Chin Implant
In both men and women, a well-defined jawline and a strong chin can contribute significantly to a balanced and attractive face. If you have a naturally weak chin or too little chin projection, plastic surgeons can correct the problem in several ways. One of these is called a chin augmentation procedure using chin implants. By placing a custom-fit chin implant during chin augmentation surgery, a skilled cosmetic surgeon can strengthen a recessed or weak chin and improve facial harmony. Keep reading to find out everything there is to know about chin surgery with chin implants.
What is a chin implant cosmetic surgery?
A chin enhancement or chin augmentation surgery, also known as genioplasty, is a cosmetic surgery. It is performed by a plastic surgeon to improve the contour of the chin and jawline. The procedure involves placing a silicone chin implant near the natural chin bone. The idea is to enhance the shape and size of the chin. The objective is to achieve balance with the other facial features and make the face more naturally attractive.
A board certified cosmetic surgeon can use chin enhancement plastic surgery to provide a permanent solution for a weak or recessed chin. The procedure can be combined with other cosmetic procedures at the same time such as rhinoplasty (nose job), neck liposuction to remove excess fat, or dermal fillers for better jawline definition.
What do chin implants look like?
Chin implants are made from a biocompatible, pliable material like silicone. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes can be molded around the chin bone. Your surgeon will help you choose a chin implant that can achieve the desired chin enhancement with natural looking results.
After it has been inserted into the lower face, most patients cannot feel the implant. Also, other people cannot tell that a person has had chin enhancement.
Why should I consider a chin implant?
If your facial features are out of balance or you have a weak or recessed chin, then a chin implant or sliding genioplasty procedure can improve your appearance. It can achieve better proportion with your other features and help you feel more confident about the way you look. A sliding genioplasty is a procedure in which the natural chin bone is moved forward.
Generally speaking, the goal of a chin augmentation is to improve facial harmony, create a more defined jawline, correct a recessed chin, and reduce a "double chin" due to a small chin bone.
You are a good candidate for this cosmetic surgery if you are in overall good general health, have realistic expectations and a positive outlook, and wish to improve a weak chin or jaw.
How is chin augmentation surgery performed?
Consultation
Before scheduling you for chin surgery, you will be seen in the office by your plastic surgeon. At the time of this consultation, they will obtain a thorough medical history to ensure you can undergo the procedure safely. They will also perform an examination, obtain imaging, and take photographs. You will be shown before/after chin implant photos to give you an idea of what the procedure can accomplish.
Surgical Procedure
Chin surgery for the placement of chin implants is typically done on an outpatient basis. Meaning, you will go home the same day as your chin implant surgery. The plastic surgeon will talk to you about anesthesia options. The procedure can be done using local anesthesia with sedation (you will be awake during the cosmetic surgery) or general anesthesia (you will be asleep during the implant surgery).
To place the chin implant, the facial plastic surgeon makes a small incision inside the mouth or in the natural crease below the chin. He or she then creates space for the chin implant and places it around the chin bone.
The procedure usually takes around 1 hour to complete. If additional procedures are planned, such as rhinoplasty or neck lift with the chin implant surgery, the operating time will be longer. After the surgery, the incision inside the mouth or below the chin is closed with sutures and a sterile dressing is applied.
What is recovery like after chin implant surgery?
Chin augmentation with an implant does not involve much downtime. Most patients return to normal activities in 7 days. Any pain or discomfort during the recovery process can be managed with pain medication and cold compresses. The incision and scar is inside the mouth or in the natural skin crease and is not visible or obvious.
However, for the first few weeks after your chin implant placement, you will need to sleep with your face up and head raised. This is to keep any postsurgical swelling down and protect the incisions that are healing. Patients are also advised to eat a soft or liquid diet for 1-2 days and avoid strenuous activity for 3-4 weeks.
The final results of the chin augmentation are visible once the swelling disappears, usually 1-3 months after chin implant surgery.
Are chin implants permanent?
Chin implants are made from a strong, durable material that is intended to last for the entire lifetime of a patient. Keep in mind, however, that as you age, the skin and structure of your face can change, thereby altering your facial appearance. However, the enhancement in your chin contour will be permanent, barring any trauma that damages the chin implant (surgery may be necessary to replace it in such a situation).
What are the risks and complications of chin implants?
Chin augmentation with a chin implant is a relatively safe procedure with a low risk of complications. Like all surgeries, however, it does carry some risks such as infection, bleeding, blood collection (hematoma), implant shifting, scarring, and anesthesia side effects. You can minimize your risk of complications by choosing a board-certified experienced facial plastic surgeon.
Finding a surgeon for facial plastic surgery
Whether you are interested in chin implant surgery alone or a combination of procedures for optimum results, one of the most important decisions to make is choosing a plastic surgeon for your chin augmentation and other procedures. The MeTime app makes it easy to find a top-rated surgeon with extensive experience in chin implant procedures in your area. You can chat with experts, send photos across, look at photos of other patients, set up a video consult, and book an office consultation when you're ready. Download the MeTime app today and say hello to the best version of yourself!
