Chin Surgery Pre-Operative Information

Dr Jason Roth (MED0001185485) — Specialist Otolaryngologist & Head and Neck Surgeon, specialist registration in Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery.

All cosmetic surgery involves risks and individual results vary. Cosmetic surgery is a serious decision. Decisions about whether to proceed should be made after careful consideration and following at least two consultations with a qualified medical practitioner.

This page provides pre-operative and post-operative information for patients preparing for chin surgery (mentoplasty). It should be read alongside the written instructions provided at your pre-operative appointment.

About Chin Surgery

Chin surgery — mentoplasty — addresses the size, shape, and projection of the chin to improve facial balance and proportion. The two most common procedures are chin augmentation using an implant and chin reduction through bone reduction. Dr Roth will have discussed the specific procedure planned for you at your consultations.

Chin Augmentation

A silicone chin implant is placed through a small incision either in the natural crease beneath the chin or inside the mouth at the junction of the gum and lower lip. The implant sits in a precise pocket over the chin bone and is secured with fine sutures. When the incision is inside the mouth, there is no visible scar. An incision beneath the chin heals to an imperceptible line within the natural crease. Implants are available in a range of sizes and profiles to allow custom fitting to the individual facial anatomy.

Chin Reduction

Where the chin is disproportionately prominent, bone reduction via incisions inside the mouth or beneath the chin allows Dr Roth to sculpt the chin bone to a more harmonious size and shape. More extensive jaw repositioning (orthognathic surgery) is a separate, more complex procedure performed in conjunction with a maxillofacial surgeon where indicated.

Chin surgery is frequently performed in combination with rhinoplasty, as the proportional relationship between the nose and chin is important to overall facial balance. It is also commonly combined with neck liposuction. It is performed under general anaesthesia as day surgery.

Before Surgery

Medications to Cease

Stop the following at least two weeks before surgery:

Aspirin and aspirin-containing products
Ibuprofen (Nurofen, Advil) and all anti-inflammatory medications
Naproxen (Naprosyn, Naprogesic)
Warfarin, clopidogrel, or other anticoagulants — discuss with Dr Roth and your GP before stopping
Vitamin E supplements, fish oil, garlic tablets, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St John’s Wort

A full list is available on the Medications to Avoid page →

Diet Before and After Surgery

Chewing will be restricted for several days after chin surgery, particularly if the oral approach is used. Prepare soft foods and liquids in advance — soups, smoothies, yoghurt, mashed foods, and similar. A soft diet is required for approximately one to two weeks.

Fasting

No solid food or milk for at least six hours before surgery
Clear fluids permitted up to two hours before — confirmed by the hospital the day before

Practical Preparations

Arrange a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you on the first night
Prepare soft foods and liquids in advance
Plan at least one week away from work; two weeks off strenuous exercise
Wear loose clothing that does not need to be pulled over the head on the day of surgery

What to Expect in Recovery

Day 1

Discharged the same day. A chin dressing is applied and remains for two to three days. Mild tenderness and a tight, stretched sensation around the chin are expected and normal. Begin prescribed pain relief as instructed. Stick to liquids and very soft foods.

Days 2–7

Dressing removed after two to three days. Swelling peaks in the first few days then begins to resolve. A soft diet continues. The chin feels firm and numb — sensation usually returns over several weeks. Most patients are socially presentable within one week.

Weeks 2–4

Most swelling resolved. Return to work and normal activities. A soft diet is recommended for the full two weeks. Avoid vigorous chewing of hard foods. No contact sport for six weeks.

Months 1–2

Final result. Swelling fully resolved. Implant integrates with surrounding tissue. Scars — if external — fade and become imperceptible within the chin crease.

Important Post-Operative Instructions

Maintain a soft diet for two weeks — avoid hard, chewy, or crunchy foods
If the oral approach was used, rinse the mouth gently with the prescribed antiseptic mouthwash after each meal
Do not apply pressure or massage to the chin area for six weeks
Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for two weeks
No contact sport for six weeks
Do not drive while taking oxycodone
If the chin implant feels displaced or you notice a sudden asymmetry, contact the rooms immediately

When to Seek Urgent Assistance

Contact Dr Roth immediately or attend your nearest emergency department if you experience:

Sudden, rapidly increasing swelling on one side — may indicate a haematoma requiring urgent drainage
Fever above 38.5°C
Increasing pain not controlled by prescribed medication
Increasing redness, warmth, or purulent discharge

Dr Roth’s rooms: (02) 9982 3439 | Out of hours: attend the nearest emergency department.

Contact the Rooms →

Dr Jason Roth | MBBS, FRACS (ORL-HNS) | MED0001185485
Specialist Otolaryngologist & Head and Neck Surgeon
Specialist registration — Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery
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