Chin Implant

About the Procedure

Facial implants are a safe and permanent way to enhance a person’s facial features. A chin implant can improve the facial profile by bringing the chin in line with the nose and forehead. It also acts to pull the sagging neck skin (double chin) foreword and can dramatically improve the neck contour. In some cases an extended chin implant is used to soften the jowls. Several implant types and insertion methods can be used to achieve chin augmentation. Dr. Buonassisi carefully evaluates the facial profile and through discussion in a computer imaging session can recommend the size and shape of implant that would best suit the individual. Chin augmentation is often popular in combination with the Vancouver rhinoplasty procedures Dr. Buonassisi performs.

How the Procedure Is Performed

A small incision is placed under the chin where it is out of site. The soft tissues of the chin are then elevated away from the bone. A small pocket is created under the periosteum (thick layer that envelopes all bones) and the implant is snuggly inserted. The implant is then secured in the midline by dissolvable stitches. Alternatively, but not as commonly, the implant may be placed through and incision inside the mouth. Chin implant surgery typically takes one hour and patients can return home the same day.

Benefits of the Surgery

• More pronounced chin
• A more balanced look to the face
• Sharper neck line
• Softening of Jowls

Are You a Good Candidate

Vancouver chin augmentation surgery is most commonly performed on people aged 18 years of age and older. Many people with a poorly projecting chin inherit this feature.  Also patients with a double chin may get remarkable improvement in this feature when a chin augmentation is combined with neck tightening, through a procedure called a mini neck lift.

Physical Features

You may be a candidate for chin augmentation if you have any of the following physical features:

• Poorly projecting chin
• Sagging submentum (double chin)
• Early jowl formation

General Health

You may be a candidate for chin augmentation if you are in general, in good health:

• You have normal blood pressure
• You are not taking blood thinners, or your physician could safely recommend that you discontinue them for 2 weeks

Ideal Candidates for Cosmetic Surgery

Not everyone is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. Ideal candidates for cosmetic surgery demonstrate the following characteristics:

1. Internally motivated to have cosmetic surgery
2. Have realistic expectations
3. Comprehend the potential risks and complications
4. Motivated to follow pre and post operative instructions
5. Can comfortably afford the cost of cosmetic surgery

Recovery

Most patients describe the recovery period from chin augmentation surgery to be quite easy. Swelling and bruising is at its worst on day three following surgery, and usually subsides one to two weeks following surgery. Some patients experience no bruising at all. Everyone heals differently. The following information will give you a sense for what kinds of activities are safe during the recovery period.

Time Off Work

• Most people who work in the public eye take one week off work
• One week after surgery, some people have perceptible swelling and bruising, which can last for another week or so – these signs are easily covered with makeup
• People who work from home are typically feeling good and are able to be back at their desks two days after surgery

Back to Normal Activities

• You can resume normal activities, such as light household work and taking a gentle stroll, the day after surgery
• You can resume light fitness activities, such as jogging or yoga, one week after surgery
• You can resume vigorous fitness activities, such heavy weight training or high impact cardio, two weeks after surgery
• You should avoid bending over and lifting heavy objects for two weeks after surgery

Restaurant Ready

• You will typically feel “restaurant ready”, meaning that you would feel comfortable meeting up with friends – one to two weeks following surgery

Complete Recovery

• Most people are feeling quite comfortable being out in public without much evidence of swelling or bruising two weeks after surgery
• While you will be looking and feeling great at the two week mark, your chin is still healing and the complete healing process can take up to three months

Risks & Complications

All surgeries have associated risks. Dr. Buonassisi will review the risks and benefits of the surgery in detail during your surgical consult. In general, complications of chin augmentation surgery, while not expected, include:

• Risk of infection
• Risk of bleeding
• Risk of poor wound healing
• Risk of patient dissatisfaction with cosmetic result

Combination Facial Enhancing Procedures

For patients who are experiencing the sings of aging, chin implants are often combined with other facial rejuvenation surgeries, such as facelift surgery. Patients who are more so trying to change the shape of their inherited features often combine chin implants with rhinoplasty surgery.

Alternative Procedures

Chin augmentation is a permanent surgery. Some patients opt to try fillers first to see if they like the result of a more projected chin. An advantage of fillers is that this treatment is not permanent, as filler materials are absorbed by the body over time. Find out more about facial volume enhancement.

What Type of Chin Augmentation Is Right for You?

While the information on this site is extensive, it is not designed the replace the skill and expertise of a board certified facial plastic surgeon. Use the information to help you explore the possibilities and educate yourself about the typical recovery period of cosmetic surgery. While this site provides general information about cosmetic surgery as it related to the average person, it cannot be used as a tool for people to decide which surgery is best for them. Only a thorough consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon can provide the specific information they require to make an informed decision about surgery. To find out which surgery is most appropriate for you, please Request a Consult.

Next Steps

Ready to Discuss Your Needs With Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Buonassisi? Schedule a Consult

If you are ready to book a consult, please Request a Consult. If you would like to learn more about what to expect during a surgical consult, please go here.

Not Sure You Are a Candidate? Use Our Virtual Consult Form

Not everybody is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. To save time, we have launched a Virtual Consultation tool. Upload your photos, provide some information about what you would like to change, and we will provide a complementary evaluation. Find out more about the Virtual Consultation here.