Chin augmentation

The chin is an important landmark in the facial profile. A “weak chin” appearance may indicate treatment to re-establish  proper facial harmony. A well-proportioned chin gives a fit and self-confident appearance. Re-establishment of ideal chin contour can be achieved by augmenting the chin with an implant (silicone, teflon or dacron)(fig 1).

Chin Augmentation procedure

The surgeon begins by making an incision inside the mouth, where gum and lower lip meet (fig 2). By gently stretching this tissue, the surgeon creates a space where an implant can be inserted. This implant, made of synthetic material which feels much like natural tissue normally found in the chin, is available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. This allows custom fitting of the implant to the configurations of the patient’s face. After implantation, the surgeon uses fine sutures to close the incision. When the incision is inside the mouth, no scarring is visible. If the incision is under the chin, the scar is usually imperceptible. Chin implants can be placed under local anaesthesia

A dressing is applied, and remains in place for two to three days. You will experience some tenderness. Post-operative discomfort can be controlled with prescribed medications. Chewing will probably be limited immediately after chin surgery, and a liquid and soft food diet may be required for a few days after surgery. Most patients feel a stretched, tight sensation after the surgery, but this usually subsides in a week. Pain is mild to moderate and well tolerated with pain medication.

After approximately six weeks, most swelling will be gone, and you can enjoy the results of your procedure. Rigorous activity may be prohibited for the first few weeks after surgery. Normal activity can be resumed after approximately ten days.
Whether you are interested in chin surgery for functional or cosmetic reasons, your surgeon will thoroughly examine your chin and jaw to pinpoint problems. Surgeons who specialize in rhinoplasty, or surgery of the nose, are often the first to suggest that changes in chin size or shape may enhance a profile as much as rhinoplasty to achieve facial balance and harmony.

What are the possible complications?

All surgical procedures have risk.  Although most procedures are successful, medicine is not an exact science and no one can guarantee that you will have the desired outcome.  Your surgeon will openly discuss the risks and complications of any procedure with you. Please be sure that you have all of your questions answered before proceeding with surgery.

The risks of infection and rejection exist with all implants. Most people take some prophylactic antibiotics to protect against infection. Other complications include implant mobility and asymmetry. On occasion, the implant can wove while under the skin but this is usually not bothersome. When the implant twists or migrates to create asymmetry, it may require a revision procedure to place it back into its correct anatomic position.