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What is a Chin Augmentation?
Chin augmentation – also referred to as chin enlargement – is an effective surgical procedure to enhance facial definition and build a more defined jawline and profile.
This is a simple surgical procedure, which uses implants to change the underlying structure of the chin and face, providing a better balance for the facial features. Often, this procedure may be combined with rhinoplasty (surgically refining and correcting the shape of the nose) to help balance the facial proportions.
Alternative methods that can be used instead of or in conjunction with prosthetic implants include injectable fillers and the surgical alteration of the jaw bone to achieve additional definition.
What are the benefits of chin augmentation?
Chin augmentation, or chin surgery, can generate a range of desirable outcomes
- Improve size, shape and position of chin
- Improve the projection of the chin
- Strengthen the jawline
- Enhance a naturally receding chin
- Restore the balance of facial proportions and features
- Restore facial symmetry
What are the various chin surgery techniques?
There are three main techniques to enhance the chin region and add volume and shape to the chin region:
- Chin Implant – the most common form of surgical chin enhancement or augmentation. This technique uses silicone implants to permanently reshape and recontour the chin area
- Genioplasty – a surgical chin reshaping procedure that involves the cutting of the bones in the lower jaw to permanently alter the size and shape of the chin bone and jawline. No implants are used; the lower jaw "slides" into the desired position and is then secured in place with a small metal plate and screws
- Chin filler – this non surgical alternative uses temporary dermal filler injections to add volume to the chin and recontour the chin region. Results are not permanent, with results lasting for up to one year
Chin implants are by far the most popular surgical solution to augment a receding chin. It is a quick, straightforward procedure that adds volume and structure to the jaw without changing the patient's basic anatomy. Genioplasty is a more complex procedure, and more commonly employed in reconstructive cases in order to correct deformities of the chin region.
Who is suitable for Chin augmentation?
Chin augmentation surgery may be suitable if:
- You feel your chin is too small
- You feel the shape of your chin upsets the balance of your face
- Your chin is disproportionately receding in comparison to the rest of your face
- You feel your jawline lacks definition
- The appearance of your chin affects your confidence and self-esteem
- You want to improve the balance of your facial features.
Ideal candidates will also:
- Be in good general health
- Have realistic expectations for surgery
- Have good jaw and teeth function
- Not have an overbite
- Have stopped smoking and drinking alcohol before surgery
A chin augmentation will only change the size and shape of your chin. Combination procedures will be required to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, eliminate sagging skin of the eyelids and face, and alter the size and shape of the nose.
What to expect
CONSULTATION
The first step for all of our chin implant patients is to meet with the surgeon we feel is best placed to perform your procedure for a consultation. At the consultation you will be able to discuss with your surgeon what your hope to achieve from the procedure, as well as discuss in detail what may or may not be possible given your existing anatomy.
Your surgeon will take you through the options available to you, and which is the most preferential for you given your stated ambitions. Having established this, several key measurements will be made and standard clinical photography will be taken.
Some questions you may want to ask your surgeon include:
- Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
- Can I achieve the results I am asking for?
- What will be expected of me to get the best results?
- Do you have before-and-after photos?
- How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
- What scars will I be left with?
- Will I be in pain after the surgery?
- How soon after chin implants can I return to work?
Finally a comprehensive discussion regarding risks and complications will take place, alongside a discussion regarding what to expect in the post procedure and recovery phase. Your previous medical history will also be recorded (including previous surgery, medications, allergies etc.) and an assessment of your fitness for surgery.
If your surgeon feels you are a good candidate for surgery, you are then invited to consider whether you would like to proceed for surgery or otherwise following a two week 'cooling off' period.
Within this period you are welcome to come in and discuss your potential surgery with your surgeon as many times as you like.
PRE - PROCEDURE
If you choose to proceed with surgery, the next time you come into the Clinic after your final consultation will be the day of your procedure. Before admission the following behavioural changes are recommended / required:
- In the 6 weeks before your procedure we recommend smoking is discontinued as patients who smoke have a higher risk of healing more slowly and complications (see FAQs)
- In the week before your procedure you must cease taking Aspirin or any medication that contains Aspirin
- In the 6 hours prior to surgery you must not consume food or any drink, other than small sips of clear fluid (e.g. still water, black coffee, black tea) which are allowed up to 2 hours before admission
DAY OF THE PROCEDURE
On the day of your procedure we ask that you arrive for your admission an hour before the agreed start time of surgery. At this point a nurse will come and record blood pressure and other relevant vitals, you will meet with your anaesthetist and your surgeon who will make the final mark-ups.
Chin implant surgery is very simple, typically takes no more than 45 minutes and is always occurring as a day case, meaning there is no need for an overnight stay in hospital. The surgery involves making an incision from within the mouth, or underneath the chin, through which the implant is inserted to achieve the desired cosmetic effect. The incision will then be secured with dissolvable stitches and a dressing applied to support the implant while your face heals and to reduce the risk of infection.
POST PROCEDURE & RECOVERY
You should not feel much pain during the procedure, but you may have some for a few days or weeks afterwards. You'll be given painkillers if you need them.
