Chin Augmentation (Mentoplasty): What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Chin Augmentation (Mentoplasty)?
A plastic surgeon, a doctor trained to reshape parts of the body, performs chin augmentation, also called mentoplasty. This surgery reshapes the chin or makes it bigger, using an implant or by moving the jaw bone. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Chin augmentation is surgery to reshape the chin or make it bigger. It may be done by putting in an implant, which is a shaped piece of material placed in front of the chin bone. Other names for it are genioplasty and mentoplasty.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Chin augmentation is mostly done to balance the look of the face by making the chin longer or bigger compared to the nose. The best candidates are people with a small or receding chin, called microgenia, who have a normal bite.
It is commonly done at the same time as nose surgery, called rhinoplasty, or facial liposuction.
How to prepare
Planning starts with a talk with a plastic surgeon.
- Talk with the surgeon about what you hope to change. Keep in mind that the goal is improvement, not perfection.
- You may have x-rays taken of your face and chin, so the surgeon can find out what part of the chin to operate on.
- If you smoke, tell your surgeon, because smoking can delay healing.
What happens during it
Surgery may be done in the surgeon's office, a hospital, or an outpatient clinic. When only an implant is needed, you may be under general anesthesia, which means asleep and pain-free.
The surgeon makes a cut either inside the mouth or outside under the chin. A pocket is made in front of the chin bone and under the muscles, and the implant is placed inside. The implant is often attached to the bone with stitches or screws, and the cut is closed with stitches.
If the jaw bone needs to be moved, you will likely be under general anesthesia. The surgeon cuts inside your mouth along the lower gum, cuts the jaw bone, and moves it. The procedure takes between 1 and 3 hours.
Recovery
You will feel some discomfort and soreness, and your surgeon can tell you what kind of pain medicine to use. You may feel some numbness in your chin for up to 3 months and a stretching feeling around your chin for 1 week. Most of the swelling will be gone by 6 weeks, depending on the type of procedure you had.
- You may need a liquid or soft diet for at least a day or two.
- You can go back to light activity the day of surgery and return to work and usual activities within 7 to 10 days.
Because swelling can last for months, you might not see the final look of your chin and jaw for 3 to 4 months.
Risks and side effects
The most common problems are bruising, swelling, and movement of the implant.
Other possible problems include damage to the teeth. You may also lose feeling in the lower lip, which is usually temporary. Rare side effects include blood clots. Infection is also rare, and sometimes the implant has to be removed.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, or bleeding that will not stop.
Who performs it
A plastic surgeon performs chin augmentation. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says board-certified plastic surgeons often suggest chin surgery to improve how the features of the face fit together.
Common questions
What is the difference between mentoplasty and chin augmentation?
Mentoplasty is the general name for chin reshaping surgery, and chin augmentation is the kind that makes the chin bigger. Genioplasty is another name for mentoplasty.
When can I go back to work after chin surgery?
Most people can return to work and their usual activities within 7 to 10 days. You can start light activity the day of surgery.
Who is a good candidate for a chin implant?
The best candidates are people with a small or receding chin who have a normal bite.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. They can talk with you about your goals, check your general health, and refer you to a plastic surgeon. They can also check in on your overall health during recovery. They do not perform the surgery.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
