Chin Surgery in Dubai (Genioplasty & Implants)

Q: Will chin surgery change my smile?

It can reduce mentalis strain and smooth the chin dimpling; your smile dynamics are preserved.

Q: Do I need braces/orthodontics?

Not usually. Chin surgery acts on the chin bone , not the dental occlusion. If bite issues exist, we discuss orthognathic options separately.

Q: Is there a visible scar?

I use an intraoral approach whenever suitable. In select implant cases a tiny submental incision may be chosen for stability; it is discreet.

Chin surgery in Dubai can reshape the chin with a sliding genioplasty, which repositions your own bone, or a chin implant, which adds projection or width. The choice depends on chin height, symmetry, facial proportions and your bite.

Dr Marc-Kevin Le Roux assesses the chin together with the jaws and soft tissues. If the concern includes how your teeth meet, orthognathic jaw surgery may need to be considered separately. View his qualifications and scientific publications.

What chin surgery can address

Receded (retrogenic) chin or a chin that dominates the profile
Vertical excess or deficiency (long or short lower face)
Asymmetry / off-centre chin point
Deep or shallow labiomental angle, “peau d’orange”/mentalis strain
Profile harmony when coordinating with the nose and jawline

Your options

Sliding Osseous Genioplasty (bone reshaping)

A controlled osteotomy repositions your own chin bone forward/backward, up/down, or slightly side-to-side.

Approach: intraoral (inside the mouth) → no external scar
Fixation: low-profile titanium plates/screws
What it’s best for: larger or multidirectional changes; vertical height; asymmetric centring; durable, “native-bone” result
Anaesthesia & setting: usually general or sedation in an operating theatre

Chin Implant (biocompatible implant)

A tailored implant adds projection or width when bone quality is good and changes are modest.

Approach: intraoral or under the chin, depending on the case.
Purpose: adding projection or width suited to the anatomy.
Limit: substantial height changes or complex asymmetry may require another approach.
Removal: possible in selected cases, but requires further surgery.

Genioplasty or chin implant: how do we choose?

The choice depends on chin shape, height, symmetry and the bite. Genioplasty moves a segment of bone; an implant adds volume. Neither alone corrects the relationship of the tooth-bearing jaws.

Criteria	Bony genioplasty	Chin implant
Change	Repositions your own bone	Adds projection or width
Discuss when…	Height or centring also need adjustment	The main concern is chin volume
Material	Fixation plates and screws	An implant placed over bone
Limits and risks	Altered sensation, asymmetry, infection; bone healing	Displacement, infection, contour concerns; possible revision

Assessment brings together the profile, front view, soft tissues and bite. A simulation helps discuss goals; it does not guarantee the outcome. Removing an implant requires another operation and does not mean an exact return to the starting appearance.

For a detailed comparison, read our guide to genioplasty versus chin implants.

Also considering injections? Read our guide to genioplasty and chin filler.

Further patient information: BAOMS — genioplasty · ASPS — chin surgery risks.

The procedure — step by step

Photography & planning (profile/front/oblique), cephalometric measurements as needed
Marking & local infiltration (even under general anaesthesia)
Precise osteotomy with ultrasonic instruments (osseous) or subperiosteal pocket creation (implant)
Reposition/fixation (osseous) or implant placement and stabilisation
Closure with dissolvable intraoral sutures; external tape or small dressing as needed

Time in theatre: ~45–90 minutes depending on technique and combination procedures.

Chin surgery or jaw surgery?

Chin shape and bite are different questions. Genioplasty changes the chin segment. Orthognathic surgery repositions the tooth-bearing jaws to address a jaw-related bite discrepancy. An assessment of your teeth, jaws and profile helps determine which problem needs treatment.

If your main concern is a small chin with a satisfactory bite, discuss the options above. If you also have an underbite, overbite or facial asymmetry, read about double jaw surgery before your consultation.

Patient information: BAOMS guide to genioplasty and AAOMS guide to deciding on jaw surgery.

Recovery & aftercare

Day 0–3: head elevation, cold compresses; soft/lukewarm diet; antiseptic mouthwash
Sensation: temporary lower-lip/chin numbness or tightness is common and usually settles
Work/social: many return within 7–10 days (individual variation)
Sport: light walking from day 1; avoid strenuous activity ~2–3 weeks (contact sports, ~6–8 weeks)
Follow-up: scheduled checks; sutures are resorbable

Result timeline: visible immediately, with refinement as swelling resolves; most settle by 6–12 weeks. Bone remodelling after osseous surgery continues for months.

Results & longevity

Osseous genioplasty: structural, permanent, and fully integrated—excellent control over projection and height.
Implant: durable and removable if needed; may require future revision in a small minority (malposition, contour change with ageing/weight).

Risks (and how I mitigate them)

Common, typically mild: swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, incisional irritation.

Less common: infection, haematoma, plate palpability, implant malposition, prolonged altered sensation, root/nerve irritation, asymmetry or under/overcorrection. Risks are reduced by conservative planning, meticulous nerve-safe technique, sterile operating theatre, and structured aftercare.

FAQs

Will chin surgery change my smile?

It can reduce mentalis strain and smooth the chin dimpling; your smile dynamics are preserved.

Do I need braces/orthodontics?

Not usually. Chin surgery acts on the chin bone, not the dental occlusion. If bite issues exist, we discuss orthognathic options separately.

Is there a visible scar?

I use an intraoral approach whenever suitable. In select implant cases a tiny submental incision may be chosen for stability; it is discreet.

When will numbness go away?

Temporary changes in sensation are common and typically improve over weeks or months; persistent issues are uncommon with careful technique and non-smoking patients.

When can I return to work after genioplasty?

After isolated genioplasty, desk work is often considered around 7–10 days. Swelling, tiredness, speaking demands and physical work can extend this. Combined jaw surgery has a different recovery plan.

BAOMS — recovery after genioplasty.

When can I exercise after chin surgery?

Return is gradual: gentle walking and strenuous exercise are different milestones. Weight training and activities that risk a blow to the face need the surgeon’s clearance. Timing depends on the procedure, healing and any combined surgery.

When can I fly after chin surgery?

Agree your travel plan with the surgeon before fixing the return date. It depends on the operation, recovery and required follow-up visits. Check airline and insurance requirements too; returning to work does not itself mean you are fit to fly.

Guidance on flying after surgery.