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Chin augmentation / genioplasty - chin surgery, done properly.

Reshaping the chin - sliding genioplasty (bone repositioning), silicone or Medpor implant, or reduction - for a weak, receding, over-projecting or asymmetric chin. A consultant maxillofacial or plastic surgeon, with proper CT planning where needed.

A radiographer guides a patient onto the bed of an advanced 3 Tesla MRI scanner in a London imaging suite

Indicative pricing

What a private chin augmentation / genioplasty costs in the UK.

Indicative ranges across our partner consultants and hospitals.

In short

Sliding genioplasty: £7,500–£12,000, home the same day or one night.

Procedure Indicative range
Chin implant (silicone / Medpor) £4,000–£7,000
Sliding genioplasty (advancement) £7,500–£12,000
Sliding genioplasty (reduction) £7,500–£11,000
Sliding genioplasty with widening/narrowing £9,000–£14,000
Chin implant removal / revision £4,000–£7,500
Consultation with a consultant surgeon £250–£450

Prices vary by hospital, by consultant, by technique and by any combined procedures.

The problem

The right technique, honest expectations, and a plan tailored to you.

Chin augmentation / genioplasty is a personal choice - the technique, the recovery and the risks all deserve a proper conversation, up front.

  • The right technique for you

    Not every chin augmentation / genioplasty suits every patient.

  • Honest expectations, up front

    Realistic before-and-after photographs, honest downtime and known limits - named before you consent.

  • No overseas shortcut

    We only match to UK-registered consultants and clinics. No "surgery holiday" packages, no unregulated overseas cosmetic work.

When it helps

When chin augmentation / genioplasty is the right step.

The situations we see most, plus the one red flag that means specialist assessment first, not a cosmetic booking.

  • Change that will not respond to non-surgical measures

    You have exhausted non-surgical options and the concern remains.

  • Well-defined anatomical concern

    The change you would like fits within the recognised indications for chin augmentation / genioplasty.

  • Functional impact on daily life

    The concern affects daily activity, comfort or confidence - not simply a passing wish.

  • Realistic goals

    You have looked at real one-year photographs and your expectations match the honest outcome.

  • Stable weight and health

    Weight has been stable for at least three months and any long-term conditions are well controlled.

  • Non-smoker or willing to stop

    You are a non-smoker or willing to stop six weeks before and six weeks after - non-negotiable.

  • Age and skin quality appropriate

    You are of an age and skin quality where the operation will give a durable result.

  • Red flag: unrealistic expectations or BDD screen positive

    A cosmetic-surgery consultation is also a psychological one. We decline where BDD screening is positive or expectations cannot be met safely.

Procedure options

Options for chin augmentation / genioplasty - explained.

What each variant involves and when it fits.

  • Primary chin augmentation / genioplasty

    The standard first-time operation, planned to your anatomy and goals.

  • Combined with adjunct liposuction

    Where the operation is combined with liposuction of neighbouring areas for a balanced result.

  • Combined with other body or facial work

    Combined with other operations at the same sitting where safe and appropriate.

  • Revision chin augmentation / genioplasty

    For patients unhappy with earlier surgery elsewhere - longer, technically harder, higher revision rate.

  • Male-specific technique

    Adjusted for male anatomy and aesthetic goals.

  • Post-weight-loss variant

    Adjusted for looser skin envelope after significant weight loss.

  • Local-anaesthetic or GA option

    Some smaller cases can be done under local with sedation; larger cases need GA.

  • Non-surgical alternative

    Where a non-surgical alternative fits, we say so - fillers, energy devices or lifestyle change may be a better first step.

Safety and recovery

What to expect afterwards - honestly.

Chin augmentation / genioplasty is a well-established operation. The things worth planning are the technique, the recovery, and long-term maintenance.

  • GA in a licensed hospital, consultant anaesthetist

    Every operation is under general anaesthetic in a CQC-registered hospital, not a day clinic.

  • Bleeding and haematoma

    Bleeding needing return to theatre in under 2 percent. Same-day surgeon contact for sudden swelling, pain or bruising.

  • Infection

    Wound infection in 1–3 percent, more in smokers and diabetics. Antibiotic prophylaxis, clean technique, and same-day team contact for spreading redness.

  • Scar quality

    Every incision leaves a scar. Most fade to fine white lines by 12–18 months. Hypertrophic or keloid scars are more common in darker skin and managed early with silicone and steroid.

  • Sensation change

    Altered sensation in the operated area is common in the first months. Permanent change affects a small minority - named in the consent conversation.

  • DVT and PE

    Prevented with stockings, early mobilisation and prophylactic heparin where indicated. Same-day contact for calf pain or breathlessness.

  • Revision risk

    Every cosmetic operation carries a revision rate - for minor asymmetry, contour or scar issues. A good surgeon quotes their revision rate honestly.

  • Smoking multiplies every risk

    Nicotine causes wound breakdown, skin loss and infection. Stop six weeks before, six weeks after - non-negotiable.

  • Red flags after surgery

    Rapid swelling, fever, spreading redness, one-sided pain or breathlessness need the on-call team or A&E, not a routine call.

Reading your operation note

Your operation note in four parts. Read the last one first.

Whichever technique was used, the note your consultant plastic surgeon sends you keeps to the same shape.

  1. 01 Header

    Indication, technique and adjuncts

    Why the operation was done, which technique, and any concurrent procedures.

  2. 02 Technique

    Incisions, planes and adjuncts

    Where the scars sit, tissue planes released, and any drains or grafts used.

  3. 03 Findings

    Any tissue findings and histology

    Where tissue was excised, what histology reported. Any incidental findings are named.

  4. 04 Impression

    Recovery plan, dressings and review dates

    Read this first: garment or dressing schedule, activity restrictions week-by-week, and follow-up dates.

Recognised by major UK insurers

BupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealix

Chin surgery is cosmetic and is not covered by the NHS or private insurers unless part of orthognathic (jaw) surgery for a documented skeletal deformity or bite abnormality.

Frequently asked

Everything we get asked about chin augmentation / genioplasty.

Quick answers on technique, cost, recovery and long-term result.

  • Implant or sliding genioplasty?

    Implants are faster, cheaper, and reversible - good for straightforward projection increase in a well-balanced chin. Sliding genioplasty repositions your own bone - better for asymmetry, vertical excess or deficiency, and avoids a foreign body. Most maxillofacial surgeons prefer sliding for anything beyond a simple projection change.

  • Is a CT scan needed?

    A cone-beam CT (CBCT) is routine for sliding genioplasty - it maps the mental nerve and lets the surgeon plan the osteotomy safely.

  • Will I lose sensation in my lower lip?

    Temporary altered sensation in the lip and chin is common in the first weeks. Permanent altered sensation affects a small minority - more common with sliding than with implants.

  • Can I combine it with rhinoplasty?

    Yes - chin and nose share the profile balance, and it is a very common combination. A pre-op profile analysis decides whether both are needed.

  • How much does a private chin operation cost in the UK?

    Roughly £4,000–£7,000 for a chin implant, £7,500–£12,000 for sliding genioplasty, more if widening or narrowing is added.

  • How long is the recovery?

    Back to desk work in 7–10 days. Bruising and swelling settle at 2–4 weeks. Soft diet for two weeks. Final result at 3–6 months.