Chin augmentation using implants or bone graft is a cosmetic surgery to make the chin more prominent when it is small or retruded. Chin augmentation is often performed in combination with Rhinoplasty or nose reshaping surgery. Chin implant surgery is popular because it is a simple surgery with minimal recovery time. The change in profile brought about by chin augmentation complements the effects of Rhinoplasty in people with a small chin.
Aesthetic problems with small chin?
A small chin creates subtle or significant imbalance to the face depending on the degree of deficiency of the chin volume.
If the chin size is inadequate in the vertical direction, the face appears broader and rounder with undue prominence in the cheek area.
When the chin is inadequate in the forward projection, the nose appears too prominent relatively.
A small chin also causes double chin to be easily visible.
Implants for chin augmentation
Chin augmentation is most often achieved by inserting a prefabricated implant on the jaw bone. The commonly used implants are made of solid silicone (Implantech, Eurosilicone, Nagor implants) or Porous polyethelene (Medpor/Biopore implants).
The surgery:
Chin augmentation is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or under general anesthesia. The incision is placed inside the mouth, so there are no visible scars. The implant is placed on the jaw bone and the area is closed with absorbable sutures. Chin implants can also be placed using an external incision on the skin in under chin area. The procedure takes about 30 minutes to complete. When chin augmentation is performed as an individual procedure, you can go home after a few hours
After care:
Liquid diet is recommended on the day of surgery. Soft diet can started from the next day.
The chin should be protected from any kind of injury for 3 weeks following surgery. Avoid going to crowded areas till healing is complete.
Non surgical options
Augmentation of the chin can also be achieved using injectable like fat grafting or cross linked hyaluronic acid filler. Although appealing as a non surgical option, filler injection for chin augmentation is not as popular as implant surgery.
Chin augmentation in Kerala,India
Dr. Hari Menon does chin augmentation using silicone implants at one of the best hospitals in Kochi, Ernakulam. Chin implant surgery is becoming more popular in Kerala.
Synonyms/related terms- Genioplasty chin implant, augmentation Genioplasty, mentoplasty