It might seem like a small detail, but the size and shape of your chin can really affect your entire face. A strong chin balances the other facial features, anchors your profile, and gives definition to the lower portion of the face. A weaker chin might not live up to these tasks, leading some men and women to seek a surgical solution. Chin implants can help to achieve their desired look by adding the needed volume to this area. If you’ve considered a chin implant in the past, discover whether this surgical intervention would be a good fit for you.
What Are Chin Implants, Anyway?
Before you can decide if a chin implant is right for you, you’ll need to fully understand what it is. A chin implant is a surgical tool made of synthetic materials that is used to resize or reshape the chin. There are many different types of facial implants in use today, but all are made of non-toxic, non-fluid filled materials like solid silicone and polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as Teflon.
A chin implant must be surgically inserted and, once in place, is considered permanent. Chin implants can only be removed surgically, if so desired, and will not be broken down by the body over time, like most injectable fillers.
Who Can Benefit From a Chin Implant?
Like any cosmetic surgery, chin augmentation isn’t the right answer to everyone’s troubles. The benefits this procedure can provide to those who need it the most, however, can be tremendous. Chin implants can alter the shape, size, and projection of your chin to achieve specific aesthetic goals. Strengthen a weak chin, redefine your profile, and improve your overall look.
Chin implants will best benefit prospective patients who have:
- A naturally weak chin
- A chin that is receding with age
- A lack of definition in the lower portion of the face
- Facial features that are out of balance
- Lost facial volume because of aging
- Asymmetry of the face
- Other facial deformities
If you find fault with your own chin but don’t see your specific issues on the list, a chin implant might still be the right solution. Talk to your facial plastic surgeon about all of your options, including nonsurgical alternatives, which could help you to achieve the results you desire.
What Does Chin Implant Surgery Involve?
Known as chin augmentation, the process of inserting a chin implant is a very straightforward procedure. Patients are most often treated with a local anesthetic and IV sedation, then surgery begins with a small incision made either within the lower lip or along the crease underneath the chin. Your surgeon will then insert your chin implant through this incision, carefully anchoring it to the bone. Finally, your incision is sutured closed and your procedure is complete. The entire process typically lasts around 30 to 60 minutes.
It is fairly common for chin augmentation to accompany another, more involved facial plastic surgery. A “profileplasty” is one such pairing that combines rhinoplasty with a chin augmentation in order to completely redefine and balance the profile in one surgery. Some patients pair their chin implant surgery with a facelift, facial liposuction treatments, a neck lift, or another surgery that will achieve their desired results.
What Is Recovery Like After Chin Augmentation?
After your surgery is complete, a small dressing or bandage will be placed over the chin for the first few days of recovery. It is typical to experience some discomfort in the early days of the healing process, but this side effect can be managed with pain medication. You may also notice bruising and swelling around the chin, which will subside gradually. Bruising usually lasts about two weeks, while swelling may last for several weeks, tapering offer a little each day. Most chin augmentation patients are able to return to work within a few days to one week after surgery. Exercise and other strenuous activities, however, must be avoided until your chin has fully healed.
How Do I Know If I’m a Good Candidate for a Chin Implant?
Before you can be considered a good candidate for chin implant surgery, you will need to meet with a facial plastic surgeon for a consultation. At this meeting, you’ll discuss your medical history, current medications, and desired results. Good candidates for surgery should be in good overall health, not smoke, and have reasonable expectation for their chin augmentation surgery. Don’t be shy about sharing your medical information, as this can help your surgeon to discover the best treatment methods for you.
As for specific patient requirements of the chin augmentation procedure, prospective patients should have a fully functional jaw and healthy teeth. The best combination to achieve optimum results is a mildly weak chin with a strong, supporting jaw. If you once had a strong chin that has been receded over time, chin augmentation could be an ideal solution for you as well.
Finally, your attitude matters when it comes to eligibility for chin augmentation. Having a positive outlook about your surgery and a good understanding of your expected results are essential to healing well and ultimately finding satisfaction with your surgery. Your facial plastic surgeon can use the revolutionary VECTRA 3D imaging system to alter three dimensional photographs of you and project your expected results.
Where Do I Begin?
For more information on chin augmentation and how it might help you, consult with a facial plastic surgeon who has experience with the procedure. Dr. Ran Y. Rubinstein has been practicing in the Hudson Valley for more than 14 years and specializes in facial plastic surgery, nasal, and sinus disorders. He uniquely combines his medical and surgical expertise to help patients feel better and look better. He holds dual board-certification from the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and is an Assistant Professor at New York Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.
