Chin implants

When it comes to facial harmony we all know that proportions and balanced features are important factors. A ‘weak chin’ can have a big impact on the overall structure of your face; it can make it appear imbalanced and can make your nose seem disproportionally large in comparison. While non-surgical injectables like dermal fillers can be used to help correct minor imbalances, chin implants are often used to correct the flaws of a recessive chin.

Suited mainly to patients who only need a minor change in their chin and have a normal bite, these revolutionary implants can achieve a gentle projection and provide the patient with a natural-looking result. Popular with male and female patients, chin implants can improve the overall shape of the face and boost patient’s self-esteem in the process.

It is essential to assess whether there is an issue with your teeth or the jaw area before it will be clear if chin augmentation surgery using an implant will help you. A full consultation with Mr Ahmed is required to ascertain whether this form of facial treatment is right for you, and will be the best course of action to address your concerns.

Chin augmentation using an implant can often be completed at the same time as a rhinoplasty or other facial surgery. If performed on its own it is usually done under a general anesthetic. As part of the preoperative planning you may have x-rays taken of your face and chin to determine the degree of augmentation and projection. This will be discussed during your consultation with Mr Ahmed, and you’ll be asked to explain your concerns fully before a final treatment decision is made.

During the procedure, small incisions are made on either inside the mouth, underneath the chin or in front of the bottom teeth. A small ‘pocket’ is made in front of the chin bone and under the muscle before the small silicone implant is carefully inserted and adjusted into the correct position.

The placement of the implant will depend on the problem the patient has with the chin, but an implant can help to reshape or enhance the size of the chin depending on the patient’s wishes. This type of surgery can often be fairly quick, taking between 1-2 hours to perform, although this changes person to person.

Because you may have some swelling for months, you may not see the final appearance of your chin and jaw for 3 to 4 months, which is worth considering if you have important plans in the 6 months after your surgery.

Risks and side-effects of chin augmentation using an implant are rare but should be considered prior to booking surgery. As with all forms of cosmetic surgery there is a risk of infection, bleeding and pain post-treatment, and in very rare cases that may be damage to the teeth. These risks are unlikely but must be considered as part of the consultation process. Swelling is inevitable during chin augmentation using an implant, and this may last for 8 or so weeks in some cases.

Seeking the expertise of a specialist facial cosmetic surgeon like Mr Ahmed is key to assess whether this is the right procedure for you. It’s important to remember this type of surgery is about improvement; not seeking perfection. If you think you have a ‘weak’ chin, or believe the balance of your face to be disproportionate, chin implant surgery may help.