Chin Implants

Home/Procedures/Face/Chin Implants

A chin implant can be used to reconstitute a patient’s facial structure, creating a more harmonious, well-balanced profile. When a patient has a disproportionately small chin, the length of the jawline and the overall shape of the face can be impacted. Sometimes this condition is referred to as a “weak” chin, whereas a more prominent chin is often societally associated with strength. For individuals with a recessed chin, a surgical chin implant may be an excellent solution to restore balance between the facial features. With a chin implant, patients can enjoy improved facial harmony and often experience a boost in confidence. Furthermore, chin augmentation can generally be achieved with little downtime or visible scarring.

What Can a Chin Implant Do for Me?

A chin implant is designed to augment the patient’s existing chin to create a more defined and pronounced profile. During a procedure called chin augmentation, a silicone implant is used to enhance the chin for a natural-looking result. As an added benefit, a chin implant may provide added support for the skin and musculature of the neck, ultimately reducing any sagging and improving the natural contours. Some patients may choose to combine chin augmentation with an additional procedure, such as facelift or rhinoplasty, for more comprehensive facial enhancement.

Who Is a Candidate for a Chin Implant?

Chin implant candidates typically share one or more of the following characteristics:

  • A small or “weak” chin
  • Poor jawline definition
  • Disproportionate facial features
  • Sagging tissues suspended from the jaw

Ideal chin augmentation candidates are in good overall health and have realistic goals concerning what this procedure can achieve. During the initial consultation, our experienced plastic surgeon, Geoffrey E. Leber, MD, will examine your unique facial features, carefully listen to your cosmetic concerns, review your medical history, and help you decide if a chin implant can meet your needs and expectations.

How Is Chin Implant Surgery Performed?

Chin implants are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Each chin augmentation is customized to achieve the cosmetic goals of the patient, and Dr. Leber will help you choose which implant can best enhance your profile. The procedure typically begins with an incision made inside the mouth where the gums meet the lower lip, making any residual scarring virtually undetectable to others. Some patients may require an incision underneath the chin instead, though this incision placement is also discreet once the healing process is complete. After the incision is made, the implant can then be carefully positioned and secured before the incision is closed. In most cases, chin augmentation is an outpatient procedure that takes one to two hours to complete and can be performed using local or general anesthesia.

Patient Results

Below are a few cases from our extensive gallery, click here to view more

What Is Recovery Like for a Chin Implant?

Patients can expect mild bruising and swelling for several days after chin augmentation. During this time, any discomfort can be managed with oral pain medication. Most chin augmentation patients return to work or their normal daily activities within 7-10 days. The final results of a chin implant procedure take about six weeks to be fully evident as the body continues to heal and all swelling dissipates. At that time, patients can enjoy improved facial harmony and a more defined profile.

For more information on chin implant procedures, or to schedule a consultation, please contact our practice today.