Short answer
Chin aesthetics is surgery that changes the size, projection or shape of the chin, using an implant or by moving the chin bone (genioplasty). It usually takes 1-2 hours under general anaesthesia, often with 1 night in hospital. Most patients stay in Istanbul for 5-7 days and return to work after 7-10 days.
What is chin aesthetics?
Chin aesthetics, or mentoplasty, changes the chin to bring it into balance with the nose, lips and jaw. A weak chin can make the nose look larger and the neck less defined, even when those features are normal.
Two main methods are used. A chin implant adds projection over the existing bone. A sliding genioplasty cuts and moves the chin bone forward, backward, up or down, which can also reduce a large chin.
Who is it for?
Chin surgery suits adults whose facial growth is complete and who feel their chin is too small, too large or uneven. It is often combined with rhinoplasty, because nose and chin balance each other in profile.
- Receding or weak chin
- Asymmetric chin
- Overly long or prominent chin
- Poor jawline definition in profile
How the procedure is done
For a chin implant, the surgeon makes a small incision inside the lower lip or a short one under the chin, creates a precise pocket and places a shaped implant directly on the bone.
For a genioplasty, the incision is inside the mouth. The surgeon cuts the lower part of the chin bone, moves it to the planned position and fixes it with small plates and screws. Planning uses photographs and measurements of your profile.
Metropolmed's own surgical team performs the operation in Istanbul, and a personal coordinator stays with you from your first message to your 12-month follow-up. Your hotel, VIP transfers and a medical interpreter are arranged before you land in Istanbul.
Planning your chin change
Chin planning looks at your whole profile, not just the chin. The surgeon studies the relationship between your nose, lips and chin from the side, and how your chin looks from the front.
Small differences of a few millimetres make a visible change, so measurements are taken carefully from photographs. If your nose is large or your chin weak, the surgeon may suggest treating both together for a more balanced result. You see and agree the plan before surgery.
- Profile and front photographs
- Assessment of bite and lower teeth
- Discussion of implant or bone surgery
- Agreed target projection
Recovery and results
Expect swelling and tightness of the chin and lower lip for 1-2 weeks. A supportive tape or garment may be worn for a few days. After an incision inside the mouth, a soft diet and mouthwash are needed for about a week.
Most patients return to work after 7-10 days. The new profile is visible straight away, while the final shape becomes clear as swelling settles over 3-6 months.
Risks and safety
Risks include infection, bleeding, asymmetry, implant movement and temporary numbness of the lower lip and chin. With genioplasty, there is a small risk of longer-lasting numbness because a sensory nerve runs nearby.
A doctor assesses your bite, jaw and facial proportions in person. If the bite itself is affected, jaw surgery may be more appropriate, and you will be told before any plan is agreed.
Recovery timeline
- Day 1Hospital or hotel rest, chin dressing in place.
- Week 1Soft diet, mouth care, swelling peaks then eases.
- Week 2Back to work and social life.
- Month 1-3Numbness and tightness gradually fade.
- Month 3-6Final chin contour settled.
Frequently asked questions
Is a chin implant permanent?
Yes, a chin implant is designed to stay in place permanently. It can be removed or changed later if needed.
What is the difference between a chin implant and genioplasty?
A chin implant adds projection on top of the bone, while genioplasty moves your own bone. Genioplasty can also reduce or shorten the chin, which an implant cannot do.
Can chin aesthetics be done with rhinoplasty?
Yes, it is a common combination because the nose and chin balance each other in profile. Your surgeon will plan both together.
Will chin surgery leave a scar?
Usually the incision is inside the mouth, leaving no visible scar. If an incision under the chin is used, it is small and hidden in a natural crease.
