A proportionate chin can be a significant factor in balancing one's facial appearance. Whether you feel your chin is too small, too large, or simply not the right shape, a chin augmentation can solve the issue. It can correct the facial imbalance by providing you with a chin that is properly defined and in harmony with the rest of your features.
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Chin augmentation is a cosmetic surgery to create volume, height, and sometimes width along the jawline by inserting and molding an implant around the chin bone. Chin implants can correct a small or recessed chin and improve the appearance of a double chin caused by a small chin bone. Implants are constructed of silicon, porous polyethylene, or GoreTex®, depending on the needs and goals of each patient. The implant will be properly fitted and shaped to the underlying bone to create a permanent change in the appearance of the patient’s face.
The surgery is performed in our on-site surgical suite under sedation by Dr. Rice, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with thousands of hours of experience and an impeccable record of happy and satisfied patients.
Recovery time is 1-2 weeks, and results are instantaneous, although it can take up to 3 months for swelling to disappear completely.
If you have a small or recessed chin, overly pointed chin, fleshy neck with a short jawline, or larger nasal contour, you are likely a good candidate for a chin implant. Chin augmentation surgery is also an excellent addition a facelift or rhinoplasty, as it will enhance facial contouring and help complement and balance other facial features.
Dr. Rice often prefers and recommends a chin implant made of porous polyethylene. Porous polyethylene implants are made of a honeycomb-like matrix that allows your tissues to grow into the implant, leaving you with a smaller amount of implant material. They are also firm and bone-like, which makes them feel more natural when in place. The material can even be shaved and contoured during surgery to provide the most natural and custom shape.
To place the implant, we will make our approach from underneath the chin. An approach from inside the lower lip can be made as well; however, there is a slightly higher chance of infection and numbness as a result of nerve damage with this approach. From under the chin, a small pocket is formed directly on the bone. We often use temporary sizers to facilitate the selection of the best size and shape of the implant. At this point, if you have chosen porous polyethylene, the implant will be customized and contoured to your chin. The implant can be precisely modified during the procedure, then reinserted until it meets the precise needs of the individual patient. In some cases, we may also perform some light liposuction to help with shaping. Once we are happy with the way the new chin and jawline look, the implant is secured with sutures, the incision is closed, and a supportive dressing is placed.
After your chin augmentation is completed, we will support the chin with surgical tape and a face garment to help protect, secure, and support the new contour. Chin support tape is typically left in place for the first several days. If a facial garment is used, it should be kept in place every day and night for three weeks after surgery.
You can expect bruising, swelling, and discomfort for the first 7-10 days after surgery. The chin will be sore and sensitive to the touch usually, but pain medication can be given to help alleviate any pain after surgery. Speaking, chewing, and yawning may be uncomfortable for a few weeks, and we advise a soft food diet for the first week or so after surgery. If an intra-oral approach was used, an antibacterial rinse should be done after each meal.
Typically, patients can return to work within 7-10 days of their chin surgery, although chin swelling will still be significant. We recommend taking four weeks off heavy physical activity and waiting at least six weeks before resuming any contact sports or weight lifting.
You can expect the majority of swelling to subside after three weeks, but the final portion of swelling typically dissipates over the next three months or so after chin surgery.
We pride ourselves on prepping our patients on what to expect and how best to recover from surgery with minimal discomfort. Rest assured that we will advise you every step of the way to get you back to normal day-to-day activities as quickly as possible.
All swelling should subside within three months, allowing you to see your final results. Your chin implant results will be permanent. The implant is designed to last a lifetime, so the material will not wear down over time, and your results are forever. That said, should you ever become dissatisfied with your implant, it can also be removed at any time.
Chin augmentation is a very satisfying procedure for patients. The results are both dramatic and permanent, and the procedure often leaves patients with the difference they want. The nature of the surgery can cause prolonged swelling and a lengthy recovery, but we encourage our clients to remain patient because the results will be worth it.
A chin implant adds volume and definition to your jawline and is a great addition to other facial plastic surgery procedures such as a facelift, neck lift, rhinoplasty, or cheek augmentation. Additionally, sometimes liposuction is used to help balance and define the jawline.
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Dr. Rice received his medical degree from Loma Linda University in Southern California where he also completed an internship in general surgery and specialty surgical training in Otolaryngology—head and neck surgery. Dr. Rice went on to complete advanced training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Institute of Facial Plastic Surgery. He is double board-certified…
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