Chin Augmentation (Genioplasty)
When it comes to facial aesthetics, a well-defined chin helps to create balance and harmony, while a chin that is weak or receding can disturb the symmetry of the face, making the nose appear larger or the neck and submental area (below the chin) ill-defined.
Chin augmentation, also known as genioplasty, is a highly customizable procedure that can enhance your chin’s size and shape to reach your ideal facial proportions. A board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon who specializes in chin augmentation procedures may use several methods to create the desired chin contour that complements your unique facial features.
What is chin augmentation?
Chin augmentation involves the use of either a chin implant or injectable dermal fillers to enhance the projection, shape, and contour of the chin. This procedure is often chosen by patients hoping to have more balanced facial features.
Chin implant
Alloplastic chin implants are typically made of sturdy, biologically compatible materials such as silicone. Today’s chin implants are slightly longer than your chin and extend slightly into the jawline area. When a facial cosmetic surgeon selects an implant, they choose one that is the ideal shape and size to help you reach the specific enhancement you desire (or, your chin implant may be custom sculpted for your needs). The chin implant is placed around the chin bone through incisions made either within the mouth or beneath the chin.
Chin filler
For patients who are either not ready for surgery, looking to try out a temporary solution, or in need of a very small adjustment, non-surgical chin augmentation with dermal filler is an option. This treatment carries the benefit of little-to-no recovery time.
Fat transfer
Facial fat transfer is an increasingly popular procedure for adjusting the contours of the face, and in certain cases, chin augmentation may be accomplished with a liposuction and fat transfer procedure.
Osseous genioplasty
An osseous genioplasty involves the surgical cutting and repositioning of the chin bone rather than placing an implant over the existing chin bone. Because of advances in synthetic chin implant technology, this technique has fallen out of favor.
Who is a good candidate for chin augmentation?
If you have a weak or receding chin and want to improve your facial harmony, you could be a good candidate for chin augmentation. Chin augmentation may also be a solution for patients who feel their noses are too prominent but who may see desired results by balancing the chin’s projection with that of the nose. Patients who undergo this procedure should be non-smokers, in good health, and should have realistic expectations for what the surgery can and cannot accomplish.
It is important to speak with a board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon or similarly qualified surgeon to learn if you are a good candidate for chin augmentation. For example, patients who have significant jawline-related (orthognathic) issues may not see satisfactory results with chin augmentation alone, and orthagnathic surgery may be recommended.
Anesthesia for chin enhancement
Chin augmentation with an implant is performed either under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on your health status, preferences, and the complexity of the procedure. Chin filler simply requires topical numbing to keep you comfortable during the injections.
- Key Benefits
- Terms to Know
- Improved facial balance
- Enhanced jawline definition
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
- Lasting solution
- Can be combined with complementary procedures for maximized results
Implant: A medical-grade device, often made from silicone or other biocompatible materials, that is implanted in the body.
Augmentation: A surgical process that involves increasing the size of a particular body part. In this context, it refers to enhancing the projection and overall appearance of the chin.
Dermal fillers: Injectable gel-like substances used to add volume to different areas of the face. In non-surgical chin augmentation, dermal fillers can be used to improve the shape and projection of the chin.
Anesthesia: Medication administered before and during surgery to either numb a specific area of the body (local anesthesia) or to induce unconsciousness (general anesthesia), to prevent pain during the procedure.
Genioplasty: A type of surgery that alters the shape and size of the chin. This can include chin augmentation (to enhance the chin’s size) or chin reduction (to reduce its size).
Incision: A surgical cut made in the skin during an operation. In chin augmentation, this can be made inside the mouth or under the chin to minimize visible scarring.
Overbite: A dental condition where the upper teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth, often making the chin appear smaller or receded. Chin augmentation can help improve aesthetic balance of the face in individuals with an overbite.
Autologous fat transfer (fat grafting): A procedure that involves removing fat from one area of the patient’s body and injecting it into another area to add volume and contour. In some cases, this method can be used for chin augmentation, providing a natural alternative to synthetic implants or fillers.
Side effects, risks, and complications
As with any surgical procedure, chin augmentation carries risks, including:
- Hematoma
- Infection
- Poor wound healing
- Implant displacement
- Implant rejection by the body
- Dissatisfaction with the aesthetic results
- Bone erosion behind the implant
However, selecting a highly skilled surgeon can help to minimize these risks, as properly trained surgeons will carefully screen patients before offering the procedure, use safe surgical techniques to help minimize complications, and provide follow-up care.
Post-operative care
After chin augmentation, your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions for post-operative care. This should include wound care, prescription and/or over-the-counter pain medications (and possibly antibiotics), as well as follow up appointments with your surgeon. During these follow up appointments, your surgeon will check for signs of complications and check that you are healing well. You may be required to eat a soft diet for a time if you had intraoral incisions.
Recovery
The recovery time after chin augmentation varies based on the surgical plan. Generally, most patients return to their normal day-to-day activities within a week post-procedure, though a longer period of “social downtime” may be desired as noticeable swelling and bruising take about two weeks to subside. Your surgeon will provide specific recovery guidelines, and it is critical to follow these closely. Most patients will need to avoid workouts or exercise for about 4-6 weeks after surgery, or until cleared by their surgeon.
Related procedures
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping, can also help to re-balance the facial proportions, alone or in combination with chin augmentation: as many as 25% of rhinoplasty patients may benefit cosmetically from also incorporating a chin implant into their procedure plan.
Chin liposuction
Liposuction in the submental area (below the chin) may be combined with a chin implant (or performed alone) to further create balance and a well-defined jawline when excess submental fat creates or enhances the appearance of a weak or recessed chin.
