What is chin augmentation?
Aesthetic chin augmentation, also known as mentoplasty, is performed to improve the balance of your facial profile and correct what is called a “weak” chin. Dr. Hovsepian performs chin augmentation with a chin implant for his patients in Los Angeles; this is the procedure of choice for most patients with a normally functioning jaw and teeth development. A chin implant is placed over the bone structure of the lower jaw, augmenting the proportions of your jaw. Depending on the region augmented, you can create a stronger and/or wider chin aesthetic, and even lengthen your face.
Are you a candidate for chin augmentation?
If you have a mildly weak chin appearance and normal function of your jaw, chin augmentation with implants may be the procedure of choice for you. Perhaps you have used temporary soft tissue fillers in the past to achieve a stronger chin, and are seeking a permanent solution. As with any implant surgery, you should be of good health. At your consultation Dr. Hovsepian will evaluate if you are a good candidate for chin augmentation.
How is chin augmentation performed?
Dr. Hovsepian utilizes several options available for aesthetic chin augmentation for his Beverly Hills patients. Chin augmentation changes the bony structure of your jaw, and as previously mentioned, can create a stronger and/or wider chin aesthetic, and even lengthen your face. Implants of multiple shapes, sizes, and materials are available, and are chosen depending on the changes desired and the technique utilized. To perform chin augmentation, the incision is made and a pocket is designed to accommodate the implant directly over the bone along the lower jaw. The implants can be placed through a small incision under the chin or inside the mouth (intra-oral). The chin implant is secured in place either by designing a well-fitting pocket, or affixing it to soft tissue or bone. The incision is then closed, completing the chin augmentation. Usually the entire surgery takes about 45 minutes to complete, unless other procedures are being performed in addition to the chin augmentation. Tape is often applied to the skin to assist in holding the implant in place during the normal swelling after surgery.
What are the risks of a chin implant?
• Sensation to the chin may be temporarily or permanently changed by the implant.
• The chin implant can accidently be shifted, especially in the early stages after surgery.
• Avoid contact sports until you are fully healed.
• If the chin implant becomes infected, removal may be necessary to clear the infection.
What is the recovery process for chin surgery?
The usual recovery after chin augmentation depends on the surgical approach utilized and if other procedures are performed at the same time. In general, if only a chin augmentation is performed, you will be active around the house the same evening of surgery, however your lower lip will be “asleep”, similar to that of after a visit to the dentist. This sensation returns overnight, and your chin will feel mildly sore and swollen. Prescriptions for antibiotics and pain medicines will be provided, and you should maintain light activities. You may be given a garment or your chin may be taped to help maintain the chin implant positioning during the swelling phase after surgery. Keeping your head elevated helps swelling resolve sooner. If your chin augmentation was performed with a small incision under your chin, sutures are normally removed after 5 to 7 days.
For a consultation with Dr. Hovsepian and for more information about chin augmentation please contact us.
Considering chin augmentation?
Before and after photos of a 32-year-old female with a mildly weak chin appearance.
Aesthetic chin augmentation (mentoplasty) with placement of a chin implant was performed to improve the balance of her facial profile and correct what is called a “weak” chin.