How Chin Implants Work
A chin implant, also called an alloplastic mentoplasty, involves placing a pre-shaped or custom prosthesis over the front of the chin bone. The most commonly used material is solid medical-grade silicone, though porous polyethylene (Medpor) and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) implants are also available. The surgeon selects an implant size and shape that matches the patient's anatomy and desired result.
The implant is inserted through a small incision either inside the lower lip (intraoral) or beneath the chin in a natural skin crease (submental). Once positioned directly against the bone, the soft tissue settles over it to create the appearance of a more projected chin. The procedure typically takes under an hour and can be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation.
Because the implant sits on top of the bone rather than changing the bone itself, it can be removed or exchanged later if the patient's preferences change. However, long-term implant placement can cause bone resorption underneath, which is one factor surgeons consider when recommending implants versus bone surgery.
How Sliding Genioplasty Works
Sliding genioplasty is an osteotomy procedure. The surgeon makes a horizontal cut through the chin bone, separates the lower segment, moves it to the planned position, and secures it with titanium plates and screws. Because the bone segment is physically relocated, the change is truly structural and permanent.
The key advantage of genioplasty is directional versatility. The bone segment can be moved forward, backward, up, down, or even tilted to correct asymmetry. This makes it suitable for a much wider range of chin and jaw surgery concerns than an implant alone can address. A patient with a vertically long chin, for example, can have the bone shortened and advanced simultaneously, something no implant can achieve.
Genioplasty uses an intraoral incision and typically requires general anaesthesia. The procedure takes longer than implant placement, and initial swelling tends to be more pronounced.
Who Is a Better Candidate for Each
Chin implants tend to suit patients who need moderate forward projection and have good existing bone symmetry. They are a reasonable option for patients seeking a shorter procedure, quicker recovery, and the reassurance of reversibility. Implants work less well for patients who need vertical changes or have significant asymmetry.
Genioplasty is generally recommended when the chin needs to move in more than one direction, when the degree of advancement is large, or when asymmetry correction is a priority. Patients who prefer a result built entirely from their own anatomy rather than a foreign material may also lean toward genioplasty.
Some surgeons also consider jaw reduction or augmentation as part of a broader lower-face balancing plan, which may influence whether an implant or genioplasty better fits the overall surgical strategy.
Key Differences at a Glance
Both procedures are well established with strong safety records. The right choice depends on the specific anatomy, the direction and degree of change needed, and patient preference regarding permanent bone surgery versus a removable prosthesis. Consult your surgeon for an assessment of which approach suits your facial structure and goals.
