Chin Augmentation is a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure used to restore facial harmony when the chin is too small for the face (microgenia).
Chin Augmentation, also known as Genioplasty, is a great way to make a small chin match the rest of your face. This procedure uses a Chin Implant for Chin Enlargement, to improve facial proportions and enhance your self-confidence. A smaller chin gives the illusion of a larger nose, so Augmentation Genioplasty is often performed in conjunction with Rhinoplasty, when the nose is large, to help balance these facial features, and create more pleasing facial proportions.
Chin Augmentation Before and After Photos (Augmentation Genioplasty or Chin Implants)
Schedule a Chin Implant Consultation
The best way to decide if Chin Enhancement is right for you is with a private consultation with our Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Joseph Mele MD FACS. A large amount of information about Chin Augmentation is detailed below; however, a consultation is interactive. During your consultation, the options pertaining to your specific needs are discussed in detail, and you can have your questions answered in an individualized manner. Computer Imaging is available to facilitate the discussion. This allows Dr. Mele to get a better idea of how much chin is enough for you, and allows us to get an idea of what your chin will look like. An in-person consultation allows for the creation of the best possible approach for your particular needs.
Chin Augmentation Video Presentation
Chin Augmentation Approaches
Dr. Mele is experienced with multiple Chin Augmentation techniques including:
- Submental Chin Augmentation – the incision is placed beneath the chin, under the jawline.
- Intra-oral Chin Augmentation – the incision is hidden inside the mouth, in the sulcus between the lower lip and gums.
- Temporary Chin Augmentation – if you are undecided and would like to “try out” a Chin Implant, dermal fillers like Radiesse, Perlane or Juvederm can be injected to temporarily increase the size of your chin. If you like the result, it can be maintained with periodic re-injections, or a Chin Implant of similar volume can be placed. If you don’t like it, the filler will gradually absorb over time.
Our Board Certified Plastic Surgeon is also trained in the use of multiple types of Chin Implants including:
- Silicone Chin Implants – These are solid silicone implants. They are firm to touch, but can give a little when compressed. Silicone chin implants are held in place by a thin capsule of scar. If the scar becomes tight, the implant can be distorted. If removal is desired, this type of implant slides out easily.
- Medpor Chin Implants – these are solid porous polyethylene implants. They are hard to touch, as Medpor is used to replace bone for craniofacial reconstruction and augmentation. Like silicone chin implants, Medpor Chin Implants are held in place by a surrounding scar. Unlike silicone chin implants, Medpor Chin Implants have pores that allow the scar and blood vessels to grow into the implant. This provides additional stability, but also causes additional difficulty if removal is desired.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Mele, call (925) 943-6353 or fill out our contact form.
Facial Augmentation including Chin Augmentation Videos
The Chin Augmentation Procedure
You may be a good candidate for Chin Augmentation (Genioplasty), if you have:
- A small chin that projects less than your lower lip
- A normal sized nose that appears large because the chin is recessed
- A normal lower jaw (mandible) and dentition
The goals of Chin Augmentation surgery are to maximize your results, return you to your normal activities quickly and to minimize your recovery, risks and scar. There are two locations for the incision used to place your Chin Implant. The exact location is selected at your preoperative appointment, after the risks and benefits of the each approach is discussed. During Chin Augmentation, Dr. Mele makes a discreet incision either under the chin or inside the mouth. Next, a pocket is made to the exact dimensions of the desired Chin Implant. This reduces the chance of the implant moving. The incision is then meticulously closed to promote primary healing and the finest possible scar.
Chin Enlargement can be combined with other facial plastic surgery procedures to achieve balanced facial rejuvenation. Chin Augmentation is most often combined with Rhinoplasty, Facelift, and other cosmetic facial plastic surgery procedures.
Dr. Mele is an experienced facial cosmetic surgeon. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the American Board of Surgery (ABS), as well as an active member of the premier plastic surgery professional organizations, including the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
All cosmetic procedures are performed in an accredited surgical facility. Chin Implants are most often placed under general anesthesia, but can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation for the properly selected patient. The method best for you, will be determined as part of your personal Chin Augmentation consultation.
Chin Implant Preparation | Before Genioplasty Surgery
Dr. Mele will review what you need to do before your Chin Augmentation at your preoperative appointment. Individual instructions will vary, but in general, you should be in good health. Preexisting medical problems should be identified and well controlled prior to surgery. If you become ill prior to surgery, please call our office at (925) 943-6353 and let us know.
It is very important to avoid medications or supplements that increase the risk of bleeding during the weeks before surgery. Bleeding not only makes the procedure more difficult, it also increases post-operative bruising and discomfort. Bleeding also increases the risk of complications, so the less bleeding the better.
Regardless of the type of anesthesia selected, general or local with sedation, you should not eat or drink anything for eight hours prior to surgery, unless you are specifically instructed otherwise. Many prescription medications can be taken the morning of surgery with a few sips of water, but the timing of each medication should be reviewed before surgery.
The day of surgery, you want to arrive rested and about an hour before the scheduled operative time. Dr. Mele will see you before surgery and confirm the goals and approach for your procedure, so your Chin Augmentation proceeds smoothly.
Chin Augmentation Follow-Up | After Genioplasty Surgery
After your Chin Augmentation you may be sore, and the chin may feel numb. Tylenol is sometimes sufficient for pain control, though stronger medication is often needed for the first few days. Elevation of the head and cool compresses to the chin are recommended to control discomfort and reduce swelling. This helps speed your healing and will make you feel better faster. Most upright activities are permitted; however, vigorous activities that increase your heart rate and raise your blood pressure are to be avoided. Bending down, straining and lifting heavy objects is also prohibited after Genioplasty until cleared by Dr. Mele. A soft diet may help if you are sore, but regular food is fine as soon as you feel ready.
Follow-up visits are scheduled at planned intervals after surgery to be certain that you are healing well. Activities will be liberalized as your healing progresses. Regular activities are usually possible a week or two after your procedure. Scar management will also be reviewed to speed your healing and minimize any scarring.
San Francisco Bay Area Genioplasty Surgery – Walnut Creek Chin Augmentation
If you are unhappy with your small chin, consider a Chin Augmentation consultation with Dr. Mele. This simple outpatient procedure can produce dramatic results. It can also be performed by itself, or in conjunction with other aesthetic facial procedures.
To schedule a consultation, call (925) 943-6353 or fill out our contact form.