What Happens During a Chin Augmentation?   

Chin augmentation is a surgical procedure that can improve the appearance of the chin. The procedure may involve the use of an implant or the patient’s own bone to create balance to the features. 

Individuals who have a “weak chin” can benefit from the procedure to enlarge the chin. The procedure using the patient’s bone during augmentation is known as a sliding genioplasty. There is the option of using silicone implants to offer better chin projection. 

Benefits of Chin Augmentation

Some patients opt for hyaluronic acid fillers to enhance and shape the chin. However, the fillers do not provide permanent results. Chin augmentation has the advantage of being permanent. Other benefits of the procedure are improved chin proportion against other features and reduced “double chin” appearance. 

Other benefits are enlargement of a ‘weak” or recessed chin, improved jawline and neck definition, and reduced appearance of jowls. The surgery can correct minor jawline and chin asymmetry. 

Chin Augmentation Techniques

Two surgical techniques can be used during chin augmentation. The first technique involves the placement of chin implants. A chin implant will usually be made from silicone, a material that is not usually rejected by the body. The implant is inserted through an incision under the chin or inside the mouth. 

The other technique is sliding genioplasty. During this procedure, the patient’s jawbone is cut before moving the lower jaw forward. After correct positioning, the bone is held in place using permanent screws.   

Good Candidates for Chin Augmentation

The ideal candidate for chin augmentation surgery is someone who has a weak or recessed chin. This kind of chin affects the overall facial balance. A good candidate will be a non-smoker and someone in good overall health. 

An individual who desires a stronger, more defined jawline is a good candidate. If you have the appearance of double chins, you are a candidate for the surgery. You should be someone with realistic expectations about the surgery. 

What Happens During Chin Augmentation?

The first step in the chin augmentation process involves taking photos. The surgeon will use photo imaging to determine the right implant size. Next, the surgeon will mark the site of the incision before making the smallest possible incision. 

The incision is made under the chin along a natural crease. Next is creating an implant pocket that will house the implant. This is done by carefully stretching the tissue. Next comes implantation, where the implant is inserted above the chin bone. Finally, the incision is closed using dissolvable sutures, and a chin garment is applied. 

Recovery From Chin Augmentation

Recovery from the procedure usually takes about seven days, but this will depend on the individual patient. Some discomfort may be experienced for a few days after the surgery. This discomfort can usually be controlled using pain medication. 

The patient may also experience some swelling and bruising. Any external stitches are usually removed after five to seven days. Most people can return to their daily activities within a week. 

If you need chin augmentation surgery, visit a surgeon to find out more about the procedure. In many cases, chin augmentation is done alongside facial liposuction or rhinoplasty (nose job).

To know what to expect after breast augmentation surgery, visit Gupta Plastic Surgery at our offices in San Diego or Encinitas, California. You can also call (858) 408-6100 to schedule an appointment.