Chin Augmentation (Chin Implants)

Chin augmentation surgery involves using a specially designed chin implant to increase the size of a weak or recessed chin and therefore create an improved sense of balance in facial proportions. There is also a more invasive option of chin augmentation using a technique called a sliding genioplasty. This is where the bone of the chin is cut using a specialised device called a Piezotome and then secured in its new position. Chin implants are generally much more commonly used as the procedure is more straightforward to perform and gives consistently good results. There is also a non surgical method to improve chin projection using HA fillers to increase volume and sculpt the chin in the clinic setting. Chin augmentation using chin implants is also performed in conjunction with a rhinoplasty to restore balance to the face and improve facial aesthetics. Chin implants may also be combined with facelift surgery for a more defined chin and jawline.

Always check that your surgeon is on the GMC specialist register for plastic surgery before proceeding with a consultation. All our surgeons are fully accredited plastic surgeons and only perform procedures in CQC regulated facilities. Our clinic at 106 Crawford Street was recently inspected and rated as good across all 5 domains.

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What is included in my treatment package?

• As many preoperative consultations with your surgeon as you like to make sure the procedure is right for you
• Treatment at a specialist day surgery facility recently rated ‘Good’ by the CQC
• Enhanced same day discharge with the added benefits of recovering in your own home
• 24/7 clinical support from your surgeon for first 48 hours and our expert postoperative support team
• Your very own dedicated patient coordinator
• In-depth preoperative medical assessment to make sure you are fully fit for the rhinoplasty procedure
• Exceptionally high standards of postoperative care described as ‘outstanding’ by the CQC with regular telephone and face to face checks by our expert postoperative support team

RealSelf Top Doctors

RealSelf top doctor status is awarded to less than 10% of the RealSelf doctor community.  This status is earned by achieving consistently high patient satisfaction (from RealSelf reviews), getting excellent feedback on expert answers to patient questions, and after investing significant time in Q&A and other doctor activity. RealSelf top doctors are rated among the very best surgeons in the United Kingdom and USA.

1. Over 15 years experience with all types of chin augmentation surgery – chin implants and sliding genioplasty
2. We regularly receive patients from overseas at our facial plastic surgery specialist centre
3. Our surgeons are UK trained NHS consultant plastic surgeons who live and work in the UK. We don’t work with ‘fly-in, fly-out’ surgeons from other countries. This is very important because whilst your surgeon takes all precautions to minimise complications, complications can and do occur and our surgeons are readily available to manage any issues if and when they arise.
4. We own and manage our own surgical facilities. Properly performed eyelid surgery takes time and should not be rushed. Our surgeons perform a maximum of three blepharoplasty procedures in a day. We do not cram 5-6 procedures into one day like other providers. You want your surgeon to be well-rested and mentally and physically sharp to perform eyelid surgery which is a very intensive procedure to get the very best results.

Trust a facial plastic surgeon for chin implant surgery

A facial plastic surgeon is trained to undertake aesthetic surgical procedures in the facial region. They are dedicated sub-specialists. Compared with general plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons are inherently better trained to perform delicate procedures in the eye region. The extra years of surgical training by facial specialists focused on the facial region results in an exceptionally high degree of skill. Blepharoplasty surgery is highly intricate and our surgeons are highly experienced to undertake surgery on the delicate eyelid region.

Our surgeons are full members of:

• Improved chin volume and balance with the rest of the face
• Reduction of double chin appearance because of a recessed chin bone
• Imprive projection of a recessed chin
• Improved neck and jawline contours
• Reduction in appearance of jowls when performed as part of a facelift
• Correction of facial asymmetry

• The patient with chin recession with impact on overall facial aesthetics
• Preference for a more well defined jawline
• Presence of submental volume contributing to a double chin appearance
• All patients should be in good health and have realistic expectations about what can be achieved with chin implants surgery.
• Non smoker

We do not treat patients below the age of 18 years of age.

Are you a good candidate for chin augmentation ? You may wish to look at what finance we have available.

The consultation begins by having an opportunity to discuss your ideas, concerns and expectations about the chin implants procedure with your surgeon, and ask any relevant questions you may have.

Your chin implants surgeon will:

• Take a focused history and examine you
• Explain the chin implants procedure
• Take your needs and preferences into account when deciding on the most appropriate treatment option for you

Some questions you may want to ask your surgeon include:

• Am I suitable for chin implant surgery
• What results can I expect to achieve?
• Are my expectations realistic?
• What should I be doing pre and post-op to get the best results?
• Can I view before and after photos of similar patients undergoing chin augmentation surgery?
• What should I expect in the recovery period?
• What scars are involved in chin implant surgery?
• Is chin implant surgery painful?
• When can I return to work?

