The most common type of surgical chin augmentation used to treat mild to moderate chin deficiencies.

Chin Shape & Size

There are many different options for alloplastic chin implants. An important component relates to the characteristics of the available implant materials:
Silastic implants (polydimethylsiloxane) lead to formation of a fibrous capsule that surrounds the implant without distortion. It has the advantage of being able to be carved and removed if necessary. Silastic may be commercially manufactured to particular sizes and shapes with the help of computer-aided design technology. The disadvantage is the implant can cause bone resorption and exposure. Potential complications include malposition, extrustion of implant, and infection. 

Gore-Tex(polytetrafluoroethylene) is a pliable alloplastic implant which is more commonly implanted in the lips and nose. 

MEDPOR(high density polyethylene) results in limited tissue ingrowth, but has the advantage of beingrelatively resistant to infection but the disadvantage of being difficult to remove. Risks include malposition and extrusion. 

BoneSource (Hydroxapatite) interfaces through osseointegration, and has the advantage of being moldable. Disadvantages include exposure and infection.

Polyamide mesh(Supramid) is easily cut and shaped, and allows for fibrovascular ingrowth. Polyamide mesh, however, has been found to elicit an intense foreign body response resulting in chronic inflammation. 

Silicone rubber is a nonporous material which does not result in fibrovascular ingrowth. Implantation leads to fibrous capsule formation around the implant itself. If the tissue overlying the implant is thinned, then extrusion may occur. Resorption has been noted to occur underneath the implant over time. 

Mersilene mesh(polyamide nylon mesh or polyester fiber) allows for tissue ingrowth, which helps to secure the implant. It has good tensile strength and can be well molded to the contour of the jaw.

This procedure is performed either through a 2-3 cm external cut under the chin or via an intraoral approach with no external scar. There are generally two techniques for the external approach that relate to placement of the implant on the anterior mandible. Placement in the subperiostial plane has an advantage of improved fixation, but has the risk for some erosion of the bone on which it sits. Therefore, some doctors prefer to place the implant in a supraperiosteal plane which may minimize the risk of anterior mandible erosion. 

There are essentially two shapes for alloplastic implants; a central chin and an extended mandibular implant. Extended mandibular implants have tapered ends, which provide a smooth transition from the central mentum to the lateral mandible, preserving the natural jawline. This allows for smooth contouring and augmentation of the lateral mandible. The other added advantage in these is that the central portion can be placed supraperiosteally, lessening the risk of bony erosion and improving fixation. 

The three most commonly used implant shapes are the extended anatomic mandibular implant, the Flowers chin implants , and the Mittelman prejowl chin implants. The extended anatomic mandibular implant provides uniform augmentation of the prejowl area with varying degrees of central chin augmentation. The Flowers mandibular implant provides a variation in the tilt of the implant at the central mentum with a tapered extension along the mandible. The Mittelman prejowl chin implant provides variation in the size of the central mentum augmentation, with a comparable increase in thickness in its lateral extensions resulting in augmentation to the prejowl. If the implant is not placed in a precise pocket subperiosteally, the implant must be fixed to the underlying bone. This is accomplished either using titanium screws or sutures.

Alloplastic Chin Implant

Chin

Head

Face

chinim1

- Do not take any blood thinning medication 
- Stop smoking 4 weeks before and after the procedure
- No alcohol 2 days prior
- Do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours before 

Before Treatment

chinim2

- Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia
- Incision made intraorally or under the chin
- Custom implant is positioned
- Incision closed with sutures

During Treatment

chinim3

- Discomfort, swelling, redness, and bruising
- Changes in sensation

Immediately After Treatment

chinim4

- Chin strap dressing is kept on for 1-3 days
- Liquid diet for 1 week
- Limit mouth or jaw movement 1 week
- Resume normal activity within 1 week

1-7 Days After Treatment and Beyond

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- Permanent and noticeable immediately
- Results close to final within 1 month 
- Final results after 3 months

Result Notes

Chin implants are a permanent solution for a recessed chin that offers increased size and projection. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after a chin implant.

Chin Implants

An alloplastic chin implant is the most common type of chin augmentation plastic surgery procedure to treat chin deficiencies and microgenia (small chin).

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Alloplastic Chin Implant

Concerns Treated

Chin Shape & Size

Concerns Treated

Chin Shape & Size

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Alloplastic Chin Implant

Concerns Treated

Chin Shape & Size

Concerns Treated

Chin Shape & Size

Discover science-backed solutions from AEDIT Medshop

Related Procedures

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