Like any other part of the face, chins are in a variety of shapes and sizes. A well-defined, strong chin offers the ideal balance between your cheeks, nose, and neck.
But if you have a small, recessed chin, there may not be enough bone structure to make a substantial distinction between your neck and face. Also, a small chin can make your nose look more significant than you want.
If your ‘weak chin’ concerns you, there are two main options: a chin implant or a chin enhancement with dermal fillers. Which is best? It depends on your facial structure, as well as your needs and goals.
Below is more information about both options; talk to your plastic surgeon about which could be the best choice for you.
Chin Implant Surgery Overview
A chin implant is also called genioplasty. It’s the most common procedure to augment the chin. Your surgeon takes a chin-shaped implant, usually made from medical grade silicone, and carefully positions it around your natural chin bone. He or she will make a small incision under the chin or even inside the mouth.
The results of chin implant surgery are usually permanent because the implant is made to last for life. However, if there is a problem or you change your mind, you can have another operation to remove the implant.
Some advantages of chin implants are:
- Long-term results with one procedure
- A dramatic improvement is possible
- A chin implant looks and feels like your natural chin bone
- Various options are available for shape, size, and projection
- Scars are almost invisible
- Neck liposuction or rhinoplasty can be done at the same time for even better results
However, chin implant surgery requires anesthesia, and there is a possibility of infection and other complications. Most people need to take at least a week off work to recover, and if you don’t like the results, you’ll need another surgery to remove the implant.
Also, if you choose an inexperienced surgeon, the implant may be placed incorrectly, requiring revision surgery.
Chin Augmentation With Injectables
A newer alternative to chin implant surgery is chin augmentation with dermal fillers such as Juvederm and Voluma. These fillers may be injected in certain chin areas to increase volume and somewhat enhance your chin and jawline contours.
Results with this type of augmentation last about one or two years. Some advantages of using dermal fillers to augment your chin are:
- Immediate improvements with no recovery time
- No surgery or anesthesia needed
- Safe and effective for most people
- Lower upfront costs than chin surgery
- Effects fade over time; if you don’t love the results, you can either have more filler used or just wait a year or two until the body absorbs the fillers.
However, you will need regular chin treatment to maintain results with dermal fillers, and the results will never be as dramatic as with an implant. Also, your physician must be highly skilled with facial contouring with dermal fillers.
Which Procedure Is Best For You?
If you want to do something about your chin and you aren’t sure what to do, some surgeons recommend starting with dermal fillers.
Your results won’t be as stunning as with an implant, but the enhancement should be enough to see what a chin implant could do for your face. Also, if you only need a minor enhancement to get the results you want, dermal fillers may be all you ever need.
But you may want to get an implant in these situations:
- You want a dramatic change to your chin right away
- You like to have one procedure to improve your chin and face and never think about it again
- Have tried dermal fillers and want a more significant, more permanent change
- Are thinking about other operations that require surgery, such as an eyelid lift or brow lift
The most important thing to remember is that dermal fillers are an excellent way to try a temporary, moderate enhancement, while a chin implant is for a long-lasting, dramatic change.
No matter which procedure you choose, you can expect some swelling and bruising to the chin area for a few days. Your doctor will prescribe pain and swelling medications as needed. You can reduce this problem by regularly icing the area for 20 minutes for at least a few days.
Book Your Dallas Chin Augmentation Procedure Today
Interested in a Dallas chin augmentation procedure? Schedule an appointment with plastic surgeon Dr. Raja Mohan today. He will go over your goals, medical history and help you decide if a chin augmentation is a good fit for you.
References
Chin Augmentation – Implants vs Injectibles. (2021). Accessed at https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/chin-augmentation-implants-vs-injectables
Chin Augmentation: Filler Versus Prosthesis. (2020). Accessed at https://www.thepmfajournal.com/features/post/chin-augmentation-filler-versus-prosthesis