Following the procedure, you will recover in our ambulatory recovery rooms for between two to three hours, dependent on the scale of the procedure. Once our specialist nursing team are happy that your initial recovery is complete and you are safe to return home, you will be allowed to leave the Clinic accompanied by a friend or member of your family.
Once home you will have access to our dedicated on-call nursing team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This team of specialists are dedicated to your comfort and pain control, and are there to field any questions you may have in the immediate post operative phase.
We ask that you come in and see our nursing team 1 week after surgery to ensure your incision sites have been properly reviewed. At this juncture we also recommend you meet with one of our on site aestheticians to discuss ongoing treatment to support the healing and scarring process.
We ask that you come in to see your surgeon after 6 - 8 weeks for a final check up.
Why come to the Cadogan Clinic for Chin Implants
- Leading facial cosmetic unit in the country, founded by first surgeon to perform liposuction in the UK
- Hand – picked team of facial cosmetic surgeons, trained under pioneering facial plastic surgeon and founder
- Day case surgery, go home the same day
- Low infection risk, standalone specialist cosmetic unit
- Dedicated 24 / 7 nursing aftercare team to assist recovery
What are the side effects and risks
Chin augmentation is a safe procedure, but it is common after chin implants to experience:
- bruising and swelling
- temporary numbness
- a small amount of scarring
As with all surgical procedures, chin implant surgery carries some risk and it is possible that you might experience:
- Nausea
- Loss of sensation
- Bleeding or Infection
- Poor healing of incisions and scarring
- Seroma
- Implant displacement
- a collection of blood underneath the skin (haematoma)
- death of fat tissue (fat necrosis) or embolism
Your surgeon will discuss these risks comprehensively at your consultation and explain how likely these risks and complications are, and how they would be treated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will perform my Chin augmentation treatment?
Your chin implant procedure will be delivered by one of our handpicked team of elite plastic surgeons here at the Cadogan Clinic.
We only work with the very best practitioners, and you can be sure you are being seen by a specialists with a track record of excellence in this procedure
How should I prepare for my Chin augmentation surgery?
All the standard recommendations regarding preparation for surgery are recommended for this procedure. This includes:
+ Stop smoking. Smoking decreases blood flow in the skin and can slow the healing process. If you smoke, your doctor will recommend that you stop smoking before surgery and during recovery.
+ Avoid certain medications. You'll likely need to avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements, which can increase bleeding.
+ Arrange for help during recovery. Make plans for someone to drive you home after you leave the hospital and stay with you for at least the first night of your recovery at home.
How long is Chin augmentation surgery?
Your surgery should take no longer than one hour, and take place under general anaesthetic
When will I start to see results from Chin augmentation?
You should start to see your results as soon as the compression garment is removed and the swelling has subsided after a week or so.
Full results will not be visible for 6 weeks.
Are my Chin augmentation results permanent?
Your results will be permanent.
Your appearance will continue to change however as you age over the years, with the tissues around the chin likely to be impacted by the ageing of the overlying skin and gravity.
This is a procedure associated with very little discomfort during recovery. You will feel nothing during surgery due to your general anaesthetic
Chin augmentation surgery using implants is considered safe surgery, and is generally associated with very few complications. The basic technique is an old one, and in one manifestation or another has been around for over 50 years.
Revision surgeries often relate to local infections or aesthetic re-contouring. Chin implants can be removed very easily, if required.
Is there any downtime after Chin augmentation treatment?
Downtime is fairly minimal given the fairly straightforward surgery involved. You should expect a little discomfort for several days following surgery, and swelling and bruising for up to a week.
You should expect to wear a compression bandage for at least 24 hours, and maybe for as long as a week after surgery.
Food should be limited to liquids or very soft food for a week, to ensure you avoid excessively chewing.
By this point you should be back to your daily routine. Strenuous exercise is not recommended for 4 – 6 weeks.
Will I need to wear a compression garment after chin surgery?
A facial support garment will be fitted following surgery in order to minimise swelling and reduce movement post operatively. This can be worn for anywhere between 24 hours and 1 week (day and night).
Your surgeon will advise you ahead of surgery.
When can I wash and bathe after Chin Enhancement surgery?
Your surgeon will give you specific advice on how to wash and bathe after the surgery.
You can expect to shower and wash your hair 48 hours after your chin enhancement procedure, taking care of the treatment area.
Can a chin augmentation be performed alongside other procedures?
Yes. The tissues of the face are interlinked, so chin augmentation surgery is commonly performed alongside other facial surgery to improve the structure or appearance of the facial region.
The best results are often achieved when one or more complementary procedures are performed at once.
These commonly include:
+ Blepharoplasty
+ Browlift
+ Facelift
+ Fat Transfer to Face
+ Otoplasty
+ Rhinoplasty
+ Liposuction
Most commonly chin augmentation is combined with Rhinoplasty surgery, as both surgeries aim to improve the profile of the face. A skin tightening procedure such as a facelift can often bring out the very best results for the profile, so are also commonly combined.
Additional volume can be added with fat transfer to the face or later, non surgically, with dermal fillers.
ENQUIRE NOW
To enquire about a consultation with a Chin Augmentation specialist, please complete the form below.
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