Chin implants reduce the chin to help provide a harmonious balance to the facial features, improving the facial profile and augmenting a weak chin. By placing a biocompatible implant in the lower jaw, patients can create a stronger chin and even lengthen the entire face. While many patients used dermal fillers to increase the size of their chin, these results only last for a few months and require frequent touch ups. In comparison, chin implants offer patients permanent results that can be customized to achieve your unique desired look.

Who Are The Ideal Candidates For Chin Implant Surgery?

The chin implant procedure, also called a mentoplasty, is ideal for patients with a weak chin and/or prominent nose, as this procedure helps to balance the facial features and the appearance of the nose and chin are related to each other. Mentoplasty candidates should be in good overall health, with no pre-existing medical conditions that can affect this procedure. Patients who have taken Accutane® within the past six months or who are taking anticoagulants should not undergo this procedure. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations in order to achieve successful results for a chin augmentation. While chin implant surgery can improve the balance of the face and may improve self-confidence as a result, it should only be performed based on the patient’s individual decision, not on the influence of others.

How Is A Mentoplasty Performed?

The chin implant procedure takes less than an hour to perform and can be done under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the patient and doctor preferences. During the procedure, an incision is made inside the mouth to eliminate visible scarring. A pocket is created when the implant is then placed and positioned in front of the jawbone. Once in place, the implant is secured with sutures and the procedure is completed. Patients can return home the same day. For some patients, an incision made in the mouth may not be possible. In these cases, the incision is made on the skin underneath the chin so that scars are not apparent.

What Is The Recovery From A Chin Augmentation Procedure? What Results Can I Expect Afterwards?

After the chin implant procedure, patients may experience tightness and swelling in the chin. Any discomfort can be relieved with pain medication, although most patients report pain subsiding after just a few days. A compression garment may be taped to the chin in order to reduce swelling during the healing process. Patients will be restricted to a soft diet for several days until the gums have healed from the incision. For incisions made under the chin, sutures are removed after four to seven days. Since the incision was made inside the mouth, no scars will be visible after this procedure and there will be no obvious indication that plastic surgery was performed.