Your surgeon will also explain the potential risks and complications associated with chin implant surgery in addition to what to expect in the period after your procedure. The surgeon will record your past medical history including any previous procedures on the face and whether you are medically fit for the procedure. Surgeons who specialise in chin implant surgery can be either from a plastic surgery, ENT surgery or maxillofacial surgery background. All three specialities are fully trained to perform chin implants. Prior to undergoing any surgery, make sure you are aware of the risks involved with travelling abroad and seeing a surgeon who may not be qualified to perform this procedure.

At Centre for Surgery, the success of any procedure including chin augmentation can be optimised with thorough patient preparation. Our surgeons strive to above and beyond to ensure that all patients are well prepared for surgery – mentally, physically and emotionally.

There are 2 well recognised techniques for chin augmentation – chin augmentation with implant or a sliding genioplasty.

Chin implant surgery is a safe and effective way to make your face in proportion. Chin implant surgery is often combined with rhinoplasty surgery for optimum profile aesthetics.

Prior to surgery, your surgeon may be able to show how your facial proportions may be enhanced with the chin implant using a 3D reconstruction.

The surgery may be performed under a local anaesthetic or a general anaesthetic. With a local anaesthetic, you will be awake throughout the procedure, but you will be unable to feel any discomfort and you have the option of oral sedation combined with the local anaesthetic if you prefer to be a little drowsy. Chin implant surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, so you will be able to return home once the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off.

Modern chin implants are made of silicone that does get rejected by the body immune defences.

There are 2 methods of implant insertion:

• Under the chin approach
• Inside the mouth approach

A well fitting implant sits on top of the chin bone and well concealed beneath the skin. At Centre for Surgery, the surgeon prefers to make a small and well hidden incision beneath the chin for optimal implant placement. The under the chin approach is preferred because the surgeon has better direct visualisation during the procedure to optimise correct placement of the implant. The recovery is also quicker and less painful. The inside the mouth approach has an increased risk of nerve injury to the small nerves that supply sensation to the lip. The risk of infection is also increased with the intra-oral approach.

Chin implant insertion: step by step

STEP 1: 3D computer imaging to plan the correct size of chin implant.

STEP 2: Preoperative marking under the chin with the initial incision. The surgeon will accurately mark the skin incision with an indelible marker pen. The incision will be made as inconspicuous as possible to facilitate correct chin implant placement.

STEP 3:Chin implant packet creation – a pocket will created for the chin implant to be placed in under the chin.

STEP 4:  Chin implant insertion – the chin implant will be carefully slid into position to sit directly on top of the chin bone.

STEP 5: The wound is closed with absorbable sutures.

STEP 6: A postoperative compression garment will be applied.

Sliding Genioplasty

A sliding genioplasty is a more complex method for chin augmentation that is performed by maxillofacial surgeons. In the sliding genioplasty procedure, the jaw bone is cut using a powered mechanical cutting device and the lower part of the jaw is advanced forward and secured with titanium metal screws. The principal advantage of a sliding genioplasty compared with a chin implant is the ability to alter both chin height and chin projection. Some patients may be apprehensive at the thought of having a foreign implant inside them. A sliding genioplasty is a much a larger procedure with more potential risks and complications than a chin implant procedure and is always performed under a general anaesthetic. Chin implants in many cases can be inserted under a local anaesthetic with oral sedation. At Centre for Surgery, we do not currently perform the sliding genioplasty procedure but are able to refer you to an appropriate specialist in maxillofacial surgery if you prefer to have this procedure.

There are a number of factors which will determine the overall cost of your chin augmentation with chin implants procedure and the final quotation will be given after your face to face consultation with your specialist plastic surgeon.

During the recovery period for your chin implant surgery, you may feel some pain and discomfort for the first few days. You can ask your surgeon what pain management medications are appropriate to take during this time. You may experience some bruising and swelling, but this is a normal side effect. To reduce this, you can apply a cold compressor.

You will have to be on a soft diet for 10 days while the incision heals. You will have to avoid vigorous physical activity for four weeks.

The sutures will be removed after one week. You will also be given antibiotics to take for a week to ensure you do not get any infections.

Chin augmentation using chin implants is a popular procedure at Centre for Surgery. Chin augmentation surgery can be combined with a number of other facial cosmetic procedures including rhinoplasty, submental liposuction and facelift. At your consultation, your surgeon will discuss in detail the potential risks and complications associated with chin implant surgery.

Risks of chin augmentation with chin implants:

• Anaesthetic risks
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Delayed wound healing
• Nerve injury leading to temporary or permanent loss of sensation
• Chin implant malposition
• Facial asymmetry
• Requirement for revision surgery

There are a number of factors which will determine the overall cost of the chin implants procedure and the final quotation will be given after a face to face consultation with an expert plastic surgeon at Centre for Surgery.

Our aftercare programme was recently described as ‘outstanding’ by our regulator, the Care Quality Commission.