Chin surgery

What is chin surgery?

Genioplasty is structural corrective surgery: it changes the position, projection or volume of the chin to harmonize it with the rest of the face. It can be done with an implant fitted to your anatomy or by repositioning the bone itself (sliding genioplasty). Unlike fillers, which the body reabsorbs over time, the change is permanent because the surgery works on the structure that defines your profile: the bone.

A recessed or under-projected chin affects far more than the chin itself. It changes how the nose is perceived, visually shortens the neck and contributes to the appearance of a double chin — even in slim patients. That is why the evaluation never looks at the chin in isolation: the full profile — chin, jawline and neck — is studied to decide which combination of procedures produces a natural result.

Who is this surgery for?

For people whose chin looks short or recessed in profile, who notice little definition between face and neck, or who want to balance a prominent nose without operating on it (or alongside a rhinoplasty). It also corrects asymmetries and the after-effects of trauma. Every case is confirmed in an in-person evaluation with a study of the facial skeleton.

How is it performed?

The usual approach is from inside the mouth, with no visible scars on the skin. Depending on the case, an anatomical implant is placed or the bone itself is repositioned with stable fixation. It is precision surgery that demands deep knowledge of the bone and nerve anatomy of the area — the specific territory of a maxillofacial surgeon, not of a general practitioner with cosmetic training.

Recovery

Most patients return to everyday activities within a few days, with swelling that subsides progressively over the first weeks. The result is visible from the first month and consolidates as the swelling resolves. If you are traveling from abroad, the team will tell you how many days to plan in San José so your post-operative checks are done before you fly home. Exact instructions depend on the technique used and are explained in detail during your evaluation.

How much does chin surgery cost in Costa Rica?

Chin surgery starts at $1,200. Where your case lands from there depends on what it needs: whether the correction uses an implant or repositions the bone (sliding genioplasty), whether it is combined with another procedure such as double chin surgery, the type of anesthesia and the operating-room time.

After your pre-assessment you receive a complete, itemized quote over WhatsApp — so if you are traveling, you know the full cost before you book flights.