What is MENTOPLASTY?
When you look in the mirror, do you see a very receding chin that unbalances the harmony of your face? If so, you're a strong candidate for mentoplasty. But what is mentoplasty?
Mentoplasty, also known as genioplasty, is a surgical procedure that changes the shape or dimensions of the chin in order to harmonise the profile and other facial proportions and improve the definition of the jawline.
Mentoplasty improves facial harmony on several levels:
- It projects a receding chin;
- Changes the shape and size of the chin;
- Improves the position of the chin in relation to other facial structures;
- Improves profile;
- Corrects asymmetries;
- Improves jawline definition.
The treatment can be done on its own or combined with other surgeries to improve the facial contour. The most common are neck liposuction and rhinoplasty.
Who it's for
Mentoplasty?
Mentoplasty is suitable for both men and women with a good general state of health and realistic expectations. Good candidates for Mentoplasty usually have some of the following characteristics:
- A small, receding chin;
- Irregularities in the chin;
- Double chin;
- Accumulation of fat in the lower part of the chin;
- Asymmetrical and poorly defined jawline;
- Large or prominent nose;
- Unbalanced facial structure.
Surgery Procedure
Mentoplasty
Evaluation consultation
Initially, the medical team's attention is centred on analysing the overall morphology of the face, how the chin fits into the face and the balance of the projection between the nose, lips and chin.
In order to choose an implant that suits the patient's characteristics and wishes, during the assessment prior to the jaw augmentation, characteristics such as
- Analysing the dimensions of facial structures;
- Measuring distances and angles;
- Skin elasticity;
- Symmetry of the face;
- Pre-existing depression;
- Presence of scars.
The aim is to carry out a detailed study of the facial structure in order to decide on the changes involved and the type of silicone implant to be placed.
Pre-mentoplasty care
Before the procedure, it may be necessary to stop taking certain medications, usually anti-haemorrhagic drugs, anticoagulants, diuretics, slimming medication, among others.
It's absolutely necessary to stop smoking both before surgery and after the procedure. Smoking has a negative impact on healing and blood circulation. The period of abstinence, as well as other preoperative recommendations, are indicated by the plastic surgeon during the consultations prior to surgery.
All preoperative examinations must be carried out in good time.
Chin Surgery Procedure
Mentoplasty is carried out under sedation and local anaesthetic and lasts around 45 minutes.
Chin augmentation is carried out by placing a specific prosthesis through an internal incision (inside the mouth) or an external incision (under the chin).
The prosthesis is integrated into the natural elements of the face, along with the muscle area, skin and fat, which makes it possible to achieve a very natural result.
Generally speaking, menoplasty provides long-lasting and definitive results. However, as the years go by, the natural ageing process, which is responsible for most facial changes, may at some point compromise the results of the surgery and a touch-up may be necessary.
Postoperative and Recovery Period
The recovery time for chin augmentation is about a week. During this period, some discomfort is expected, which is easily alleviated by taking painkillers.
From the outset, the patient can open and close their mouth normally - although with some restrictions to ensure that the internal incision heals completely.
During the first week, it is normal for there to be some oedema (swelling), which varies in intensity depending on the case and disappears gradually. There may also be bruising, which usually disappears about a month after the procedure.
Type of Mentoplasty implants
Each case is analysed individually in order to offer each patient a personalised solution. There are chin implants made from different materials, with different characteristics and indications. Silicone implants are by far the most frequently used, due to their ease of placement, versatility, flexibility and availability in a wide range of shapes and sizes.
Care after a Mentoplasty
In order to optimise the results of mentoplasty, patients must comply exactly with all medical recommendations:
- Avoid any kind of exertion;
- Rest, but walking is very important to promote circulation;
- Sleep with your head elevated;
- Maintain good oral hygiene (brush your teeth carefully/use mouthwash);
- Take the prescribed medication;
- Maintain a balanced diet and drink plenty of water;
- Opt for softer foods;
- Do not expose yourself to direct sunlight;
- To relieve discomfort and reduce oedema, you can use cold compresses every 20 minutes;
- No smoking.
For the first three months, patients should avoid sun exposure or situations with high temperatures - such as Turkish baths or saunas - to reduce the risk of unsightly scarring.
Type of Anaesthesia
Mentoplasty is usually performed with sedation and local anaesthesia. Sedation is administered intravenously by the anaesthetist and, when the patient is asleep, local anaesthetics are administered to the chin area so that the patient doesn't feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. At the end of the surgery, the patient is woken up by the anaesthetist and then transported to the recovery room where they remain under observation for a few hours until they are discharged.
Type of Incision - Scar
Internal scar: is located inside the mouth, between the lower lip and the gums;
External scar: is located under the chin. Although it is external, it is hidden and practically unnoticeable.
Mentoplasty surgery step-by-step
Chin marking
The first step is to make the markings to ensure that the chin implant is placed in the correct position.
Sedation
The patient is placed in a supine position. Sedation is administered intravenously by the anaesthetist, who will be present throughout the surgery. Local anaesthetic is then injected into the chin area.
