Chin Augmentation
Chin augmentation or chin implant surgery is a plastic surgery procedure done to reshape the chin and create a more defined jawline and facial profile. Sometimes it can also be achieved with minimally invasive techniques such as fat transfer or fillers. Chin augmentation helps provide a balance to your facial features so that you feel better about the way you look. This is often referred to as chin balancing.
Chin implant surgery may be a stand-alone procedure or may be recommended if you are having a rhinoplasty (nose reshaping). The size of your chin may magnify or minimize the perceived size of the nose and addressing both areas will achieve better facial proportions. It is often done as part of facial rejuvenation treatment or surgery. Fillers, fat, or an implant may be used to define or add projection to a weak chin in order to rejuvenate the jawline.
Patients throughout the Capital District areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga trust New York Plastic Surgeon Dr. Lucie Capek to perform their chin surgery. Many of our patients also travel from New York City, Vermont, Massachusetts and beyond to receive her skilled and compassionate care.
Is a Chin Augmentation Right for Me?
You may be an excellent candidate for chin augmentation if you have some of the following concerns:
- Disproportionate facial features
- Weak or recessed chin
- Poor definition along the neck and jawline, including excess fatty tissue or loose skin
- A prominent nose with a small lower jaw and recessed chin
Before Your Surgical Procedure
During your consultation, Dr. Capek will discuss your goals and expectations to determine the best treatment course to achieve your desired results. She will also advise you on how to prepare for your procedure and what to expect during your recovery. You will have ample opportunity to have your questions answered so that you feel confident in your decision to have a chin augmentation. Being prepared is the first step in ensuring a positive outcome.
As always you want to be in optimum health when considering cosmetic surgery. Follow a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, and follow your primary care physician’s advice when treating chronic conditions like high blood pressure. Share your detailed medical history with Dr. Capek.
It is also imperative that you don’t smoke or be exposed to any nicotine-containing products for at least 6 weeks prior to and 6 weeks after your surgery. Smoking and other forms of nicotine decrease your body’s ability to heal normally and can lead to serious complications like skin death, severe scarring, breathing problems, and blood clots. Avoid taking aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs: Advil, Motrin, Aleve), and vitamins/homeopathic regimens. These can also increase bleeding.
Surgical Placement of a Chin Implant
Insertion of a chin implant typically takes 30-60 minutes and may be done under IV sedation or local anesthesia. If combined with other procedures like rhinoplasty, general anesthesia may be needed. Dr. Capek will select the proper size and shape implant to enhance your appearance and insert it into a pocket over the front of the lower chin bone.
Implant placement is done using 2 different techniques. The first is through a small incision under the chin which is easily concealed so that you will not have visible scarring. This approach is common during facelift surgery when chin augmentation is recommended. The second technique is through an incision inside the mouth, behind the lower lip, and in front of the lower teeth. This approach leaves no scar but requires more muscle separation which may prolong recovery.
*Procedure performed by Dr. Capek
Recovering from Chin Surgery
You will experience some discomfort and swelling in the chin area for several days. It’s normal to experience some temporary difficulty with smiling and talking. Bruising may be visible around the chin and neck. Discomfort is typically minimal and easily controlled with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses. You may also find it more comfortable to eat a soft diet for a few days and keep your head elevated, especially while sleeping. Typically, most patients are back to desk work and most other daily activities within 7 days after surgery.
Dr. Capek will instruct you about dental hygiene, eating, and any restrictions to your activities after surgery and this will depend on the technique that is used. Your results will be noticeable right away but it will take about three to six months for the final changes to be stable.
You are an important partner in your recovery and you must always follow Dr. Capek’s detailed instructions on how to care for yourself after surgery. As mentioned, smoking or exposure to any nicotine products must be completely avoided. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to oversee your recovery process and make sure your healing is progressing normally.
What Are the Risks?
Dr. Capek will do everything possible to make sure your surgery experience is safe, comfortable, and effective. However, even when performed by a board-certified and experienced surgeon, chin augmentation procedures carry some associated risk of complications. Chin augmentation surgery risks include bleeding, infection, excessive bruising or swelling, permanent numbness or nerve injury, implant malposition, and reactions to medication or anesthesia. These complications are rare and often treatable. Chin Augmentation surgery is generally a low-risk procedure with long-lasting and pleasing results.
Minimally Invasive Chin Augmentation
In some patients, a chin enhancement may be achieved with the use of fillers or fat transfer injections. This may be done in the office and will result in a more subtle change than with the placement of a chin implant. Facial fillers are often injected along the jawline, including the chin, as part of a pan-facial rejuvenation, or liquid facelift. Dr. Capek is also an expert at micro-fat transfer, which offers a natural, long-lasting volume enhancement for many areas of the face. Please visit our other information pages describing these options.
Schedule a Consultation
Contact us today to learn more about chin augmentation and schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Capek. Our office is just 13 miles from Albany and 9 miles from Schenectady, New York. For more information, visit our blog or patient reviews page.
