What is a chin implant?
A chin implant can help enhance a small or receding chin and add definition and contour to your lower face, profile and jawline. Most people get chin implants for cosmetic reasons, but sometimes, the surgery can help reconstruct your face. A plastic surgeon makes a cut in your skin, inserts the implant and molds it to your chin bone to achieve a natural, balanced look.
Other names for chin implant surgery are chin augmentation (enlargement) or chin enhancement.
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Do chin implants come in different materials and sizes?
Chin implants are usually made out of silicone, a flexible, artificial substance. Sometimes, implants are made from bone, but these aren’t as common. Implants come in different shapes, sizes and styles. Your surgeon selects the best type for your needs and aesthetic goals.
Who gets chin implants?
Anyone concerned about a small or recessed chin may consider chin implants. A recessed chin is when your chin doesn’t stick out far enough from your face. From the side, your chin isn’t in proportion with the lines of your forehead, nose and other features.
People who’ve had trauma to their face, such as a facial fracture or tumor removal, might also consider and benefit from a chin implant.
A chin implant might be part of or in addition to other surgeries, such as:
- Double chin surgery.
- Facelift (rhytidectomy).
- Facial masculinization surgery.
- Facial reconstruction surgery.
- Genioplasty (chin augmentation).
- Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping).
The ideal candidate for chin implant surgery is someone who:
- Doesn’t have a jaw disorder, jawbone deformity or very short chin height.
- Doesn’t smoke.
- Has reached full skeletal maturity (bone growth is complete; late adolescence).
- Has realistic expectations about the results of chin implant surgery.
- Is physically healthy.
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Chin implant vs. filler vs. fat grafting: What’s the difference?
A chin implant isn’t the only way to add definition to your chin and jawline. You may be able to have dermal fillers or fat grafting:
- Chin filler: Dermal fillers are injections of hyaluronic acid or another substance just beneath your skin. They add volume to your face. Fillers may enhance the look of a small chin or smooth wrinkles around your chin and jawline. Fillers are nonsurgical and fade over time.
- Chin fat grafting: A plastic surgeon performs liposuction (procedure to remove fat using suction) on another area of your body (usually your belly or thighs). Then, they inject the fat into your chin. Fat grafting is a minimally invasive procedure.
