Chin Augmentation

Chin augmentation may improve the balance and symmetry of the face and create a fuller, more youthful appearance. The surgery can also compliment another procedure, such as a facelift or rhinoplasty, creating overall facial balance.

Procedures that augment the chin include the insertion of an implant or the advancement of the chin bone in a procedure called sliding genioplasty. Both chin augmentation methods serve to reshape the chin in an effort to achieve balance among the features of the face, especially the nose and forehead.

Who Should Get Chin Augmentation Surgery?

If you have inadequate chin bone structure (microgenia) and are mentally ready for surgery, you may be a good candidate for chin augmentation. If you have microgenia, your other facial features may look larger than normal.

You might not be a candidate for chin augmentation if you have extreme microgenia, especially if your teeth are misaligned when your mouth is closed. When the chin is very small and an implant cannot help, Dr. Lee B. Daniel may recommend a different type of chin surgery called sliding genioplasty.

What Happens During Chin Augmentation?

To complete the augmentation using an alloplastic implant, your surgeon will make an incision inside the mouth along the lower lip. A pocket will then be created in front of the jaw bone between the bone and the skin. The implant is then inserted through the incision into the pocket.

As an alternative, especially for more severe cases of microgenia, the tip of the chin bone can be moved forward. In this instance, the incision is made either inside the mouth or below the lower lip. Your surgeon will carefully select the portion of the bone to advance forward, then he will cut the chin bone with a sagittal saw, taking care to minimize trauma to the soft tissue. The bone piece is secured in its new position with titanium screws or wires, and sutures are placed to close the incision.

Non-surgical chin augmentation may also be performed using injectable fillers, such as Radiesse, Juvederm or Restylane.

After Chin Augmentation

Dr. Daniel will provide specific instructions after chin surgery. He may recommend a soft diet for you to follow for the first days following surgery. He will ask that you keep your head elevated during this time, practice good oral hygiene, and that you refrain from touching your chin. You may be prescribed antibiotics and pain medications for the first week of recovery.

Learn More About Chin Augmentation in Eugene, Oregon

If you suffer from a small chin and are interested in changing your appearance, please do not hesitate to give us a call at 541-687-8900. You can also use our online contact form to send us an email. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery welcomes your questions and concerns regarding any of the procedures we offer. Our office is located less than 10 minutes north of downtown Eugene, and is a convenient location for residents of Springfield, Corvallis and Portland, Oregon.