Chin Augmentation

The goal of a chin augmentation is to enhance the contours of the chin, jawline, and neck, and thereby improve overall facial appearance. Chin implants are the most common type of chin augmentation. The placement of synthetic implants around the existing chin bone alters the underlying shape of the face, which enhances the balance of other facial features. Chin augmentation can provide a permanent solution for a recessed chin during an outpatient procedure without using general anesthesia.

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The Skinny

Chin Augmentation

avg. recovery: 6 weeks
permanence: Is permanent
Type: Surgical Procedure
surgical: Yes
cost: $3000 - $5000

About the Procedure

Last Updated: 09.23.2021

During the chin augmentation procedure, a board certified plastic surgeon will place an alloplastic chin implant underneath the skin around the patient’s existing chin bone. This outpatient surgery typically takes about one hour to perform, does not require the use of general anesthesia, and provides a permanent solution to weak, recessed chins. The goal of the procedure is to enhance the natural contours of the neck, jaw, and chin in order to improve facial appearance. Chin implants are one of the two main types of chin augmentation. The other is called sliding genioplasty (osseous genioplasty) and does not involve the use of synthetic implants. Instead, the surgeon slides the lower jaw bone forward to produce more lower face and chin projection. Genioplasty is associated with higher risks for complications that chin implants are. Chin augmentation implants can be placed either through small incisions made inside the mouth or under the chin. Dissolvable sutures are used to close the incisions after the implants are placed appropriately. The typical recovery time for this procedure is 1-3 weeks in most patients. The average cost for chin implant augmentation is $3000-$5000.

The goal of a chin augmentation surgery is to restore facial harmony. Chin augmentation can be used to define an underdeveloped chin or give it more prominence. As the shape of the chin is affected by the shape of the nose, chin augmentation is often paired with rhinoplasty.

Concerns

Chin Augmentation addresses concerns such as:

Chin Augmentation

What to Expect

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.

Before Treatment

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

During Treatment

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

Recovery Notes

A chin strap dressing may be placed to keep pressure on the implant and to improve adherence of the soft tissue to the mandible. This is typically removed after 1-3 days. A soft diet may also be advised for 1-7 days. If an intraoral approach is used, peroxide rinses may be prescribed after each meal. Some discomfort, mild pain, swelling, redness and bruising, along with tenderness to touch is expected. Candidates can typically resume normal function within a week.

Ideal Candidate

Ideal candidates for chin augmentation are those whose facial features are fully developed and who are unhappy with the appearance of their chin and facial profile.

Not Recommended For

Chin augmentation is not recommended for patients with severe microgenia, labial incompetence, lip protrusion, shortened mandibular height, severe malocclusion, and periodontal disease.