WHAT IS A MEDICAL GENIOPLASTY ?

Hyaluronic acid for the chin in Geneva

Medical genioplasty, also called non-surgical genioplasty or medical reshaping of the chin, is a non-invasive aesthetic-oriented medicine procedure aimed at correcting aesthetic imperfections of the chin using hyaluronic acid injections. It is a safe, reversible, and personalized alternative to surgical genioplasty (mandibular osteotomy), especially for patients who wish to improve the harmony of their profile without undergoing major surgery.
The chin, or “geni” in medical terminology, plays a central role in facial aesthetics. It contributes to profile balance, definition of the mandibular line, and expression of personality. A receding chin, overly prominent chin, asymmetrical chin, or insufficiently defined chin can create an imbalance in the lower third of the face. Medical genioplasty makes it possible to reshape these disproportions in a few minutes, without general anesthesia or scarring.

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Aesthetic goals of medical genioplasty

Medical genioplasty is particularly indicated in the following situations :

  • Receding chin (retrognathia) : correction of insufficient forward projection.
  • Asymmetrical chin : harmonization of volumes to restore symmetry.
  • Chin that is too short or too small : moderate lengthening or widening of the chin.
  • Chin that is poorly defined or poorly shaped : redefinition of contours for a better-defined jawline.
  • Unharmonious profile : correction of the profile as part of a medical profiloplasty.
  • Alternative to surgery : for patients refusing anesthesia or an invasive procedure.

Who is medical genioplasty for ?

Medical genioplasty is intended for adult patients, both men and women, wishing to improve the appearance of their chin without surgical intervention.
It is particularly recommended in the following cases :

  • Desire for moderate aesthetic improvement of the chin, without functional issues.
  • Refusal or contraindication to invasive surgery.
  • Need a natural, reversible, and evolving result over time.
  • Looking for a fast treatment, without social downtime.

The procedure must be preceded by a thorough medical evaluation, in order to exclude any anatomical or functional cause requiring another treatment.

Chin anatomy : evaluation before a medical genioplasty

The success of a medical genioplasty largely depends on the precise morphological evaluation of the chin and its balance with the other facial structures. Medical genioplasty is based on a personalized and rigorous analysis of several anatomical and aesthetic parameters.
The chin is a complex bony structure, whose projection, width, and height directly influence the harmony of the lower third of the face. The clinical examination performed before the treatment allows the doctor to measure with precision :

  • The anteroposterior projection of the chin (or sagittal position) : a chin that is not projected forward often gives a receding profile, perceived as less harmonious. Medical genioplasty then allows restoring a natural balance by giving the chin an appropriate projection.
  • The vertical height of the chin : a chin that is too short vertically can unbalance the lower third of the face. Adding hyaluronic acid along the vertical axis helps restore an ideal height, often bringing a touch of refinement and elegance.
  • The chin width : a chin that is too narrow can be widened laterally to balance the jaw.
  • Bilateral symmetry : even minor asymmetries can be corrected by medical genioplasty through millimetric management of the volumes injected on each side.
  • The cervico-mental angle (angle between the neck and the chin) : this angle, ideally between 105° and 120°, contributes to the definition of the jawline. Medical genioplasty can indirectly improve this area by shaping the chin line.


The doctor also relies on universal aesthetic landmarks, such as Ricketts’ vertical line (a vertical line passing through the nose and lips) to check if the chin is correctly positioned in the profile. When it is too recessed relative to this line, correction by medical genioplasty is generally indicated.
Finally, the quality of the soft tissues covering the chin (skin, fat, muscle tone) is always analyzed to ensure harmonious integration of the injected product. When there is moderate skin ptosis or loss of tissue support, medical genioplasty can provide structural improvement, provided its limits are clearly explained to the patient.
This clinical evaluation is an essential step in establishing an appropriate treatment plan. It allows confirming that medical genioplasty is not only indicated but also specifically adapted to the morphological particularities of each face.

Data, studies, and trends on medical genioplasty

Medical genioplasty is now established as a rapidly growing treatment in modern aesthetic medicine practices. Driven by innovations in injectable products and the evolving aesthetic expectations of patients, this technique has experienced significant growth, both in Europe and globally.
According to data from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), chin augmentation procedures using hyaluronic acid increased by more than 20% between 2019 and 2023, with a notable acceleration in major medical capitals, including Geneva. This growth can be explained by several factors :

  • Increased accessibility of non-surgical techniques.
  • Evolution of facial aesthetic standards, with growing interest in defining the jawline.
  • Democratization of self-image, amplified by social media and videoconferencing tools, which increases the demand for a harmonious profile.

