Chin Surgery & Implants (Mentoplasty)

The shape and position of your chin play a key role in overall facial balance. A chin that feels too small, too prominent, or out of proportion can affect how your features come together from both the front and side views.

At Columbia, our facial plastic surgeons use precise, individualized techniques to reshape and refine the chin—creating natural-looking definition that complements your features from all angles.

What Is Mentoplasty?

Mentoplasty, also known as chin surgery, improves facial balance by enhancing the shape or projection of the chin. Depending on your needs and preferences, treatment may involve a chin implant or reshaping the bone of the lower jaw, called the mandible, to achieve better harmony between the chin, nose, and jawline.

You may benefit from a mentoplasty if you have:

• A weak or recessed chin
• A prominent or projecting chin
• Facial imbalance between the chin, nose, and forehead
• An asymmetrical or irregular chin shape
• A less defined jawline

Mentoplasty at Columbia

We offer two types of chin surgery, depending on your goals and anatomy:

• Chin augmentation/implant: Our specialists make a small incision either under the chin or inside the mouth behind the lower lip to place an implant directly on the bone.
• Chin reduction: This approach involves shaving down the bony part of the chin to soften a chin that feels too prominent or disproportionate.

Chin implants can be easily reshaped, repositioned, and removed, and don’t need to be replaced over time.

What to Expect From a Mentoplasty

Mentoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia or sedation. The length of surgery depends on the technique used.

After surgery, you may experience swelling, tightness, or mild discomfort, which improves over time. You will be able to return to normal routines within a couple of weeks. Your care team will provide detailed guidance before and after surgery to support a smooth recovery.