Chin Augmentation: What to Expect

Like other parts of your face, the chin can be of various sizes and shapes. A robust and well-defined chin provides the proper balance between the neck, cheeks, and nose for many of us.

If your chin is small or recessed, you may lack the bone structure to see the distinction between your face and neck. Also, a smaller chin can make your nose look too large. Having a chin that isn't 'strong enough can be a problem for your appearance.

For people who have a 'weak chin,' you can have chin augmentation to give your face a more balanced and attractive look. You can either get a chin implant or enlargement with dermal fillers, such as Voluma. Which is the best option for you? Much depends on your facial structure and what you hope to achieve with the procedure.

Below is more about both types of chin augmentation and what to expect.

Chin Augmentation With Implants

The way to make the most significant difference in your chin is with a chin implant, also called genioplasty. This is the most frequent procedure to give the chin more prominence and strength.

The procedure involves the surgeon inserting a silicone, chin-shaped implant through an incision and putting it over your chin bone. They may also need to make another incision under your chin or inside the mouth to complete the procedure.

Chin augmentation with an implant is usually permanent because the implant is intended to last as long as you live. But if you need to remove the implant or change your mind, you can have the implant removed.

Some reasons to consider a chin implant are:

• Permanent results with one surgery
• Dramatic improvements in the chin and facial balance are possible
• The implant feels like natural bone
• You can choose from implants of many sizes, shapes, and degree of projection
• Scars are usually minor
• You can have neck liposuction or rhinoplasty at the same time for more dramatic results

But chin surgery requires surgery, which can have complications. Also, you could get an infection or have problems with your incisions. You also will need to take at least a week off work to recover. And you need another surgery if you ever want to take out the implant.

Chin Augmentation With Dermal Fillers

Another option for chin augmentation is to have dermal fillers injected, such as Juvederm. Your surgeon can inject fillers into certain parts of the chin to boost volume and, to some degree, enhance the jawline and chin contours.

Results with dermal fillers can last up to two years. Some benefits of chin augmentation with fillers include:

• Improvement is immediate and no recovery is needed
• No anesthesia or surgery
• Safe and effective for most patients; dermal fillers have a strong long-term safety record
• It costs less up front than chin implant surgery
• Effects lessen with time, so if you don't like the results, you can have more injections, or wait until the body absorbs the fillers.

On the downside, you'll need regular injections to keep your results, and you cannot achieve dramatic changes with injections alone. Also, your surgeon needs to have great skill and experience with dermal fillers for excellent results.

Chin Implant Or Dermal Fillers?

If you want to enhance your chin and aren't sure what to do, talk to your plastic surgeon. He or she will take into account your medical history, facial and chin structure, as well as your goals. Then, your surgeon can offer their best recommendation.

Some surgeons say that you can start with dermal fillers if you're not sure about doing an implant. You won't have the same dramatic result as an implant. But the enhancement should be enough to understand what a stronger chin will look like and how it can balance your face. And if you only need a tweak here and there, dermal fillers could be the perfect solution.

However, a chin implant might be the best solution for you in these cases:

• You are bothered by a weak, recessed chin and want immediate results
• You want to have a single procedure on your chin, improve it, and never have additional work
• You tried dermal fillers, but now you want a more significant change
• You are considering other surgeries with a chin implant, such as a facelift or brow lift.

Keep in mind that dermal fillers can be an excellent choice to give a moderate chin augmentation a try to see if you like it. If you do, you can then decide if you want to go for a more robust, longer-term solution with a chin implant.

Note that you will have swelling and bruising if you have a chin implant that could require a week off of work. Your surgeon will give you medications for pain and swelling as needed. But you can usually go back to your regular activities after two weeks.

Request A Chin Augmentation Consultation

Interested in a Portland chin augmentation? Dr. Aric Aghayan is proud to serve Portland area patients at his practice, Après Plastic Surgery. He'll go over the options, goals, and more to determine if you're an ideal candidate for chin augmentation.

References

Chin Augmentation – Implants vs Injectables. (2021). Accessed at https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/chin-augmentation-implants-vs-injectables

Chin Augmentation: Filler Versus Prosthesis. (2020). Accessed at https://www.thepmfajournal.com/features/post/chin-augmentation-filler-versus-prosthesis