College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
of Sri Lanka
Genioplasty (Chin Surgery)
This leaflet is designed to help you understand your upcoming treatment and answer common questions. If anything is unclear, or if you would like more information, please speak to your surgeon or orthodontist.
The Problem
Your chin profile needs correction because the bones of your face and jaws are not balanced.
Surgery to reposition the chin is called genioplasty.
This surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, meaning you will be fully asleep during
the procedure. Sometimes, genioplasty is done alongside other jaw corrective surgeries, but your
surgeon may advise performing it at a later stage.
What Does the Operation Involve?
- The surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic, so your child will be fully asleep
during the procedure. - The surgeon carefully repositions and stitches together the muscles and tissues of the
palate to close the cleft. - The stitches used are dissolvable and will gradually disappear over several weeks.
- The procedure usually takes 2–3 hours, depending on the extent of the cleft.
- Occasionally, a small protective dressing (called a palatal pack) may be placed in the
mouth to support healing.
What Can I Expect After Surgery?
- The procedure is generally not very painful, but you will feel sore. Regular painkillers will be provided.
- Discomfort is usually greatest in the first few days but may last for a couple of weeks.
- To prevent infection, you will receive antibiotics intravenously while in hospital and a course to take home.
- Swelling and tightness in the chin are common, peaking around days 2–3.
- Swelling can be reduced with cold compresses and sleeping propped upright for a few days.
- Most swelling settles within two weeks, but subtle swelling can last several months, noticeable mostly to you and your family.
Eating After Surgery
- If genioplasty is performed alone, you should be able to eat normally.
- You may start with a soft diet, gradually progressing to normal foods over a few days.
Hospital Stay
- Most patients stay overnight.
- X-rays will be taken to check the position of the chin before you are discharged.
Time Off Work
- Recovery varies depending on your work.
- Most people take around one week off if only genioplasty is performed.
- You cannot drive or operate machinery for 48 hours after general anaesthetic.
Possible Complications
While complications are rare, it is important to be aware of potential issues:
- Bleeding: Minor oozing inside the mouth is normal. Significant bleeding is rare but can
usually be controlled with pressure applied for at least 10 minutes. - Numbness: Your lower lip may feel numb or tingly, similar to the sensation after a
dental injection. This usually improves over months, but in a few cases may be
permanent. - Infection: The plates and screws are usually left in permanently. Rarely, they can
become infected and may need removal. Titanium plates do not set off airport metal
detectors.
Follow-Up Appointments
- A review will be arranged before leaving hospital to see both your surgeon and
orthodontist. - Additional appointments may be scheduled as needed to monitor healing and progress.
College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of Sri Lanka
