Chin surgery (mentoplasty / genioplasty)

Mentoplasty is the procedure that corrects the shape or position of the chin. A receding chin, or one that is too far forward, too long or asymmetrical, can unbalance the profile. The aim is not to transform the face, but to bring the chin into better harmony with the nose, lips and jaw. There are two main techniques. Bony genioplasty involves cutting the tip of the chin bone from inside the mouth, then moving it (forwards, backwards, up or down) and securing it with a small plate. Augmentation mentoplasty adds volume, using a chin implant or a fat transfer. The choice depends on the anatomy, the extent of the correction needed and the surgeon's opinion. Mentoplasty is often discussed at the same time as a rhinoplasty, because the nose and chin balance each other in profile. When the imbalance comes from the whole jaw and affects the dental bite, orthognathic surgery may be more appropriate. The consultation is used to sort through these options, explain the limits of each one and give the patient time to think before any decision. At Clinique Pasteur Tunis, the procedure is performed in the operating theatre by a plastic or maxillofacial surgeon, with a prior anaesthesia consultation and follow-up after the operation until the result has stabilised.