200488017-001Chin augmentation is one of the fastest growing cosmetic surgery trends in the U.S., with more than 20,500 procedures performed in 2011, a 71% jump from the previous year. The increase in this procedure’s popularity may have something to do with the rise of social media and changing technology; as video chatting and smart phones become more popular, more people become aware of the appearance of their lower face.

Addressing a Weak Chin
Your chin is an important part of your profile, and both men and women can suffer low self esteem from a recessive or weak chin. While most people may focus on their nose, wrinkling or jowls when they look in the mirror, individuals with a weak chin find that it changes the appearance of their other facial features. The more recessive the chin, the more prominent the nose becomes. A weak chin can also make sagging in the neck seem worse than it actually is.

Chin implants are very often combined with other procedures, most notably a rhinoplasty, or nose job, to improve all-around facial proportion and balance. It is also frequently done along with neck liposuction and tightening, or as a supplement to a facelift or necklift to address sagging skin.

Chin Augmentation Procedure
There are two ways chin augmentation may be performed; after having x-rays taken of your chin and face, your surgeon will determine what is necessary. In some cases, a chin implant will be used to add balance and proportion, but sometimes an implant is not necessary. In this case, the surgeon will move bones.

To augment your chin, your surgeon will usually make an incision just under your chin in a natural crease or inside the mouth. After the tissue is stretched, a space will be created for the implant, which is made from a synthetic material that feels like natural tissue. This implant will be chosen of the right size and shape to match your face. Very fine sutures are used to close the incision. In both cases, incisions are virtually undetectable.

Chin implants are both safe and effective and add definition to the jaw line while improving the balance of your facial features. For older patients, chin augmentation can also produce a more youthful appearance.

If you are having chin reduction surgery, your surgeon will sculpt your bone to an appropriate size.

Recovering from Chin Augmentation
Discomfort following the procedure can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication, as the pain is typically minimal and diminishes each day. Your face will be sensitive for a few days and chewing may be limited for awhile. A liquid and soft food diet is often required for two or three days following surgery.

Most swelling should be gone within three weeks, at which point the final results should be visible. At this stage, you should begin to look normal, but complete healing can take a few months.

If you are considering chin augmentation to restore balance to your face, be aware that you may end up wanting rhinoplasty or other cosmetic procedures performed as well for the best results. Discuss this with your surgeon, and make sure you consult with someone who has experience performing these procedures.