Believe it or not, the size and shape of the chin has a significant impact on the way a person looks. A weak or recessed chin is often out of balance with other facial features and can even result in the appearance of a double chin. A chin that is too pointy or broad may distract from other facial features. By placing a small implant beneath the chin, a patient’s profile, face shape, and jaw line can be transformed. At Jefferson Plastic Surgery in Philadelphia, our surgeons perform chin augmentation on suitable candidates.
Chin Augmentation Candidates
Chin augmentation patients include those who wish to enhance or even reduce the prominence of the chin. By placing the appropriately sized implant, the chin can be made to appear wider, more narrow, longer, or shorter. Chin implants can even be used to make the face appear longer and more oval-shaped. You may be a good chin augmentation candidate if you:
- Have a weak chin
- Lack definition in the jaw line
- Feel the chin is too long, wide, short, or narrow
- Have a double chin or an accumulation of fat beneath the chin
- Are unhappy with your face shape
In addition, chin augmentation patients should not smoke, as smoking can delay healing of the incisions and increase the risk of complications. Patients that do smoke must be willing to quit the habit for several weeks in order to undergo surgery.
Chin Augmentation Techniques
The chin implant may be placed through an incision that is created in the skin under the chin or in the mouth:
- Under the chin: In this approach, a short incision is made under the chin, in a discreet location. The implant is inserted through the incision and placed on the bone; the implant is placed under the skin and muscle, which hold the implant securely in place.
- Through the mouth: In this approach, an incision is made in the mouth, near the area where the lower lip attaches to the gum. This technique leaves no external scarring, but is associated with a higher risk of complications, and is therefore rarely performed.
Chin Augmentation Procedure
Chin augmentation surgery involves the following procedural steps:
- The hair is secured away from the face and a special pen marks the incision location
- The patient is put under general anesthesia
- Antibacterial solution is applied to the chin and neck
- The incision is created under the chin
- A pocket is created for the implant in between the bone and the muscles, tissue, and skin
- The implant is positioned in the pocket
- The incision is closed with sutures
- The area is cleaned and medical tape or bandages are applied
Chin Augmentation Recovery
Recovery from chin surgery is usually well tolerated by patients. Patients should keep the head elevated, even when sleeping, for two or three days after surgery. During the initial recovery, patients should rest and apply an ice compress to the chin regularly to reduce bruising and swelling. Patients may also want to eat soft, easy-to-eat foods at this time to limit movement of the chin.
Patients should avoid heavy exercise and sun exposure for at least two weeks after chin augmentation surgery.
Chin Augmentation Side Effects
Chin augmentation is one of the least invasive cosmetic surgery procedures, but it is not without side effects. Common side effects include:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Pain
- Itching of the incision site
- Numbness of tingling at the incision site
- Nausea (a possible reaction to anesthesia)
Chin Augmentation Risks
Chin augmentation may result in some complications, including:
- Allergic reaction
- Infection
- Hematoma
- Numbness of the chin or lower lip
- Under or overcorrection
- Malposition of the implant
- Implant problems
Chin Augmentation Results
Patients will notice the improvement in the appearance of the chin immediately after surgery. When all medical tape and bandages are removed, patients will have a good idea of what the results will look like. However, all swelling may take three months or more to subside, so final results may take a few months.
Philadelphia Chin Augmentation Consultations
We invite patients to contact our Philadelphia practice to schedule a chin augmentation consultation with our plastic surgeons.