Mentoplasty (chin plastic surgery)

Mentoplasty, or chin correction, is an aesthetic surgery that helps change the shape, size, or position of the chin. The goal of the procedure is to make facial features more harmonious and the profile more balanced. The term genioplasty is often used as a synonym for mentoplasty, but there is a slight difference between them.

• Mentoplasty typically refers to changing the shape of the chin using an implant or removing excess bone tissue.
• Genioplasty is a deeper, osseous (bone) correction where the surgeon repositions a fragment of the patient’s own chin bone, altering its position without the use of implants.

The procedure is suitable for people who notice that their chin is too small, protrudes forward, has asymmetry, or “blends” into the neck. Mentoplasty helps restore facial balance, emphasize the jawline, and regain confidence in one’s reflection.

Author of the article: Davyd Keyan

Like any surgical intervention, mentoplasty surgery has its contraindications. Before the operation, a medical examination is mandatory to ensure that the patient can safely undergo the procedure and the recovery period.

1. Absolute Contraindications
   Mentoplasty is not performed in cases of oncology, severe cardiovascular diseases, acute inflammation, or blood clotting disorders — these can be life-threatening.
2. Temporary Restrictions
   The surgery is postponed during pregnancy, lactation, infections, or exacerbation of chronic diseases. Once recovered, the intervention can be scheduled.
3. Dental Issues
   Before surgery, it is necessary to treat cavities, gum inflammation, or other oral infections to avoid complications.
4. Endocrine Disorders
   In cases of diabetes or thyroid disorders, the decision regarding mentoplasty is made only after a consultation with an endocrinologist.
5. Blood Clotting Disorders
   Coagulation problems or the use of anticoagulants increase the risk of bleeding, so therapy must be adjusted in advance.
6. Mental Disorders
   The surgery is not performed in cases of unstable psycho-emotional states, depression, or body dysmorphic disorder — a consultation with a psychotherapist is required first.

Author of the article: Davyd Keyan

To ensure that mentoplasty is performed safely and yields predictable results, proper preparation is essential. The preparation process includes several key stages:

1. Surgeon Consultation
   The doctor evaluates the facial shape, proportions, and tissue condition to select the optimal correction method — whether using an implant, performing an osteotomy, or chin reduction.
2. Orthodontist Consultation
   If there are bite issues, an additional consultation is conducted to avoid functional impairments after the surgery.
3. 3D Result Modeling
   The surgeon creates a digital model that shows what the chin will look like after the correction. This helps align expectations with reality.
4. Medical Examinations
   Before the intervention, it is necessary to perform blood tests, an ECG, a chest X-ray, and have a consultation with a general practitioner.
5. Preparation 2 Weeks Prior
   Two weeks before the surgery, it is advisable to stop consuming alcohol, smoking, and taking blood-thinning medications, as well as to ensure adequate rest and a healthy diet.
6. Pre-operative Diet
   A light diet without fatty, spicy, or salty foods is recommended 48 hours before the procedure. On the day of the surgery, do not eat or drink for 6 hours prior to the intervention.

Author of the article: Davyd Keyan

Chin correction lasts about 1–2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting. This is a high-precision surgery that requires a surgeon’s expertise. General anesthesia is most commonly used; in some cases, local anesthesia with sedation may be applied.

The surgeon makes a small intraoral incision to avoid external scars. Depending on the goal: an implant is placed (for augmentation) or an osteotomy with bone displacement is performed (to change the shape or position of the chin). Next, the bone or implant is secured with mini-plates or screws, followed by the application of absorbable sutures.

At the end of the surgery, a bandage is applied to reduce swelling and stabilize the tissues. The patient usually remains under medical supervision for 24 hours, after which they can return home.

Author of the article: Davyd Keyan

Recovery after mentoplasty is relatively fast — most patients return to their normal lives within 2–3 weeks, and the final result is visible after 2–3 months. Here is what happens during the rehabilitation period and what to look out for:

• Swelling and Bruising. These are normal in the first few days and disappear within 1–2 weeks. Cold compresses can help.
• Pain. It is usually moderate and easily managed with painkillers. Discomfort typically subsides within a few days.
• Diet. During the first weeks, stick to soft or liquid food. Temporarily avoid hot and hard foods.
• Hygiene. Rinse with an antiseptic after meals, use a soft toothbrush, and clean the suture area carefully.
• Compression Bandage. Wear it for 5–7 days to secure the tissues and reduce swelling.
• Restrictions. Do not visit saunas or swimming pools, and avoid straining the jaw for 3–4 weeks.

Author of the article: Davyd Keyan

Today, more and more men are turning to mentoplasty, as a well-defined and proportional chin significantly impacts facial perception and the masculinity of the profile. The desire to improve the shape of the chin is becoming a popular trend. Men want to accentuate their features, making the face more expressive and balanced.

Unlike female mentoplasty, augmentation surgery is more commonly used here to create a square-shaped chin, emphasizing the lower third of the face and making it more proportional.

Mentoplasty for men helps not only to improve facial aesthetics but also to boost self-confidence and create a harmonious profile.

Author of the article: Davyd Keyan

Choosing the right surgeon for mentoplasty is the primary factor for a successful operation. Both beauty and safety depend on the specialist’s expertise:

• Qualifications. Choose a maxillofacial or plastic surgeon who holds the necessary certifications and has extensive experience in performing chin mentoplasty. This guarantees precision and a natural result.
• Experience. Before scheduling your surgery, find out how many patients have already undergone chin plastic surgery with this doctor. Review “before and after” photos.
• The Clinic. It is best to contact reputable centers that use modern equipment and 3D modeling, and provide full postoperative support.

If you are looking for the best mentoplasty surgeon in Kyiv, pay close attention to the clinic’s reputation and patient reviews. Before the surgery, be sure to discuss:

• Which mentoplasty method is right for you?
• What are the potential risks and complications?
• What is the predicted result and recovery time?
• Can the surgery be combined with other procedures (orthodontics, V-line chin surgery)?

Making the right choice of surgeon is the key to a safe operation and a natural, aesthetic result.

Author of the article: Davyd Keyan