A receding chin—or a chin that is either too small or too large—can cause other facial features to look disproportionate and throw your entire profile out of balance. Chin augmentation (mentoplasty) is a surgical procedure that improves chin projection by creating the impression of a stronger jawline. At the Larrabee Center for Plastic Surgery in Seattle, this is accomplished through the use of facial implants.
is a Chin Augmentation right for you?
One key thing to keep in mind when considering the procedure is that it’s not just about the chin itself, but about putting the whole profile into balance; therefore, you might want to consider chin augmentation if you:
- Were born with a smaller chin.
- Have a prominent nose along with a smaller chin, and desire to help balance your profile
- Have a recessive jawline
What are the benefits of a Chin Augmentation?
- Permanent results. Chin implants are made of synthetic, biocompatible material that are designed to sit within natural surrounding tissue. While a chin implant can be removed at a later date if the patient chooses, the results of augmentation are intended to be long-lasting.
- Improved profile. A chin implant can improve the side-view of the face by improving projection and the contour of the jawline.
- Facial balance. One of the reasons people choose to have chin augmentation is to balance out the proportions between the lower face and the nose. While chin augmentation and rhinoplasty can be performed at the same time, some patients benefit nicely from chin augmentation alone to balance out a strong nose.
- Natural look and feel. Chin implants are made in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. The doctor selects the perfect shape and projection to achieve natural facial symmetry. The results of chin augmentation look so natural that people generally cannot tell. Patients comment that colleagues and friends notice a positive change, but cannot point out what it is.
- Stronger, more confident appearance. We read one another through facial appearances. A sculpted jawline is associated with confidence and self-assuredness.
- Greater sense of confidence. The look of confidence after chin augmentation is not all physical. Patients often note that they feel much more assured of themselves once the shape of their lower face is a true reflection of their personality.
Is a Chin Augmentation Painful?
The chin augmentation procedure is not painful. Patients are properly anesthetized to prevent any sensation during surgery. When the wake up in the recovery area and their anesthesia is wearing off, they may notice mild to moderate discomfort. This can be managed with prescription painkillers or approved over-the-counter medication.
How a Chin Augmentation is Performed
Chin augmentation is an outpatient procedure. While the particular steps to surgery can vary based on each patient’s treatment plan and ancillary procedures, the general overview of chin augmentation is as follows:
- The patient is anesthetized by a board-certified anesthesiologist.
- Once the patient is under anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision. This is usually located at the natural crease beneath the chin. Another option is to create the incision inside the mouth. Incision location is discussed prior to surgery.
- Tissue is very gently stretched to create space for the chin implant. The doctor carefully inserts the chin implant, made of synthetic material, into the “pocket” of tissue.
- After observing the placement of the chin implant, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures and places a light compression wrap around the chin and head.
- The patient is moved to a monitored recovery area until the effects of anesthesia wear off.
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How long does chin augmentation take?
Get the Profile You’ve Always Wanted
Very often, chin augmentation is combined with nose surgery (rhinoplasty), to balance the nose in proportion to the chin, or a neck lift, which is used to improve the angle between the chin and neck.
Chin augmentation surgery patients can return home the day of their procedure. However, as with most cosmetic procedures, you’ll need some time at home to rest following your chin surgery. While there will be slight swelling at first, the positive results of your procedure should be visible within a matter of days. Some level of bruising and swelling typically persists for one to two weeks.
Some improvement may be noticed right away after chin augmentation surgery. That said, due to swelling, patients may not visualize the true outcome of surgery for several weeks. It can take up to six weeks for swelling to subside to near completion and for the implant to settle against underlying bone structure.
Chin Augmentation Recovery
The recovery period after chin augmentation can change from week to week. During the first week after surgery, patients may be limited to a soft-food diet. This helps to minimize lower-face movement and allows the implant to integrate undisturbed. Pain medication should be taken as directed. Patients may resume showering as normal beginning the day after surgery. While walking is recommended and beneficial for the prevention of blood clots, physical activity should be limited to that. Patients must avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. It may be possible to return to work near the end of the first week of recovery.
After the initial week of healing, swelling and bruising are usually well resolved. The chin may feel tight, but comfort is usually significantly improved from week one to week two. At this point, pain medication may be taken as needed. Depending on the location of incisions, inside the mouth or under the chin, it may be beneficial to continue a diet of softer foods for several days. Physical activity may still be somewhat limited, but may expand to light cardiovascular exercise. After two to three weeks, more strenuous activities may resume. When adding in new activities, it is important to take it slow and work back to the previous level.
Chin Augmentation - Before & After