In a survey conducted in 2023 among 6,000 European patients who consulted for an aesthetic facial treatment, nearly 1 in 4 expressed discomfort related to the appearance of their chin. Among those who opted for a treatment, 83% chose medical genioplasty, which they appreciated for its reversibility, absence of scarring, and immediate recovery.
Medical trends also confirm a growing interest among men, who now represent around 30% of requests for medical genioplasty. Among men, the objective is often a marked structuring of the chin, perceived as a factor of virility and dynamism.
From an economic point of view, medical genioplasty fits into the strategy of high-end clinics in Geneva as a niche, high value-added treatment, intended for a clientele concerned with obtaining a visible yet discreet result, without the constraints associated with surgical intervention.
Finally, several clinical studies published in specialized aesthetic journals have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of medical genioplasty when performed by an experienced physician. Severe complications are extremely rare (< 0.1%), and overall patient satisfaction exceeds 90% at six months post-procedure.
These data establish medical genioplasty as a reference technique, combining precision, safety, and a controlled aesthetic result.

How does a medical genioplasty take place ?

Medical genioplasty is performed in a medical office, in a controlled and safe environment. The procedure involves the injection of cross-linked hyaluronic acid, adapted to the structural needs of the chin.
The steps of the procedure are as follows :

  • Clinical analysis of the chin : evaluation of the morphology, profile, projection, and proportions of the chin.
  • Definition of the treatment plan : identification of injection points according to the patient’s specific goals.
  • Disinfection of the area and possible application of a local anesthetic.
  • Injection of hyaluronic acid using fine needles or micro-cannulas.
  • Shaping of the product to ensure harmonious integration.

The entire treatment usually lasts between 20 and 30 minutes. No dressing, sutures, or immobilization is required.

Results and effects of medical genioplasty

The result of a medical genioplasty is immediately visible, although slight swelling may persist for a few days. The final effect can be fully appreciated after about a week.

Characteristics of the result 

  • Natural appearance : respect for the volumes and proportions of the face.
  • Targeted correction : improvement of projection, contour, or symmetry.
  • Subtle and elegant enhancement : without excessive transformation.

The treatment provides a correction of moderate to significant intensity, depending on the injected product and the patient’s chin anatomy.

Duration of the result 

The effect of medical genioplasty lasts between 12 and 18 months, depending on :

  • The cross-linking of the product used.
  • The patient’s metabolism.
  • The level of muscular activity in the chin area.

An annual maintenance session is performed to preserve the results.

Products used in medical genioplasty

Medical genioplasty relies exclusively on the use of resorbable injectable products approved for aesthetic medical use. The most commonly used product is volumizing hyaluronic acid, chosen for its ability to restore volume in a stable, long-lasting, and natural way.
This type of hyaluronic acid features high cohesion, good elasticity, and resistance to deformation, making it particularly suitable for the chin area.

Safety and medical control of the procedure

Medical genioplasty is a strictly regulated aesthetic medical procedure that must be performed exclusively by an experienced physician trained in chin injection techniques and facial morphological analysis. This treatment generally relies on the use of a firm hyaluronic acid, specifically designed to provide structure and projection to the chin while preserving the natural balance of the profile. In Geneva, this type of intervention is part of an approach focused on safety, precision, and personalization of the result.
Side effects remain rare and are most often mild. They are generally limited to slight redness, small hematomas (bruises) at the injection site, transient swelling, or local sensitivity for a few days. These symptoms resolve spontaneously and do not interfere with the immediate resumption of daily activities. Thanks to medical expertise and the use of next-generation injectable products, medical genioplasty offers an excellent level of tolerance and a high degree of satisfaction for patients seeking a natural and harmonious result.

Specific advantages of medical genioplasty

Medical genioplasty offers many benefits for patients who wish to enhance the harmony of their profile without resorting to surgery. The advantages of the technique are :

  • Quick procedure: approximately 30 minutes.
  • Outpatient : no downtime or hospitalization.
  • Immediate and natural result.
  • Total reversibility in case of dissatisfaction.
  • A tailor-made method, perfectly adapted to personalized aesthetic expectations and to the morphology of each patient.
  • Non-invasive : no scalpel, no scarring.
  • Painless : thanks to local anesthesia and atraumatic cannulas.
  • Controlled evolution : possibility of touch-up or adjustment.
  • Complementary to other procedures.

Conclusion : medical genioplasty in Geneva

Medical genioplasty now represents a modern, precise, and safe solution for patients who wish to correct or improve the appearance of their chin without resorting to surgery. Thanks to the controlled use of hyaluronic acids adapted to the chin area, this technique offers a subtle and long-lasting correction of the contour, projection, and structure of the chin.
Performed by an experienced physician, medical genioplasty makes it possible to restore the aesthetic balance of the lower face quickly, for a natural and reversible result. It fully fits within modern aesthetic-oriented medicine practices, meeting the expectations of the most demanding patients in Geneva.
This non-invasive approach, based on rigorous medical criteria, is a first-choice option to enhance the chin in a safe, controlled setting, and in compliance with medical quality standards.

Photo of doctor Valeria Romano in Geneva

Article written by Dr Romano Valeria

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