Chin Augmentation

What is Chin Augmentation?
Chin augmentation is a relatively straightforward surgical procedure; the purpose of which is to create a chin and jaw line that are more pronounced and in better harmony with the other facial features. Surgery will not correct poor alignment of the teeth or improve the basic size or shape of the jaw. Chin augmentation can, however, enhance both the projection of the chin and the angle between the jaw and neck for a dramatically more youthful, well-balanced facial appearance.

Why choose chin augmentation?
Believe it or not, a small chin can have a big impact on the entire face. It can make the nose look larger and an overbite appear more pronounced. It can accentuate a backward-slanting forehead and draw attention to excess fat or skin in the neck and jowls. What's more, a receding chin can project an image of weakness in a person.

Who is a good candidate for a chin implant?
The operation, which can be performed safely on persons as young as 17 or 18, may make a modest improvement in the way you look from the front; but as in cosmetic nose surgery, it is largely intended to enhance the profile. Ideally, the chin should extend the same distance as the lower lip, so that if you were to hold your index finger vertically against your lower lip, your finger would also touch your chin.

The Procedure
Chin augmentation takes 30 minutes to an hour and is performed on an outpatient basis under IV sedation. A small incision is made under the chin. Tissue is lifted off the chinbone to make a pocket just large enough to hold the implant. Implants measure 1-1/2 to 2 inches wide and come in several sizes. The one which is most proportional with your other facial features is placed in the pocket, just on top of the chinbone, and held in place with a few sutures. The incision is closed with a few additional sutures; after which surgical tape is applied to provide support, control swelling, and keep the incision clean and dry.

Recovery
The sutures are removed in about a week. Swelling and bruising are common in the first few weeks of surgery, and you should not mistake this for the implant and become concerned that it is too big. Your chin will be numb, and you can anticipate some numbness and/or tingling in your lower lip as well. This will improve gradually, though it may persist to some degree for six months or more. In general, however, discomfort from chin augmentation is minimal and easily controlled with cold compresses and pain medication.

You can expect to return to your normal routine within a day or two of surgery. Because it is under the chin, the scar typically goes unnoticed almost immediately. Any bruising that remains after the sutures have been removed can usually be hidden with a good concealer, such as Dermablend®. Initially after surgery your chin will be somewhat sensitive, and you may be able to feel the implant.

Keep in mind that it could be anywhere from several months to a year before the implant softens to a point at which you forget you even have it and you can see the final result from surgery.