Facelift and neck lift
A facelift and/or neck lift can lift and tighten the lower face and/or neck when lax muscles or loose skin and wrinkles obscure the face’s proportions. Combining this procedure with chin augmentation may help to create a stronger foundation for the raised tissues in certain patients.
Your chin augmentation consultation
Schedule a consultation with a board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon when you are ready to discuss the details of the procedure, ask questions, and learn whether you may be a good candidate. They will provide a thorough evaluation, discuss your aesthetic goals, and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Expect a detailed overview of the chin augmentation procedure, potential risks, and the expected results; this is your opportunity to ask questions and understand every aspect of the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there alternatives to chin augmentation?
Yes, there are alternatives to surgical chin augmentation. These can include non-surgical methods like dermal fillers, fat grafting, or even mandibular advancement surgery in cases of severe retrognathia.
What materials are used for chin implants?
Chin implants are commonly made from medical-grade silicone, which is soft, flexible, and well-tolerated by the body. Other materials, such as polyethylene or porous polyethylene (Medpor®), might also be used. These materials are designed to be very long-lasting.
How should I prepare for chin augmentation surgery?
Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions based on your health history and the specifics of your surgery. General preparation might include avoiding certain medications or supplements that can increase bleeding, stopping smoking at least a few weeks before the surgery, arranging for a ride home and help during the initial recovery period, and fasting for a certain period (usually the night before) ahead of your procedure.
How long does the swelling last after chin augmentation?
While swelling usually begins to subside after a week, it can take several weeks to several months for all of the swelling to resolve completely. During this time, your chin’s shape will continue to refine as you heal.
How long does a typical chin augmentation procedure take?
Chin augmentation generally takes about one to two hours. However, the exact length of the procedure can vary depending on the specifics of the surgical plan.
What is the expected lifespan of chin implants?
Chin implants are designed to be permanent and can last a lifetime. However, they can be removed or replaced if complications occur or if you decide to change the size or shape of the implant.
What alternatives are there to surgical chin augmentation?
Non-surgical chin augmentation can be achieved with dermal fillers, such as Juvéderm®, Restylane®, or Sculptra®. These injections can enhance the chin’s shape and size without surgery, yet they offer temporary results, typically lasting from six months to two years depending on the formula of filler used.
How many syringes are needed for non-surgical chin filler?
Somewhere between 1-3 syringes are typically needed to provide noticeable chin enhancement with filler, though the number will vary from person to person based on your anatomy and goals. Note that many providers will only inject about 1-2 syringes per dermal filler session to allow swelling to subside between each treatment and to give you time to adjust to the change gradually.
How many consultations do I need before surgery?
Typically, you will have at least one consultation before surgery. However, some patients may require more consultations if they have complex medical histories or specific aesthetic goals that need to be thoroughly discussed. Your facial surgeon will guide you through this process to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable before proceeding with the procedure.
How much does chin augmentation cost?
The cost of chin augmentation can vary depending on the specific procedure, the surgeon’s expertise, and the average prices in your geographical area. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can provide you with a detailed cost breakdown. Your choice of surgeon should never be based on cost alone, but rather on the surgeon’s qualifications and your trust in them. Most cosmetic surgeons offer patient financing options to break down the cost of surgery into installments, and each surgeon’s practice can offer you insight into their options.
Can chin augmentation correct an overbite?
While chin augmentation can improve the aesthetic appearance of an overbite by enhancing the profile, it does not correct the overbite itself. For functional issues such as an overbite, jaw/orthognathic surgery may be recommended by your dental care provider or oral surgeon.
Can a chin implant be removed?
Yes, if you are unhappy with the results of your chin augmentation procedure, the implant can be removed in a second procedure. However, most patients are highly satisfied with their results when the procedure is performed by a skilled, board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon, and you should only undergo this procedure if you expect to be happy with the results long-term.
Will there be scarring after a chin augmentation procedure?
Chin augmentation surgery can result in some scarring, although facial cosmetic surgeons make every effort to hide the scars in inconspicuous locations. If the incision is made under the chin, a small scar may be visible up close. If the incision is made inside the mouth, the scar won’t be visible at all. Rest assured that, with proper care, scars continue to improve in appearance for at least two years after surgery.
How soon can I return to work after chin augmentation?
Most patients can return to work at a relatively sedentary job (i.e. a desk job) within a week following chin augmentation surgery, but you may need more time away from work depending on the nature of your job.
References
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Beer K, Kaufman-Janette J, Bank D, Biesman B, Dayan S, Kim W, Chawla S, Schumacher A. Safe and Effective Chin Augmentation With the Hyaluronic Acid Injectable Filler, VYC-20L. Dermatologic Surgery. 2021 Jan 1;47(1):80-85. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000002795.
Moradi A, Shirazi A, David R. Nonsurgical Chin and Jawline Augmentation Using Calcium Hydroxylapatite and Hyaluronic Acid Fillers. Facial Plastic Surgery. 2019 Apr;35(2):140-148. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1683854.
Sykes JM, Suárez GA. Chin Advancement, Augmentation, and Reduction as Adjuncts to Rhinoplasty. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2016 Jan;43(1):295-306. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2015.09.021.
Oranges CM, Grufman V, di Summa PG, Fritsche E, Kalbermatten DF. Chin Augmentation Techniques: A Systematic Review. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2023 May 1;151(5):758e-771e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000010079.
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Choosing the right cosmetic surgeon is a critical aspect of your chin augmentation journey. Look for a surgeon who is board-certified, has extensive experience with chin augmentation procedures, and has proven skill based on the before-and-after photos of their previous patients. It’s important to feel comfortable with your provider’s approach and confident in their care. Surgeons certified by our facial cosmetic surgery certifying board have been carefully vetted.
Reach out to a board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon today to schedule your consultation and explore the possibilities.