Genioplasty is surgery of the chin, which is a prominence of the lower jawbone (mandible) and overlying tissues. Two notable muscles on the chin are the genioglossus and the mentalis. The genioglossus, located behind the chin under the tongue, pulls the tongue forward when you breathe, swallow, or stick out your tongue. The mentalis, on the front of the chin, pushes the lip up and creates a puckered appearance when contracted.
If the chin sticks out too much or too little, it may indicate an issue with the entire jawbone, which can cause misaligned teeth (overbite or underbite). In such cases, Orthognathic surgery is recommended.
If the discrepancy is isolated to the chin or can be corrected with orthodontics, a Genioplasty may be considered instead of Orthognathic surgery. Genioplasty involves cutting (osteotomizing) and sliding the chin forward or backward, up or down, or a combination of directions. Titanium screws or plates secure it in place. If there is a gap, a bone graft may be added. The procedure is done through an incision inside the mouth.
Alternatively, chin advancement can be achieved with pre-formed chin implants. We use Stryker and Implantech chin prostheses, typically placed through a small incision below the chin and secured with titanium screws.
All Genioplasty procedures can be performed in our office. After surgery, patients wear a chin-neck dressing for at least 24 hours.
The most common lip surgery is for the repair of trauma-induced lacerations, which vary from simple to complex. Knowledge of lip anatomy is essential to achieve a cosmetic result. Lip surgery may also be reconstructive after trauma, ranging from scar revision to using rotational flaps to replace missing tissue.
Cleft lip, a developmental defect, is repaired through specialized cleft lip surgeries, often requiring multiple procedures to achieve an aesthetic result. (Refer to our section on Cleft Lip and Palate for more information.)
Lip augmentation, a popular procedure, may involve temporary methods such as Restylane or collagen injections, or semi-permanent options like Gore-Tex implants. Fat can also be injected or threaded into the lips using the patient’s own tissue from the sub-mental area or abdomen.
Our in-office surgical suite offers these procedures, with anesthesia options to ensure comfort.
We assess your medical history and perform a complete examination of the ears to determine the best surgical approach. Pre-operative instructions may include eliminating smoking and avoiding aspirin-containing drugs weeks before surgery to reduce bleeding risk. Antibiotics may also be prescribed. Digital photos are taken for planning and tracking improvement post-surgery.
Protruding ears can be repositioned or reshaped through Otoplasty. While often referred to as "ear pinning," it’s a refined procedure suitable for children around six years old, as prominent ears can cause psychological stress.
The procedure, performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia, may involve folding cartilage, removing excess cartilage, repositioning the ear, or all of these. Sutures and bandages are applied to facilitate healing, and the surgery typically takes a few hours.
After surgery, bruising is expected and fades within 2-3 weeks. Pain is minimal and managed with oral medication. Bandages are needed for a few days, followed by a lighter dressing. Patients should avoid sleeping on their ears, use a soft pillow, and avoid showering for a few days. Most normal activities can resume within 2-3 days, but consult with our team before engaging in strenuous activities.
Serving the Following Cities
Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Evans, Berthoud, Windsor, Timnath, Johnstown, Milliken, Severance, Ault, Wellington, Estes Park, Longmont, Mead, Firestone, Fort Morgan, Sterling, Cheyenne, Laramie
