Prominence of the chin can have a significant impact in overall facial appearance. A chin that is too small will make the lower face look deficient, may make the nose appear to be bigger, and may obscure the neckline and angle of the neck. There are different techniques to improve the chin’s projection, including surgery on the bone (more involved) or more simple implant placement. Occasionally, filler can also be used to augment the chin’s appearance. Most patients are good candidates for chin implant placement. Your surgeon will assess which procedure is right for you during your consultation.
Reasons for Considering Chin Augmentation
- Weak chin appearance
- Illusion of a big nose because chin is too small
- Weak neck angle because of small chin
Procedure Description
Most chin procedures involve placing a silicone implant through a small incision under the chin or through the mouth. These procedures are relatively easily tolerated and can even be done in the office under local anesthesia.
- Anesthesia: Local or general
- Length of surgery: 30 to 60 minutes
- Length of stay: Outpatient (home the same day)
Recovery Process and Final Result
- Back to work: 3 to 7 days
- Exercise: May be resumed in 2 weeks
- Discomfort: Mild to moderate (anticipate 2 to 3 days of prescription pain medication)
- Swelling: Mild to moderate; should be gone in 2 to 3 weeks
- Bruising: Common, but should fade 2 weeks following surgery
- Bandages: Minimal
Appearance will improve for several months following surgery, but the most dramatic results are visible almost immediately.
Other Options For Your Consideration
Chin implants are commonly put in along with rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) surgery. More involved, but less common, procedures including bone work to improve the chin’s appearance are done in the operating room. Your surgeon will work with you to determine which technique is right for you.