Chin Implants
Chin implant surgery or “augmentation” surgery is done to reshape the chin. The implants can be placed as an isolated procedure, or more commonly with other procedures such as rhinoplasty, facelift or liposuction. Chin implants are most commonly placed to help create a more harmonious and balanced profile view.
A weak, or “retrusive” chin can make a normal-sized nose appear too large, and make the neck appear shorter than it is. It can also give the false appearance of a “turkey gobbler” neck. Placing a chin implant can help achieve a more streamlined, chiseled neckline, and can help the nose appear more “in-line” with the face.
During your consultation, our surgeons will examine your entire face, and together with you, decide if a chin implant is right for you. It is very important to examine the length of the neck, and the nose itself prior to committing to a chin implant, as too strong of a chin can make an appropriately sized nose appear too small.
Chin augmentation is done on an outpatient basis, even when combined with other procedures. When done as an isolated procedure, it can be done under general anesthesia, or with local anesthesia and sedation. Our surgeons will typically perform this procedure through a minimally invasive and hidden incision inside the mouth. The implant, usually made from silicon, is placed through this incision and secured in a tiny pocket in front of the chin.
Following surgery, we typically place a tape dressing to help secure the implant in place. This will stay in place for just a few days. There may be some minor bruising and swelling, depending on if the augmentation is done in conjunction with other procedures. While you can eat anything, some patients prefer a soft diet for a few days because of some sensitivity of the front teeth. There might be some numbness of the chin, as it is stretched out, but this is short-lived. Strenuous activity should be avoided for 3 weeks, and contact sports for 6 weeks to reduce the risk of displacement of the implant. Soon after the implant is placed, you’ll forget that its even there as it becomes one with your tissue.