Today, medical technologies are improving plastic surgery. More resources are now available to plastic surgeons hence allowing them to create personalized solutions for their patients. This improvement makes surgical procedures more accurate, reduces operative time and cost and is safer for the patient. Examples of technological advancements in cosmetic surgery include the use of off-the-shelf biological products, computerized planning, surgical simulation applications and non-invasive procedures.

A weak chin/receding chin is a significant aesthetic impediment to a pleasing face. Chin augmentation provides balance to your facial features through adding proportion to your chin. Well-defined chins are essential for an attractive face and taking your self-confidence to a whole new level. Chin augmentation is a cosmetic chin enhancement surgery which can be accomplished via the use of different materials. These include: 

Dermal Fillers

Soft tissue fillers also referred to as dermal fillers are substance injected into the chin to improve appearance. Typically, these fillers consist of a calcium-based gel that helps increase the volume of the chin without the use of permanent implants. This type of material is best suited for individuals considering permanent facial implants but want to get an idea of how they will look after the surgery. Note that dermal fillers are not permanent. Generally, they last between 6 and 18 months. Dermal fillers must also be repeated to maintain good results. 

Fat Transfers

Fat transfer is sometimes known as fat grafting. Chin fat grafting involves taking fat from one part of the patient’s body and injecting it into the chin. Fat transfers provide lasting facial improvement than dermal fillers, but the treatment will eventually need to be repeated. Generally, the fat is obtained from the lower half of the patient’s body. After the fat is extracted, it is processed and then injected. This is an excellent alternative for patients looking for a more natural approach to chin enhancement. 

Facial Implants

Chin implants are made from synthetic materials that can be easily shaped by the surgeon and inserted into the patient’s chin via a small incision. While there are various chin implant materials such as Medpor (polyethylene) and bone-like hydroxyapatite, silicone, and Gore-Tex (polytetrafluoroethylene) are the most common materials. 

• Silicone chin implants

Silicone material has a long history of use in cosmetic surgery. As a result, it is generally reputable among plastic surgeons. Why is silicone material a favorite? It’s quite straightforward; silicone material is easy to mold and easy to place. Moreover, they allow flexibility which plays a vital role when the surgeon is trying to create a natural look and feel to the chin. While the implants are long-lasting, they give the patient the option to remove implants even decades after chin augmentation. 

• Gore-Tex chin implants

Unlike its counterpart, Gore-Tex is a tough and mesh-like material used in chin augmentation. The material is also shaped before insertion. However, Gore-Tex facial implant material assimilates with your natural facial tissues. In simple terms, the implant literally becomes a part of your superficial tissues. 

Chin Augmentation Candidates

While chin implants offer numerous aesthetic benefit, who is the ideal candidate for the procedure? Generally, an ideal facial profile requires a harmonious relationship between the chin, jawline, lips, nose, and forehead. Therefore, individuals with a recessed chin, prominent nose, and fleshy neck, squared or pointed chin are good candidates for chin implants. The insertion of cosmetic chin implants improves the chin’s projection and convexity. What does this mean? It’s simple; chin implants are suitable for anyone looking to improve facial symmetry and aesthetics. 

Choosing the Best Material for You

Your chin determines the balance and symmetry of your face. It is the foundation on which all your other facial features rest on. Therefore, it is imperative to choose the best chin implant material for your chin augmentation surgery. The choice you make should depend on the level of enhancement your chin requires as well as your facial structure as a whole. Remember, the goal is to choose a chin implant material that suits your present and future facial aesthetic needs. 

However, ultimately, choosing an implant can be overwhelming for patients since implants are not only available in different materials but also different shapes and sizes. Typically, regarding size and shape, men and women will have different needs. For the best results, always opt to work with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who is experienced in chin implant placement. Ask questions regarding chin implants to help you make informed decisions. 

The Procedure

The chin implant procedure will depend on the preference of the surgeon and the patient. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that you are on the same page with your surgeon. The surgeon will choose the material, shape, and size that meet your cosmetic and anatomy goals. The surgeon will then make an incision either inside or outside the mouth. Incisions made inside the mouth prevent visible scarring but are more likely to introduce bacteria. The implant is then inserted in the pocket just above the chin bone and below the muscle. Similar to all other procedures, it is finalized with sutured closure of the incision. Generally, chin implant procedures last for about 30-45 minutes and on an outpatient basis. 

The Road to Recovery

Typically, many patients can feel fine the same day of the surgery. However, it is always best to take it easy. Plan only to carry out light activities for 2-3 days since after 7-10 days you can return to your daily routine. Be aware that minor pain, swelling and mild numbness on the chin will also be experienced but eventually subsides. 

The success of chin implant surgery is greatly improved by choosing a reputable and experienced plastic surgeon that has specialized in chin surgery. Dr. Andres Bustillo is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over ten years of experience in chin implants in Florida and New York. Dr. Bustillo is also a member of American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery.