WHO IS A CANDIDATE?

Chin implants are not for everyone. They are best for people who have normal occlusion of their teeth, i.e. their teeth fit together properly. Chin augmentation is useful in men or women who lack definition of their chin area as best seen on a profile view. They may also be useful in patients who have adequate definition to their neckline.

Before	After
Before	After

HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED?

   The procedure is performed under light sedation, or local anesthesia in our surgical suite. It may also be performed in conjunction with other facial aesthetic procedures, most commonly with a rhinoplasty. The incision used is a very tiny incision made in the submental (under chin) crease.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

   The benefits of chin augmentation are better definition of the chin, smoother jaw and neck contour, and correction of microgenia, i.e. a small chin.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

   The risks include a small incidence of bleeding, infection, migration, extrusion, or asymmetry of the implant. There is also a very small incident of numbness of the chin area, which is usually temporary.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PERIOD?

   The normal recovery period is three to five days where a patient must eat a restricted soft diet, and avoid contact to the chin area for at least another week. Most noticeable bruising and swelling is gone within 1 to 2 weeks.

WHAT MATERIAL IS USED FOR AUGMENTATION?

   Preformed implants, all FDA approved are used. Generally Gore-tex implants are used, but occasionally Silastic implants may also be considered.