Some patients who come to us for rhinoplasty, a face lift or liposuction of the neck are surprised when we suggest that they also consider chin surgery. The chin plays a more important role than you may have suspected. If it recedes (or conversely, if it protrudes) nose, face or neck surgery alone will not create the desired results; the poorly proportioned chin will detract from an otherwise attractive face.

Mentoplasty, then, assures harmony among all the facial features. For some patients, it is all that is necessary to achieve their most pleasing profile. Mentoplasty, or cosmetic surgery of the chin comes in two versions: augmentation, in which a well-tolerated implant is placed against the lower jawbone to bring a receding chin into proper alignment; and reduction, which removes portions of a long or protruding chin for the same purpose – to balance it with the rest of the face. When combined with a face lift or liposuction, the same small incision can be used for both procedures.

Some reduction in double chin can be expected, particularly if fat cells are also removed. After a brief recovery period, the tiny scar that remains will be nearly invisible and the chin itself should feel as natural as before. Results should last a lifetime. Chin development must be complete for this operation to be successful.

Mentoplasty is a cosmetic procedure and should not be confused with surgery that corrects misaligned jaws, a functional disorder requiring repositioning of the lower jawbone.