Genioplasty (Chin Tip Surgery)

What Is Genioplasty (Chin Tip Surgery)?

Genioplasty, also referred to as chin tip surgery, is a surgical procedure performed to permanently correct the position, projection, and proportion of the chin tip in relation to the face. It is one of the most effective and definitive techniques in lower facial aesthetics.

The chin tip plays a critical role in facial symmetry, profile balance, and overall harmony. A small, retruded, or poorly positioned chin tip may cause the nose to appear larger and the facial profile to look weak or unbalanced.

What Is Sliding Genioplasty (Sliding Chin Tip Surgery)?

Sliding genioplasty, also known as sliding chin tip surgery, is a technique in which the chin bone is carefully cut and repositioned forward, downward, upward, or laterally, then fixed in its new position using plates and screws.

This procedure uses the patient’s own bone and does not involve the placement of any foreign material or implant. It is especially suitable for cases requiring large skeletal advancement or complex chin correction.

When Is Sliding Genioplasty Preferred?

Sliding genioplasty is preferred in the following situations:

• Markedly retruded chin tip
• Need for large anterior projection
• Requirement for vertical chin lengthening or shortening
• Chin asymmetry
• Cases where silicone chin implants cannot provide sufficient or natural results
• Situations requiring a permanent, skeletal-level correction

In Which Cases Are Silicone Chin Implants Not Suitable?

Although silicone chin implants are effective in selected patients, they are not suitable for all cases.

Silicone chin implants are generally not recommended in:

• Severe chin retrusion (advanced microgenia)
• Cases requiring large-volume augmentation
• Patients needing an increase in lower facial height
• Significant bony chin asymmetry
• Situations where soft-tissue augmentation alone cannot restore facial balance

In such cases, excessive augmentation with implants may lead to unnatural contours and long-term aesthetic dissatisfaction.
For advanced chin retrusion, sliding genioplasty is considered the gold standard.

How Is Sliding Genioplasty Performed?

Sliding genioplasty is performed under general anesthesia.

• The incision is made inside the mouth
• The chin bone is carefully mobilized
• The bone segment is repositioned according to the surgical plan
• Fixation is achieved using titanium plates and screws
• No external scars are visible

Advantages of Sliding Genioplasty (Chin Tip Surgery)

• Uses the patient’s own bone
• Provides natural results even in large augmentations
• Corrects facial proportions at a skeletal level
• Permanent and stable outcome
• No foreign material is used
• Significant improvement in facial profile

Recovery After Sliding Genioplasty

• Hospital discharge usually within 1–2 days
• Swelling and mild discomfort in the early period
• Most swelling subsides within 2–4 weeks
• Final results become fully apparent within 3–6 months
• Bone healing is permanent

Is Genioplasty (Chin Tip Surgery) Permanent?

Yes. Genioplasty provides a lifelong, permanent correction, as the bone heals in its new position.

Genioplasty or Chin Implant?

The choice depends on:

• Degree of chin retrusion
• Facial proportions
• Required amount of augmentation
• Long-term aesthetic goals

Mild to moderate retrusion: Silicone chin implant
Severe retrusion or large augmentation: Sliding genioplasty (chin tip surgery)