Facial harmony is defined by proportion. A chin that is too small, recessed, or asymmetric can shift the balance of the entire face. An osseous genioplasty, also known as surgical chin reshaping, enables Dr. Brad Gandolfi to refine facial symmetry by repositioning and sculpting the patient’s own bone.
Unlike chin implants, which add volume externally, osseous genioplasty repositions the underlying structure, achieving natural, stable, and permanent results. Brad Gandolfi, MD, FACS, plans every case with exacting precision to ensure that each modification complements the face as a whole, not just the lower third.
Osseous genioplasty is a surgical technique that reshapes the chin by cutting and repositioning the chin bone (the mandibular symphysis). This allows Dr. Gandolfi to adjust the projection, height, or symmetry of the chin with millimeter-level precision, enhancing balance across the face and neck.
Unlike chin implants, which add synthetic volume, osseous genioplasty uses the patient’s own bone, offering greater control, longevity, and natural integration. It is often performed to:
Dr. Gandolfi is among a select group of surgeons with formal training in craniofacial surgery, which provides him with a deep understanding of bone movement and facial biomechanics essential for this procedure.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia in a fully accredited surgical facility. A small incision is made inside the mouth (leaving no external scar) to access the chin bone. Dr. Gandolfi makes a controlled horizontal cut (called an osteotomy) in the lower chin bone.
The bone segment is then moved forward, downward, or reshaped depending on the desired enhancement. It is secured in its new position with small titanium plates and screws designed to remain permanently stable and unnoticeable beneath the skin.
Sutures are placed inside the mouth, and patients return home the same day. The entire procedure typically lasts 90–120 minutes.
Osseous genioplasty can permanently correct both aesthetic and functional issues, including:
This procedure is often combined with rhinoplasty to achieve comprehensive facial balance.
Osseous genioplasty delivers both aesthetic precision and functional strength. Because it uses your own bone rather than an implant, it provides unmatched control, stability, and long-term, natural results.
Key benefits include:
This jawline contouring technique also avoids common risks of chin implants, such as shifting, infection, or palpability, making it ideal for patients seeking a more refined, architectural outcome.
You may be an excellent candidate if you:
During your consultation, Dr. Gandolfi performs a detailed facial analysis to determine if osseous genioplasty (or a combination with other contouring procedures) best suits your anatomy and goals.
Recovery is typically straightforward. Most patients experience mild swelling and tightness for 7–10 days, with full recovery within 3–4 weeks.
A soft diet is recommended for the first few days, and sutures dissolve naturally. Bruising is minimal since all incisions are internal. Patients can return to work or light activity after one week and resume strenuous exercise after three to four weeks. Results refine over several months as the tissues settle.
The results of osseous genioplasty are long-lasting and harmonize naturally with your facial features. Once healed, patients notice improved chin projection, smoother facial lines, and a more balanced profile from every angle.
Because the bone is repositioned (not replaced), the outcome feels and functions like your own anatomy. The result is subtle yet transformative: strength, proportion, and confidence redefined.
Dr. Brad Gandolfi’s dual board certification in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and General Surgery, paired with his craniofacial fellowship training at UCLA, distinguishes him as an expert in facial procedures like osseous genioplasty. His approach emphasizes architectural precision, striking a balance between artistic design and surgical mastery.
Patients trust Dr. Gandolfi for his ability to create a natural-looking structure that enhances the face as a cohesive whole, not as isolated features. Each result reflects meticulous planning, advanced technique, and a deep respect for proportion. Schedule your private consultation today to design a profile defined by structure, proportion, and lasting harmony.
Unlike implants, osseous genioplasty repositions your natural bone. This provides a more precise, stable, and permanent enhancement with zero risk of shifting or implant-related complications.
No. All incisions are made inside the mouth, leaving no external scars.
Most swelling resolves within two weeks, with final refinement visible after two to three months.
Because it involves repositioning your own bone, the results are permanent.
Three reasons. The first is that filler needs maintenance over time. Long term, the economics of filler placement and a surgical procedure are likely pretty similar because once the chin procedure is done, it does not need to be redone. The second is that the amount of improvement possible with a chin advancement is significantly more than what is possible with filler. The third is that although filler can give a very reasonable result, the movement of the bone always creates a more chiseled appearance because the bone is much firmer than filler.
