular painkillers will be arranged. The discomfort is usually worse for the first few days although it may take a couple of weeks to completely disappear. It is also necessary to make sure that the area heals without any infection and so patients will be given antibiotics through a vein in their arm whilst they are in hospital. Patients will be sent home with painkillers and a course of antibiotics.

Immediately after the operation the chin will feel swollen and tight. Swelling and bruising is variable but is generally worse on the second or third day after the operation. Using cold compresses can reduce the swelling and sleeping propped upright for a few days. Most of the swelling will resolve after a fortnight but there is often some subtle swelling that can take several months to disappear although only the patient and their family are likely to notice this.

Can patients eat normally after surgery?
If a patient is having a genioplasty carried out on its own they should have little problem with eating although they may well start with a soft diet and then gradually build up to normal food over a few days.

How long will the hospital stay be?
This obviously varies from person to person but most patients are only in hospital overnight. The position of the chin will be checked with X-rays before the patient is allowed home.

Does this procedure require any time off work?
This varies enormously from person to person and depends on what kind of work they do. We recommend that most people have around a week off work if they are having just a genioplasty carried out. It is important to remember that patients will not be able to drive or operate machinery for 48 hours after general anaesthetic.

What are the possible problems?
There are potential complications with any operation. Fortunately with this type of surgery complications are rare and may not happen. However it is important that patients are aware of some of them and have the opportunity to discuss them with their surgeon.

		Bleeding - some oozing from the cuts inside the mouth on the night of operation is normal and to be expected. Significant bleeding is very unusual but should it occur it can usually be stopped by applying pressure over the area for at least 10 minutes with a rolled up handkerchief or swab.
		Numbness - the bottom lip will be numb and tingly after the operation, similar to the sensation after having an injection at the dentist. This numbness may take several months to disappear and in a minority of patients may last forever.
		Infection - the small plates and screws that hold the jaw in its new position are usually left in place permanently. Occasionally they can become infected and need to be removed but if this happens it is not normally a problem until several months after surgery. The metal that is used is titanium, which does not set off metal detectors in airports etc.

Will further appointments be required?
A review appointment will be arranged before the patient leaves hospital to see the surgeon and orthodontist.

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