Chin implant
Procedure: A chin implant is a procedure where a facial implant, often made of silicone, is placed on top of a small bony chin to enhance its structure. A silicone implant has a natural feel and carries the advantage of being permanent, thus avoiding multiple sessions of hyaluronic acid fillers. A chin implant is easily reversible or removed if the patient desires removal or if the chin implant gets infected (3% lifetime infection risk).
The ideal candidate for a chin implant is a patient with realistic expectations with a small chin, that does not have malocclusion (a poor bite) or jaw pain. In those cases we prefer that the patient undergo orthodontic evaluation before.
Chin implantation usually takes an hour to perform. We use an external approach with a scar under the chin for patients who want liposuction at the same time, and an intraoral approach (without external scars) for other patients. Surgical results last a lifetime. Final results take one year to show.
Benefits: The main benefits of chin implantation is permanent increase in the size of the chin and an increase in overall facial harmony.
Recovery time: You should plan a week of recovery from work, school, and social activites. After a week, most bruising can be easily hidden with concealer. Plan on chewing small bites or soft foods for the first week. Light physical activity can be resumed after a week, but you should refrain from heavy lifting for three weeks to prevent bleeding.
Risks: Pain, bleeding, implant infection, visible scarring, unsatisfactory cosmetic result, asymmetries, lip malposition, irregularities and bumpiness, facial nerve paralysis, temporary or permanent lip/mouth/chin numbness.
Alternatives: hyaluronic acid fillers, submental liposuction, Belkyra, Evoke facial contouring, FaceTite facial contouring
Popular associated procedures: rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, submental liposuction