Chin Augmentation

The chin is a frequently overlooked, but very important, area of the face. As one of the key parts of the face that determines overall shape, symmetry, and strength of profile, the chin can have an impact on the relative size of other parts of the face, in particular the neck, lips, and nose. The best way to learn about chin augmentation is through an in-person or virtual consultation with a board-certified surgeon who performs this surgery frequently.

As a double board-certified surgeon, Dr. Pepper’s goal is to perform this procedure in a manner that is harmonious with the rest of the face. The most commonly used types of chin implants in his practice are made of silicone and therefore retain shape over the long term but are supple and are unlikely to show through the skin. When properly performed, chin implants are an excellent addition to facelift, necklift, and rhinoplasty procedures. They are very difficult to detect and result in a natural appearance that greatly boosts the result of the primary procedure.

The key to chin augmentation is accurate placement of the implant. This is achieved through a small incision through the skin on the underside of the chin. This makes the incision nearly invisible except when viewed from directly underneath. This incision also leads to the safest and most accurate placement of the implant, which is critical. Incisions through the mouth may be invisible, but there can be a slightly higher infection rate and perhaps more risk to the sensory nerves (the mental nerves) that run through the area.

The second key to successful chin augmentation is accurate selection of the size and type of implant. For instance, in a patient seeking a surgery to enhance and refine the jowls, the implant may have more volume in the area between the chin and the jowls, an area called the pre-jowl sulcus. This can be modeled for patients in clinic with examples of the various implants.

One of the most helpful ways to decide on this procedure is to undergo a cosmetic consultation that may include the use of digital imaging software under the guidance of your potential surgeon. The second part of that statement is important: your consulting surgeon can model results for you that are reasonable and achievable. Anyone can manipulate a digital image. However, a very experience surgeon like Dr. Pepper can help you to visualize a likely outcome in his hands. If you would like a consult for this procedure, please call us at (650) 736-3223 (FACE).

Chin implants are relatively straightforward in terms of recovery. You may eat a normal diet. Dr. Pepper will prescribe a short course of antibiotics and pain should be well controlled. The incision underneath the chin will have stitches that need to be removed in about 1 week. This incision will appear more red than the adjacent skin for several months. Patients are asked to limit their activity in the first several weeks after all facial procedures and to use ice to limit bruising. Most patients are comfortable working from home the second week after surgery, but this depends on the patient and the extent of surgery. Patients typically return to work one to two weeks after a chin augmentation, but this can vary depending on occupation and other factors.