Reducing the size of the chin can take up to four hours and is carried out under general or local anaesthetic. In a reduction genioplasty procedure the surgeon will makes cuts inside the mouth and either remove some of the bone, or slide part of the bone to re-position the chin point.

Chin implants involve surgery and the treatment can take up to two hours per implant, depending on the treatment. Chin implants can use a variety of materials including: -

• Silicone
  
• Other man-made materials 
• Tissue from your own body

It may also be possible to reshape the chin using “suture” or “threadlift” techniques. This involves the placement of sutures or threads with tiny “teeth” into the brow through a small insertion. The threads are pulled upwards and secured, and the insertion is stitched shut.

The results

Most people find that the shape or definition of their chin has changed. Chin reduction surgery is permanent. Implant results will be semi-permanent if human tissue is used because the tissue will age, or permanent in the case of synthetic implants such as silicone or polythene.

The risks

Risks can include infection (particularly with chin implants), blood loss, swelling, nerve injury causing numbness of the lower lip. Implants may also move, and may cause scar tissue to form. There is also the possibility of excess skin hanging down below the chin and/or the neck
If the implant is infected or moves, the implant may have to be removed, which is not always a straightforward procedure. See your GP if you think this has happened to you.