Chin Augmentation (Chin Implants)

The most common form of surgical chin enhancement or augmentation. This technique uses silicone chin implants to permanently reshape and recontour the chin area.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.