By S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS
When it comes to improving facial features, the chin often plays second fiddle to the nose. Reshaping the nose can indeed dramatically improve a person’s appearance. However, having performed facial plastic surgery in Hawaii for over 30 years, I believe that improving the chin can have an equal or greater impact on achieving a more attractive profile.
If you’re bothered by some aspect of your chin or jawline, you likely agree with me on this one. You likely are also looking for solutions to help you improve your chin and achieve the attractive profile you desire. Today, I’ll share with you some guidance and facts about chin implants that should help point you in the right direction.
How can you tell if you have a weak chin?
Let me answer this by first stating what is considered the standard for an attractive, well-proportioned chin. Ideally, when viewing your face in profile, the forward-most point of the chin should be on the same vertical plane as the forward-most point of the lower lip. A chin that ends behind this point is considered a recessed or “weak” chin.
How can chin implants improve my profile?
Extending an even slightly weak chin can improve facial harmony and enhance your overall appearance. We can achieve this by placing a custom silicone chin implant through a small incision hidden inside the mouth and fitting it around the jawbone.
A chin implant can improve the entire jawline from the front and sides. For example, even if your chin is only slightly recessed, but your lower jaw looks too narrow for your face from the front, we can place a chin implant that adds definition to the sides of the jawline. Strengthening the jaw vs. simply lengthening the chin provides a more aesthetically pleasing separation between the jawline and the neck—this can visually improve a face that looks too long.
Additionally, a chin implant can correct a hanging lower lip. Patients with a hanging lower lip will actively push up on the lower lip with their facial muscles to compensate. Called “lip strain,” this can lead to an angry or stern appearance. Moving the front of the chin forward with a chin implant, so that it is aligned with the lower lip, can instantly correct this problem.
How much do chin implants cost?
In Hawaii, chin augmentation costs around $6,000 to $8,000. This includes your chin implants as well the operation. Unless you are having another procedure done at the same time, chin implant surgery can usually be done with local anesthesia, which costs considerably less than general anesthesia. Additionally, chin implants are meant to last a lifetime.
Another factor in costs can be time off work. The good news is, with chin augmentation, recovery is relatively easy and the procedure requires very little downtime. Injectable fillers, which I will cover in an upcoming post, can also provide a temporary option for chin augmentation at a lower up-front cost.
Interested in improving your chin? Contact us for a consultation
If you are bothered by your weak or small chin, there is a very good chance that chin implant surgery can help you achieve a profile you are proud to call yours. I can help you understand the ins and outs of surgery and recovery, as well as what outcome you can expect with chin augmentation. Call 808-597-8835 or contact us online today to make an appointment.
FAQs
A weak chin, which people may call a recessed chin, refers to a chin that does not have a prominent appearance on the face or jawline and may appear to slope backward from below the mouth. In some cases, a weak chin may result from genetic factors.
What is the best surgery for a weak chin? ›
Genioplasty is best for patients who are otherwise in good health, without active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions. Genioplasty can be effective for patients with a small or receding chin. A chin that seems too small in proportion to other facial features can make the nose appear overly long.
Can you still look good with a weak chin? ›
A man who doesn't car about the size of his chin is going to be more attractive than someone who has a strong chin but no confidence - at least when both open their mouths and start talking. On a distance and on pictures, a weak chin is not great but can be offset by a good body (Lift, dude.)
Does a chin implant help with a double chin? ›
Chin implants also reshape the contour of your neck. They add strength and power to an underdeveloped chin, bringing balance to your nose and chin. If you are not satisfied with your double chin, these implants help. They can mitigate chin dimples and any facial imperfections you may have.
How do I tell if I have a weak chin? ›
Ideally, when viewing your face in profile, the forward-most point of the chin should be on the same vertical plane as the forward-most point of the lower lip. A chin that ends behind this point is considered a recessed or “weak” chin.
How can I make my weak chin look stronger? ›
Among the most popular and effective methods to improve a weak chin or jawline are dermal fillers, Botox® Cosmetic, RF microneedling treatments, and implants. The best choice for you will depend on your specific concerns and the results you hope to achieve.
How much does a weak chin implant cost? ›
How Much Does Chin Augmentation Cost? The exact price of chin augmentation will vary from patient to patient, but on average, the cost is between $2,000 and $4,000.
How much does it cost to fix a weak chin? ›
A patient may spend anywhere from $300 to $10,000 depending on what methods are used to improve their appearance. Surgical procedures are more costly than non-surgical methods like dermal fillers, but they also offer permanent results with a one-time investment.
Is a weak chin permanent? ›
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to help improve the appearance of a weak chin. These include facial fillers, makeup, surgery, orthodontic treatment, exercise and chin implants.
Why is a weak chin considered unattractive? ›
A weak, severely recessed chin can be a lifelong source of embarrassment for many individuals. It can make an average-sized nose appear larger than it is, and an already prominent nose seems far larger. In general, it's an unattractive, unwanted feature.
The Quest for the Perfect Chin Shape
For women, a softer, rounded chin is often considered attractive, contributing to a more feminine and youthful appearance. A slightly pointed chin, without being overly pronounced, can enhance the delicacy of female facial features.
How to fix a weak chin without surgery? ›
Non-surgical chin augmentation involves the use of dermal fillers to enhance the projection and contour of the chin. Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid-based products, are injected strategically into specific areas to achieve the desired chin shape.
What does a weak chin indicate? ›
A weak chin can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, aging and trauma. It is also possible for a weak chin to develop as a result of poor posture or an incorrect bite. A weak chin occurs when the jawbone does not grow to reach its fullest potential.
Is a weak chin unattractive? ›
A weak, severely recessed chin can be a lifelong source of embarrassment for many individuals. It can make an average-sized nose appear larger than it is, and an already prominent nose seems far larger. In general, it's an unattractive, unwanted feature.
What causes a weak chin? ›
The causes of receding chin can typically be grouped into two main categories: genetic predisposition or certain childhood habits. These habits can include finger sucking or chronic mouth breathing, which can have an adverse effect on the development of the jaw and chin area.
Is a weak chin recessive or dominant? ›
Weak Chin. A weak chin or as it's also often called a recessive chin or receding chin, tends to be primarily a genetic condition. It's a facial characteristic that you've inherited from your parents or grandparents. In such cases, this means that a weak chin is something that those who have it can't avoid.