Disinfection and placement of surgical drapes
The entire area to be operated on is cleaned and disinfected to reduce the risk of infection. Operating drapes are placed to isolate the area from the external environment.
Incision
The plastic surgeon makes a small incision either externally (under the chin) or internally (inside the mouth, between the lower lip and the gums).
Implant placement
Through the incision, the plastic surgeon creates a pocket and carefully inserts the implant into the chin.
Closing the incision
The incision is closed with sutures which are usually removed after 7/10 days.
Recovery
The patient is woken up by the anaesthetist and then transported to the recovery room where they remain under observation until they are discharged the same day.
Benefits of Mentoplasty
The shape of the chin has a crucial influence on facial harmony and proportion. Some of the benefits of chin augmentation surgery include:
- Strengthens an underdeveloped chin;
- It gives the jaw a more harmonious, “triangular” shape;
- Increases the height or width of the chin;
- Improves the appearance of the “double chin”;
- Improves the characteristic “chin dimple”;
- Improves the balance between the nose, lips and chin,
Medical Specialists
About
Dr Luísa Magalhães Ramos / Plastic Surgery
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 42810, specialising in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, specialising in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, He specialised in University Hospital Centre Lisboa Central - St Joseph's Hospital.
Throughout his training, he sub-specialised in the area of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, He has worked in world-renowned centres. At the same time, he also worked on breast reconstruction and the reconstruction of facial malformations.
He is currently working mainly on Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of the Face (eyelids, nose and cervical-facial lift), Breast Surgery and Female Genital Surgery.
About
Dr Alice Varanda Pereira / Plastic Surgery
DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION: registration no. 47051, specialist in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Subspecialist in Aesthetic and Cosmetic Medicine.
Licensed by Lisbon Medical School, It was at this institution that she took her Master's degree in Human Sexuality and is currently working on her PhD.
She has been a member of the faculty's teaching staff since 2008, as Assistant Professor at the Institute of Anatomy. It is in this unit that she produces most of her research projects, essentially in the area of surgical anatomy, and she is also the supervisor of master's theses.
Frequently Asked Questions about
Mentoplasty
Is mentoplasty a safe surgery?
Any surgery has associated risks and chin augmentation is no exception. However, in order for the surgery to be carried out safely and with the lowest risk of complications, it is very important that you choose a reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgeon registered with the Portuguese Medical Association and with several years of proven experience in performing facial surgeries and chin augmentations.
What is the price of a jaw augmentation in Lisbon?
The price of a mentoplasty depends on the complexity of the surgery as well as the combination of procedures. Mentoplasty is often combined with other surgeries such as neck liposuction, neck lift, rhinoplasty or other procedures. The exact cost of the mentoplasty will be confirmed on the day of the medical consultation after diagnosis.
What anaesthetic is used for chin augmentation?
The anaesthetic administered depends on the combination of procedures, but chin augmentation is generally performed with sedation and local anaesthesia.
From what age can a chin augmentation be performed?
It is necessary to wait until the facial bones have fully grown before having a chin augmentation. Normally, from the age of 18, anyone can undergo surgery to correct various chin abnormalities, improve your profile and jaw contour.
Are there non-surgical alternatives to mentoplasty?
The chin can also be augmented using fat grafting or hyaluronic acid fillers. However, the results of these types of treatments are less long-lasting (hyaluronic acid fillers last approximately 9 to 12 months; with fat grafting, resorption is around 40 % in the following months and the fat that remains tends to last for several years).
When will the results be visible?
As a rule, the results are immediately visible, but swelling can distort the result at first. The final result of the surgery is usually expected 3 to 6 months later.
What are the risks associated with a chin augmentation?
Although rare, the most frequent complications associated with placing an implant in the chin are asymmetry, visibility of the implant, prolonged oedema, erosion, infection and altered sensitivity.
Is there a risk of prosthesis rejection?
The risk of prosthesis rejection is very low, but when this happens, the prosthesis can be removed and reinserted after some time.
What position should I sleep in after surgery?
After surgery, and for approximately 15 days, you should sleep with your head elevated. This position is very important to reduce oedema and avoid trauma/dislocation of the prosthesis when you turn your face to the side.
When can I return to work?
Recovery from a chin augmentation takes about a week. From then on, you can resume your routine. However, after a week you may still have some oedema (swelling) or bruising. Recovery varies from person to person, so it's important that you return to work when you feel comfortable. It's important to take the prescribed medication and follow all post-operative care to the letter to ensure good healing and a full recovery.
When can I return to the gym?
You shouldn't do any physical activity, especially intense ones, for 30 days. After a month you can return to the gym, but you should start gradually.
Is the result of Mentoplasty permanent?
We can say that the results of Mentoplasty are quite long-lasting. However, it is important to realise that the surgery does not stop the changes resulting from the natural ageing process. Over the years, these changes may jeopardise the outcome of the surgery at some point and require revision surgery.
