Chin Augmentation

Chin augmentation using implants is by far the most popular solution employed for improving a weak or recessed chin. It is a gentle and straightforward surgical procedure that adds volume and structure to the jaw and brings proportion back to the face without altering the patient’s given natural anatomy. Individuals who would benefit from Chin Implant surgery are:

• Those with mild to moderate receding / Recessed chin
• Those with jowls and undefined neck
• Those with pointed or squared chin
• Those with prominent nose
• Those with congenital or post-traumatic defects
• Those with realistic expectations and who are in good health.

There are two main techniques used in Chin Implant surgery, it’s either an intra-oral or extra-oral approach. With the intra-oral approach, the implant is inserted through within the mouth where the upper lip joins the gum (intra-oral positioning) in which case there will be no external scarring, whereas in the extra-oral approach the implant is inserted through an incision made underneath the chin (sub-mental positioning) with a pocket created between the soft tissues of the chin and the prominence of the jawbone. Both techniques are reasonable options; however, Mr Rezai prefers the intra-oral incision as it does not result in any visible scarring.

The Operation is very simple and patients are usually seen as day cases, which means there is no need for an overnight stay in hospital. It normally takes between 45 to 60 minutes to complete and is carried out under general anaesthetic.

The procedure begins by making an incision inside the mouth, where gum and lower lip meet. A pocket is then created and the implant is inserted into the pocket over the front of the jawbone.  Normally in aesthetic surgery, the implant does not need to be fixed to the bone as it is sufficiently secured within the pocket created. After implantation, the incision is closed using dissolvable stitches and a dressing is applied to support the chin implant while your face heals and to reduce the risk of infection.

As with all surgical procedures there is likely to be a small degree of swelling of the area, but this usually settles within a week of having the procedure. Patients are normally advised to take one to two weeks off work to allow for complete recovery.

The shape of the chin has a remarkable influence on the overall appearance of the face and neck. Improvement of the chin can provide positive effects on other facial features that you might not anticipate.

Once positioned, chin implants will look and feel like normal bone. Over the healing period, the implant becomes attached to the jawbone and it cannot be moved, felt or dislodged by physical contact, sports or facial expressions. The anatomical shape ensures that implants blend into the jawbone and deliver smooth transitions. Results of chin augmentation are generally associated with a high degree of patient satisfaction.

This operation can also be performed at the time of nose correction surgery (rhinoplasty) to help balance the proportions of the face. Chin augmentation may also be achieved by manipulation of the jaw bone (mandible) and augmentation utilizing this technique typically produces a more dramatic correction than that obtained through implants.

All structural features of the face (nose, chin, cheeks) are linked and need to be in proportion to one another in order to obtain facial harmony and balance. Whether the aim is to improve facial feature structure or to rejuvenate, the best results are often achieved when facial procedures are combined.

Chin and nose are the most prominent features that make up the profile, and if not in proportion, they can affect the facial balance immensely. The size of the chin may magnify or minimise the actual perceived size of the nose. Thus, the aesthetic improvement of the facial profile of a rhinoplasty is often vastly enhanced if combined with a chin augmentation.

In terms of facial rejuvenation, combining a chin augmentation with face or neck lift procedure, often significantly improves the results and help redefine both jawline and neck. Sometimes in conjunction with a chin augmentation, liposuction of the neck is also performed for a particularly dramatic improvement and rejuvenation of the jawline. In women, the neckline is contoured and made to appear longer and more elegant and in men a more masculine and younger look is achieved.

3D Facial Contouring with temporary dermal fillers are non-surgical alternatives to chin implant surgery. These can be used to define average to moderate chins and jawline and would need to be repeated once a year for maintaining the result. However, in general, chin implant surgery is more predictable with long lasting, permanent results. If a patient is in doubt about having a chin implant, fillers can be a good alternative for them to see the potential effects of a chin enhancement.

For information concerning the risks and complications associated with Chin Augmentation, At Consultation, Mr Rezai will discuss these risks with you.