
Mentoplasty, also known as chin implantation surgery, increases the size of the chin. Like in nasal surgery, this operation should help the chin achieve harmony with the other facial features. The chin should form a point immediately below the lips. Surgery of the chin can be done in conjunction with a rhinoplasty or they can be done as separate procedures. Orthodontia to change the alignment of the teeth or oral surgery to adjust the position of the jaw may also be required.
The most frequent problem is a recessed or underdeveloped chin, also called an under-bite. This is treated with an implant of soft medical grade solid silicone, placed through an incision in the mouth or in the skin under the chin. Other materials can be used like bone from the hip or cartilage from the rib. This requires a second operation to obtain the implant material and for this reason this method is rarely used. The chin will then be bandaged for four to five days. In cases where the chin projects too much, the jaw can be reduced through an incision in the mouth, and then with a bone shaving operation.