A chin augmentation can be achieved with a safe surgical placement of a “fitted” pliable implant.
Known as “genioplasty,” augmenting an underprojected chin can help create a more balanced, proportional appearance and improved facial contour for both men and women.
Dr. Kleiman is board certified in Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Wachal is fellowship trained and are both uniquely skilled at performing this procedure and have combined experience and expertise in this procedure of over 25 years.
Interestingly, the shape of the chin is related to nose size, so enlarging the chin can make the nose appear less prominent, and vice versa. Chin implants are often done simultaneously with a rhinoplasty. It also can be done with a neck or facelift to better define the jawline.
If you are considering chin surgery, here’s what to expect when you meet with Dr. Kleiman or Dr. Wachal:
- During a preliminary consultation, the surgeon will take a thorough medical history, as well as assess your reasons for wanting a chin augmentation. It is important that the patient and surgeon agree on realistic goals and expectations, and have a very specific understanding of the desired aesthetic outcome.
- The surgeon or a staff member will take photographs so the surgeon can study the person’s facial features and chin.
- The surgeon will carefully assess the person for surgical risks, especially those related to conditions such as high blood pressure, a tendency to scar, smoking, and any deficiency in blood clotting.
Treatment Options
Chin Implants
Chin implants are used to increase the size and projection of small or recessed chins in order to make the chin more proportionate with the forehead and mid-face.
Nasal Tip Implants
Nose sculpting surgery is often performed as a secondary cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. Nasal tip implants are often used in nose sculpting surgery in order to augment the nasal bridge, and fill in concave deformities. This gives the nose a natural appearance, strengthens the nasal valve, and lifts a drooping nasal tip.
Cheek Implants
Cheek implants are used to increase the projection of the cheekbones, adding volume to areas that are flat or recessed.
Jaw Implants
Jaw implants are used to increase the width of the lower third of your face in order to define the lower jaw. Jaw implants may be placed in coordination with chin implants to balance out the lower part of the face.
Fat Grafting
Fat grafting deals with harvesting fat from part of the body and then distributing it to another part of the body. This approach is commonly used to fill in sunken areas under the eyes, in the cheeks, and where smile lines form. Fat grafting is also highly effective in plumping the lips.
Fat grafting techniques can be used to add volume to the lips in order to give them a fuller, plump appearance.
What to Expect
The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia at the Arundel Ambulatory Surgery center.
A small incision is made either below the chin, or inside the mouth, so visible scarring is minimal afterward.
The implants are made in many sizes and shapes and can be custom fitted according to the best harmony and configuration of the individual’s facial needs. It is placed under the skin, adjacent to the bone for natural comfort and appearance.
Recovery Process
- Immediately after surgery, the surgeon usually applies a dressing that will remain in place for two to three days. The person will experience some tenderness, and the surgeon will prescribe medications to help with post-operative discomfort.
- Chewing will probably be limited immediately after chin surgery, and the person may need to follow a diet of liquids and soft foods for a few days after the procedure.
- After approximately six weeks, most swelling will be gone, and the person can start to see the results of the procedure. The surgeon may recommend avoiding rigorous activity for the first few weeks after surgery. Normal activity can be resumed after approximately 10 days.
