PROTRUDING CHIN

A protruding chin can be corrected by reshaping the bone and other structural tissues.
Cosmetic reduction surgery of the chin, reductive mentoplasty, is able to create a more pleasant shape to the face.

Reductive mentoplasty (removing the protruding, large or prominent chin) is a relatively simple procedure that an experienced surgeon can perform to create a more harmonious profile and a proportionate appearance of the face; however, it must also take into account any functional problems in the mouth, so a dentist should also be involved.

The best candidates for reduction surgery for a protruding chin are:

• people who are unhappy with the appearance of their chin and facial features
• in good physical and mental health
• people who have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure
• adults (must be at least 20 years old) – bone development of the chin must be stable

Individuals who cannot or do not want to undergo chin reduction surgery can instead benefit from the facial liposuction technique to help redefine their profile.

Protruding chin: reductive mentoplasty

A reduction of the protruding chin is a cosmetic surgical procedure in which the chin is reduced by:

• removal or filing of bone
• sliding surgery (similar to additive mentoplasty)

The surgeon can use suitable instruments to finely reduce the chin for a natural and more symmetrical look.
The surgeon remodels the protruding chin, removes excess bone and correctly proportions the shape.

Protruding chin: before surgery

Before surgery to reduce a protruding chin, you should avoid:

• acetyl salicylic acid – aspirin – as well as all drugs containing it
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs –NSAIDs – at least 1 week before surgery

Protruding chin: after surgery

Most patients are able to resume normal activities within 1 or 2 weeks, provided there are no complications.
Sometimes, patients may experience:

• slight discomfort
• bruising
• swelling of the chin and mouth
• pain (medications will be prescribed to relieve discomfort)
• Stitches are normally removed within 7 days

In addition:

• you won't be able to do intense physical activity for 2 weeks after surgery
• you can be back at work in a few days to a week
• the doctor will discuss how to arrange monitoring and check-ups for better recovery and the desired results

Protruding chin: surgery risks
All surgeries present risks.
Surgery to reduce a protruding chin is associated with the following risks:

• the patient may experience swelling for several weeks or months
• infection
• nerve damage with numbness in the lower lip
• adverse reactions to anaesthesia, which can affect the patient's respiratory system

Although the risks can be significant and substantial, the likelihood of complications is reduced if reduction surgery for a protruding chin is performed by an experienced surgeon.

Protruding chin: the results
After reduction surgery for a protruding chin, the results are not immediately visible.
The swelling will obscure the results and only once the swelling has gone down will the results be visible.

Protruding chin: liposuction

Liposuction (removal of adipose tissue under the chin) can be used in combination and/or instead of reductive mentoplasty to improve the patient's facial profile.
Reductive mentoplasty can be combined with a facelift and rhinoplasty (creating a more harmonious balance between the nose and chin).

Successful reduction surgery for a protruding chin can improve both the individual's appearance and quality of life.