Chin implants

Chin augmentation surgery involves using a specially designed chin implants 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.

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.

• 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

A chin implants surgeon 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 is not 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.