No one goes into cosmetic surgery expecting to do it twice. You already went through all the research, the expense and the swollen, recovery phase, expecting to come out on the other side of recovery with a beautiful profile that you love.
But when the swelling finally drops and the results aren’t everything that you hoped they’d be, it's incredibly frustrating.
Whether the aesthetic is off (it’s still too weak, or now it’s too prominent), or there's a physical issue (you can feel the hardware, or things healed asymmetrically), feeling unhappy with your face is tough. The most important thing to remember is that you aren't stuck with it.
Corrective chin surgery, known as revision genioplasty, is something we handle frequently at our Dallas practice. If you are considering fixing a past procedure, here is an honest look at what you need to know before having another chin surgery.
Why Revision Genioplasty is Different
Here is the truth about revision facial surgery: it is substantially more complicated than your first procedure.
During your original genioplasty, your surgeon was working with a blank slate. A revision surgeon like Dr. Randy Sanovich, however, has to navigate through scar tissue, altered bone pathways, and any plates or screws left behind from your initial surgery.
This is the type of case where you need a surgeon who understands the highly complex structural framework of the jaw and lower face like board-certified Dr. Randy Sanovich. Even just a millimeter can make a massive difference in the chin, as well as correcting someone else's work which requires advanced training in maxillofacial and facial plastic surgery.
What the Revision Process Looks Like
If you're ready to explore getting your chin corrected, the process looks a little different than your first consultation.
The Waiting Game: You'll probably be required to wait 6 to 12 months after their original surgery before attempting a revision. We cannot safely go back in while tissues are still inflamed and micro-swelling is shifting around. We need a neutral foundation to start any work.
Precise Planning: We don't guess. We take advanced 3D scans (CBCT) to see exactly what the first surgeon did to the bone and exactly where the hardware is sitting before we ever step foot in the surgical suite.
The Surgical Revision: Revisions are totally customized. Depending on what went wrong from the first surgery, we may need to remove or shift old plates, make new bone cuts to adjust projection, or bone grafting to smooth out asymmetries. We also pay close attention to the soft tissue, as sometimes the muscle and skin need to be resuspended to avoid sagging in the chin and looking unnatural over the new bone structure. We use virtual surgical planning to ensure we are aligned on your surgical plan.
Is the Recovery Worse the Second Time?
Patients always ask if the recovery will be harder. Generally, it's similar to the first surgery, though swelling can sometimes last a little bit longer due to the scar tissue.
You'll still be looking at a few days of tightness and bruising, a soft-food diet, and sleeping with your head elevated. Since Dr. Sanovich typically makes the incisions from inside the mouth, you won't have to worry about any new visible scars on your face. You can usually get back to work and normal social settings within a couple of weeks.
Helping You Get it Right This Time
It takes a lot of trust to undergo surgery again after a disappointing result. It’s completely understandable to feel this way.
Dr. Sanovich's goal as a genioplasty revision surgeon is to listen to exactly what bothers you about your current result, tell you honestly what is surgically possible, and help you get it right this time so you can finally love your chin!
If you're in the Dallas area and want to talk about correcting a past genioplasty surgery, reach out to our office. We are offering complimentary genioplasty consultations in April 2026 so now is the perfect time to have a conversation!
Visit Dallas Surgical Arts today and check out our special offers available this month!
If you're interested in facial cosmetic surgery, reach out to our office in Dallas today.
Learn more about Dallas cosmetic surgeon Dr. Randy Sanovich.
Dr. Sanovich has been in D Magazine's Best for the past 10 years as a top Dallas surgeon!
Offers available through April 2026.