What Is Chin Augmentation Surgery?
Also known as mentoplasty, or chin implant surgery, chin augmentation alters the shape of the chin by increasing its projection and/or width. An implant -- which is made either of solid silicone or a porous biocompatible material, such as Medpor -- is used to achieve the desired effect.
Who Can Benefit From Chin Augmentation Surgery?
Chin augmentation surgery is most beneficial to those who have a naturally “weak” chin in proportion to facial bone structure and other features. Chin augmentation is often suggested as a complementary procedure to balance out the facial features of those considering rhinoplasty.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Chin Augmentation Surgery?
The best candidates for mentoplasty are non-smokers who are in generally good health and who have both a normally functioning immune system and jaw. It is also important for the patient to have a positive outlook and realistic expectations about the procedure's outcome.
Pre-Operative Considerations for Chin Augmentation Surgery
Your surgeon will usually order pre-op lab tests to confirm your health status. He or she may also require that you adjust, cease, or begin taking certain medications in the week or two before your surgery. This includes avoiding aspirin, many anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements for two weeks prior to surgery. If you smoke, you may be asked by your surgeon to stop well in advance of surgery.
Your surgeon will help you determine the best size and shape for your chin implant from the many choices available. Your incision placement will also be discussed at your initial consultation.
Recovery and Downtime Following Chin Augmentation Surgery
Most patients can return to non-strenuous work as soon as 24 hours after surgery, although you should avoid driving while on pain medications. Strenuous work or exercise should not be resumed until at least 2 to 3 weeks have passed. It is important that your chin is not subjected to excessive force or motion during this time, such as with contact sports. Please note that these guidelines can vary widely based on the patient’s personal health, the techniques used, and other variable factors surrounding the surgery.
While recovering, you may experience a feeling of tightness in the chin area, and it is normal for some facial movements to be temporarily restricted or impaired. Any severe pain should be reported to your doctor.
Risks and Complications of Chin Augmentation Surgery
Risks and possible complications include:
- unfavorable scarring and/or skin discoloration
- infection, which requires removal of the implant
- excessive bleeding or hematoma
- skin or fat necrosis (tissue death)
- poor wound healing or wound separation
- blood clots
- anesthesia risks
- deep vein thrombosis
- cardiac and pulmonary complications
- persistent edema (swelling) or fluid accumulation
- persistent pain
- temporary or permanent change/loss of skin sensation
- unsatisfactory aesthetic results requiring revisional surgery
- shifting of the implant’s position, possibly causing pressure on surrounding facial structures or nerves
- excessive scar tissue formation, firmness around the implant, and/or skin contour irregularities
After surgery, call your surgeon immediately if chest pain, shortness of breath, unusual heartbeats, or excessive bleeding occur.
Chin Augmentation Costs
The average total cost of chin implant surgery varies from $2,500 to $6,000. The discrepancies in cost have to do with the complexity of the procedure, your surgeon’s qualifications and reputation, and on the geographical area. (For example, in the United States, costs tend to be higher in the Northeast and the West.) Total costs include your surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fees, facility fees, lab fees, and medications.
Complementary Procedures to Enhance Chin Augmentation Results
Chin augmentation surgery is often done in conjunction with other surgeries to enhance the patient’s results. In addition to rhinoplasty, other facial procedures that may be desirable include a neck lift, submental (under the chin) liposuction, or other facial implant procedures such as jaw implants or cheek augmentation.
Other Considerations Before Having Chin Augmentation Surgery
Though it is possible for implants to be removed at a later date, the placement of a chin implant can permanently alter the underlying facial anatomy. Therefore, chin augmentation surgery should be considered permanent. This is especially true with porous implants, which are much more difficult to remove. If you are not absolutely certain about your decision to have mentoplasty, you may wish to consider a less permanent way of adding fullness to the chin, such as injection with dermal fillers.
Seeing Your Results After Chin Augmentation Surgery
Most swelling should subside within the first 4 to 6 weeks, although your final result may not be fully realized until up to 6 months following your procedure. When incisions are placed on the inside of the mouth, you will have no outwardly visible scars. If at any point your implant appears to have shifted position, contact your physician right away.
More Information About Chin Augmentation Surgery
To learn more about what happens during chin augmentation surgery, read all about how chin augmentation surgery is done.
See plastic surgery before and after photos.
Sources:
Chin Augmentation Surgery, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery; http://www.surgery.org/public/procedures/chin_augmentation
Cosmetic Surgery National Data Bank, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery; 2008 Annual Report
Facial Implants, American Society of Plastic Surgeons; http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Cosmetic_Procedures/Facial_Implants.html
