Chin Augmentation

The chin is a major factor in the symmetry and proportion of the face. Chin augmentation surgery (also called Mentoplasty, Genioplasty or chin implant surgery) is a procedure to improve the appearance of the chin or jaw line area. Depending on other facial characteristics, such as the nose, forehead, and cheeks, the chin can be enlarged using a chin implant or reshaped to achieve an aesthetically pleasing and balanced facial profile.

Before and After Chin Augmentation Surgery

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What can chin augmentation accomplish?

Chin augmentation can reshape the chin to make a more aesthetically pleasing and symmetrical facial profile. Because the chin is a major focal point of the face, chin augmentation procedures can dramatically change the appearance of the entire face. Chin enhancement surgery utilizes a chin implant to add volume to patients who have unsymmetrical facial profiles due to having a “weak chin” and prominent other features.

What are chin implants made out of?

Typically, chin implants are made from either gortex, silastic (solid silicone) or medpore. Silicone chin implants are currently the most commonly used as they are very effective and safe. Ultimately the type of chin implant used depends on the surgeon’s preference, patient’s medical history, and desired results.

Who are ideal candidates for chin augmentation?

Chin augmentation surgery is ideal for individuals who are in good overall physical health and are unhappy with the shape or proportion of their chin and its effect on their overall facial appearance.

How is chin augmentation performed?

Depending on the preference of the patient and surgeon, chin implant surgery can be performed with general, local, or twilight anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision, either outside or inside the mouth, to create a pocket below the muscle and above the chin bone. Next the chin implant is placed and secured with sutures. Sutures are used to close the surgical incision.

How long does chin augmentation surgery typically take?

On average, chin augmentation surgery takes 1-2 hours depending on the specifics of each individual procedure.

What can I expect after undergoing chin augmentation?

For 2-3 days after chin augmentation surgery you may have to wear a protective brace over your chin. Bruising, swelling and minor pain may also be present but subsides after a couple of days. You may experience some numbness in the chin area which usually subsides after a couple of weeks.

Most patients are able to resume light activity the same day of the surgery and be able to return to work and usual activities within 7-10 days of the procedure.  Due to the significant change in appearance, it may take several weeks for patients to fully get used to their new look.

Can chin augmentation be done with other plastic surgery procedures?

It’s fairly common for a surgeon to recommend performing the chin augmentation alongside other procedures including rhinoplasty, facelift surgery, facial liposuction, and/or lip augmentation. The combination of procedures allows a plastic surgeon to create the right amount of facial symmetry.

Meet Our Surgeons

• Daniela Atencio, MD (Downtown Austin)
• Amy Bekanich, MD (Domain Northside)
• Chuma Chike-Obi, MD (Downtown Austin)
• Minas Constantinides, MD, FACS (Lamar Central)
• Cameron Craven, MD, FACS (Westlake)
• Cameron Erickson, MD (West University, Houston)
• Timothy McGee, MD (Round Rock)
• Jonathan Nathan, MD (University Park, Dallas)

Other Chin Treatment Options

Effective treatments to address submental fullness under the chin (i.e. double chin) include Kybella, CoolSculpting, and liposuction. These options remove excess fat under the chin, providing a smooth contour to the chin and jawline.