Since it is one of the focal points of a person’s facial profile, many people desire their chin to be prominent and well-defined, providing the ideal complement to a strong jawline. For some individuals, however, their problem is of the reverse sort, as their chins jut out too far or are disproportionately large compared to the rest of their faces. This afflicts them with a deformed or comical appearance that often leads to a loss of self-confidence and personal image. If you consider yourself one of those blessed with too much chin, you may want to consider a mentoplasty, or chin reduction.

Patients who are considering chin reduction surgery should be at least 20 years old, as prior to this age, the chin is still in the process of developing. They should also be in decent physical health and must not be suffering from any bone disorders, as the surgery is somewhat extensive and complications may arise from any undisclosed diseases or conditions.

The chin reduction procedure itself varies from patient to patient, according to one’s anatomy and expectations. The standard technique is performed under local anesthesia in most cases, with the introduction of an intravenous sedative if necessary, and in more complex operations, general anesthesia will be used. The surgeon will then make an incision either under the lower lip, inside the mouth, or under the chin in a relatively inconspicuous location, to reduce visible scarring. Using specialized instruments, the surgeon will detach the bone at the tip of the chin. Then, with the help of drills and other shaping devices, he will reconfigure the chin bone, sculpting and resizing it to the ideal form and contour that will suit the patient’s desired features. Excess bone will be chipped away and removed to make the new chin more proportional. Once the new chin tip has been completed, it will be reattached to the chin and held securely through wires and plates. The incision will then be sutured and taped shut.

While the bone is healing, the patient may experience discoloration in the treated area, as well as swelling that lasts about several weeks. Stitches can be removed after seven days. As with other surgeries of this extent, periodic discomfort and bruising may be expected. The pain can be treated with standard medication. In remote instances, infection may develop in the chin area, which can normally be resolved with a steady dose of antibiotics. In some cases, the infection will require surgical drainage of the affected area. Small nerve damage, while not common, is another concern, causing lack of sensation in the chin and lower lip region. The numbness is usually temporary, however. Lastly, a patient may have trouble eating and talking for a week or two. A recovering patient is expected to rest and refrain from strenuous physical activity during the healing period of a few weeks, though he may return to work within seven days from the operation.

Though a chin reduction surgery carries inherent risks, the aesthetic and psychological benefits that can be derived from a successful procedure are significant. Patients who undergo chin reduction experience an improvement in their self-esteem, as the better balance between their chins and their noses creates a more harmonious and aesthetically pleasing profile. It is, therefore, important to find and consult with a surgeon who is experienced with the technique and give you an accurate picture of what you can expect from the procedure. Due to the mechanics involved in the reduction of the chin, excessive reduction cannot be fixed naturally, and can only be adjusted with more surgery to enhance the chin again.