Chin Augmentation
Dr. Brooke R. Seckel
Chin augmentation, often refereed as chin implant surgery, chin enhancement, mentoplasty or genioplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure in which a small implant is placed in front of the chin bone to increase the size of the chin or increase the length of the jaw line.
A chin implant can be inserted through a small opening beneath the chin or inside the lip so that no scar will be visible. The implant is then placed over the chin bone to lengthen the jaw line and increase the projection of the chin.
There are 2 common types of chin implant in use today:
These polyethylene devices have small micro porous channels to allow the blood vessels to grow into the device and hold it in place.
These devices are made of smooth firm silicone rubber. The surrounding tissues do not grow into the device but form a “capsule” around the device. They feel like a normal chin.
No, most chin implants simply feel like your normal chin bone.
Your new chin will be apparent immediately after surgery. However you’ll be wearing a facial garment which covers the new chin to help keep the chin implant in position and reduce swelling. The garment comes off in about a week.
There is usually only mild discomfort following a chin implant. The main complaint most likely will be that you do not like to wear the chin band or face garment for the first week.
Recovery after chin implant surgery is essentially the time it takes for swelling and bruising to go down which is usually about a week. If the chin implant is placed through an incision on the inside of the lip you will have to eat soft or liquid foods for 3 or 4 days and rinse the mouth out several times a day with an antibiotic mouthwash.
The final result of your chin implant or chin augmentation will be apparent after 2-3 weeks for swelling to go down. Improvement will continue for at least 6 weeks.
A chin implant or chin augmentation should be done by a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Oral surgeons and facial plastic surgeons also do chin implants.
Dr. Brooke R. Seckel of Boston Plastic Surgery Specialists is a leading provider of facial plastic surgery. If you have been considering chin augmentation, learn more about the procedure during a consultation at Dr. Seckel’s practice. Contact Boston plastic Surgery Specialists today.