Chin reduction, also called genioplasty surgery, aims to restore facial balance and provide a natural aesthetic appearance. The normal chin is in balance with the forehead and nose. The aesthetics of the face requires that each part is in harmony with the others. Thus, a chin that is too large (macrogenia) detracts from the other normal features. A large chin can give the appearance that the nose is too small. In these cases, chin reduction is necessary to restore the balance of the face. This imbalance can have a major impact on the psychological well-being of the patient. Patients can suffer low self-esteem and become withdrawn.

Frequently, surgery on either the nose or the chin may help to harmonise the facial balance and provide a natural aesthetic appearance. Occasionally, both aspects of the face may need to be addressed.

There are many small muscles of the face that work synergistically to produce facial expression. These are surrounded by fat pads. Together, they act to produce appearances that unique to the individual. Often, the pronounced nose or chin may be further amplified by movements such as smiling. In the chin region (otherwise known as the mental region!), prominence may be due to a combination of the mental fat pad as well as mandibular (jawbone) prominence.