A prominent feature of the face and a critical component of helping balance facial profile, having a chin that you feel fits in relation to your face is an important part of self-confidence and maintaining self-esteem. For individuals who do not feel that this is the case, a chin augmentation procedure may be the answer.
What is Chin Augmentation?
Chin augmentation, also known as a chin implant surgery, or chin enhancement (mentoplasty), is a popular cosmetic surgery to add proportion to the chin and face such that it is more in line with the rest of the facial profile. During the procedure, the surgeon will augment the chin through an incision made in the mouth or below the chin. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, with minimal scarring or visible after effects. Recovery initially only takes a few weeks, with localized swelling and some restricted facial movements, but the full effects of the surgery cannot be appreciated until 3-4 months after the procedure.
Read more about the facial implants procedures.
How Can Chin Implants Improve my Facial Profile?
Chin augmentation surgery can be used for a variety of different facial imbalances, adding to the overall appearance of the face and body. One of these is when individuals present with a small or weak chin. A chin that is too small in relation to the face makes the neck look large and the nose appear more protrusive. Having a chin implant can help alleviate this imbalance.
A chin implant or augmentation can also be used for individuals who are not pleased with the shape of their chin. For example, a particularly square or pointed chin can be made more rounded and contoured using augmentation procedures. Likewise, if a patient has a large dimple in their chin, augmentation surgery can be used to fill this dimple out and make it less noticeable or completely disappear.
Finally, the implant surgery can be used not to target the chin itself, but to bring another part of the face into better harmony. For example, if an individual has a particularly pointy or prominent nose, this can be made less visible by altering the chin.
What you Need to Know About Opting for Chin Surgery (Mentoplasty)
Chin implant surgery is considered a safe and effective way to enhance the chin’s appearance. It can provide a more defined profile and balance to the face by augmenting the chin bone structure. However, like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications. If you are comfortable with what the surgery entails and feel that you could have increased confidence and improved facial profiling from having a chin implant, there are a few additional points to keep in mind.
How Is the Chin Implant Procedure Performed?
The surgery is performed under local anesthesia and can be combined with sedative. It takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour to complete. The facial plastic surgeon makes an incision either beneath the chin or inside the mouth along the lower lip and carefully creates a pocket in front of the chin bone (mandible) but beneath the muscle and connective tissue. This pocket is where the chin implant will be placed.
Chin Implant Surgery Cost
Individuals who are electing to have chin augmentation do so with the understanding that it is an elective surgical procedure typically not covered by insurance. Customarily, it costs between $6,000 and $8,000. All of this however, depends on your cosmetic surgeon, your particular procedure, how well you perform under surgery and whether any unforeseen complications arise. After the procedure, there is a small risk of infection or dissatisfaction with the outcome, but most people recover with a prescription for painkillers and some rest.
Facial Surgery Consultation and Follow-up
Once you have chosen to go ahead with the chin implant procedure you will have in-depth consultations with your surgeon as well as 3D scanning to ensure you both understand what the end result will look like. Following up on the surgery, you will have after care appointments with your surgeon to ensure healing is progressing as expected and that the implant is presenting with the desired outcome. Once you and the surgeon are both satisfied, you will have a new chin that will last for several years, improving your facial profile, self-confidence, and overall appearance.
Interested to find out more on how is facial implant procedure performed at our plastic surgery clinic in Barrie? Call or request a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon.