Thinking of getting a chin augmentation? Your chin is vital to facial balance besides your forehead and nose. An aesthetically pleasing profile is one where the forwardmost point of your chin and lower lip are on the same vertical plane.

When you have a less prominent chin bone – which people also call recessed or receding chin – you can look older and heavier than you are. A small chin can also make your nose look big.

How Does Chin Augmentation Work?

Chin augmentation at Palmer Cosmetic Surgery can add definition to your jawline. During the procedure, Dr. Russell Palmer will insert a custom-fitted implant into your chin bone so that your chin will appear more proportionate to your other facial features.

Chin implant placement

Chin implants are safe, biocompatible material – typically made of silicone – that surgeons mold to fit in your chin bone. Their primary goal is to add volume and projection to your chin.

The implant’s shape and size will depend on the desired result you discussed with your surgeon. The device can also extend to the sides of the jawline if you have a narrow lower jaw.

Unlike fillers or non-surgical injection treatments, implants do not contain sugars, protein, or fat.

Repositioning of jaw bones

Besides inserting an implant, your surgeon may have to move the bones along your jaw to enhance your overall facial appearance.

What Happens During Chin Augmentation?

Chin augmentation is an outpatient procedure under general or local anesthesia. Your surgeon will make an incision inside your mouth – where your lower lip and lower gum meet – or in some cases, below your chin.

The specialist will then cut and stretch your chin tissue to put the implant inside the “pocket” in front of your chin bone. Stitches or screws will secure the implant to the bone. To close the incision, the surgeon will apply sutures and a bandage on the cut.

Sometimes, your surgeon may need to shift some bones using a bone saw or chisel. Wires or screws and a metal plate will hold the transferred jaw bone in its new position. You will barely see the surgery scar if the incision is inside your mouth.

Are Chin Implants Permanent?

Chin implants are permanent and generally last for a lifetime. A removal or replacement procedure will be necessary when the implant goes out of alignment due to age-related bone mass loss.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Chin Augmentation?

You may feel a tight and stretched sensation after the procedure. You may also find it hard to speak and smile for a few days after the surgery because it will be hard to move your lower lip. The pain should ease after a week.

The surgeon will apply a dressing over the surgical cut that must stay in place for up to three days. You will receive instructions about how to care for this incision.

Since the surgery will make chewing difficult, you must go on a liquid and soft food diet for a few days. Your surgeon will also prescribe pain medication and tell you to apply a cold compress to reduce discomfort.

Patients can typically resume their normal daily activities 7 to 10 days after their surgery, depending on the complexity of their procedure. However, you must wait three to four weeks before you can do any rigorous movements.

Results will be evident one month after the surgery. You can expect residual swelling to subside after three months.

Who are Good Candidates for Chin Augmentation?

You may consult Dr. Palmer about chin augmentation when:

  • You have a weak chin

A receding chin may be due to genetics, an overbite, natural aging, or trauma resulting in dislocation or fracture. Trauma can come from sports-related injury, accident, fall, or assault.

  • You have plans to undergo other procedures on the face

Your nose and chin are critical to your facial symmetry. Thus, plastic surgeons typically also assess for chin augmentation when you consult them for a nose job or rhinoplasty. You can save on anesthesia and other costs by combining the two procedures.

You can also ask your surgeon about chin augmentation when you are considering a neck lift or facial liposuction for a sharper jawline.

You are also an ideal chin augmentation candidate if you are:

  • A late adolescent or you have reached full skeletal maturity
  • Someone with no jawbone deformity or your chin height is not too short
  • Healthy and does not smoke

Trust Palmer Cosmetic Surgery for Your Chin Revision

You can schedule a consultation to discover how our chin augmentation surgery can solve your weak chin or jawline. Contact our team to get advice from Dr. Palmer if you have plans to improve your lower face symmetry.

Combined cosmetic procedures are not for everyone. Dr. Palmer has a rich and long experience as a board-certified plastic surgeon. Thus, you can have peace of mind that he will recommend options to meet your goals and ensure your utmost safety.

Once you agree on your cosmetic surgery solution, you will get a patient care coordinator, who will look after your pre and post-operation needs.