Your Top Chin Augmentation Options
May 31, 2023 | Chin Enhancement
5 Minute Read:
The size and shape of your chin can significantly impact your appearance and confidence.
A small or “weak” chin can distort the facial structure and cause women and men to seek cosmetic surgery to improve their facial symmetry and balance. Alternatively, a prominent or large chin can also affect facial aesthetics and self-image, causing some women to feel less feminine.
Augmentation Options for a Weak Chin
Genioplasty is a surgical procedure that involves enhancing the size and projection of the chin and can be achieved by using implants or other filling materials or by reshaping the existing bone structure.
Chin Implants
Chin implants are made of biocompatible materials and are available in various sizes and shapes to suit each patient’s individual needs. These implants fit just over the chin bone to add volume and projection.
Two popular chin implant material options are polyethylene and silicone. While silicone may have been more widely used in the past, porous polyethylene, which is firm, sterile, and sponge-like, offers more consistent results with fewer risks of complications.
Benefits of chin implants include:
- With porous polyethylene, the patient’s natural tissue fills the open cells to keep the implant in the correct position, reducing the complications associated with silicone.
- These implants can be placed through an incision inside the mouth or under the chin, leaving little to no visible scarring.
Issues seen with silicone chin implants include that they can move out of position or cause tissue contracture and resorption (loss of bone mass).
Fat Transfer Chin Augmentation
Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, is a surgical procedure that involves transferring fat from one area of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, to the chin.
The fat is harvested using liposuction and purified before being injected into the chin to provide additional volume and projection.
Fat transfer offers several benefits, including:
- Natural-looking results – Fat transfer provides natural-looking results, as the fat is harvested from the patient’s body.
- No risk of rejection or allergic reaction – Because the fat used in the procedure is from the patient, there is no risk of rejection or allergic reaction.
Fat transfer can also be combined with other chin augmentation methods.
Bone Reshaping for Chin Augmentation
Sometimes, chin augmentation is performed by reshaping the existing bone, which is cut and repositioned to achieve the desired shape and projection.
Benefits of bone reshaping include:
- Permanent results – Bone reshaping is a long-lasting solution for chin augmentation.
- Natural results – Bone reshaping can provide natural-looking results, as the chin’s new shape is created using the patient’s own bone.
This option is often used in patients with a weak or recessed chin due to genetics or injury.
Dermal (Facial) Fillers for Chin Augmentation
Dermal fillers are a non-surgical chin augmentation option. Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as the RHA® Collection, JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, and more, are commonly used for this procedure. The filler is injected into the chin for additional volume and projection.
Benefits of dermal fillers include:
- Quick and convenient – Dermal filler injections are a fast and convenient procedure that can be performed in-office with little to no downtime.
- Temporary chin augmentation results – Dermal fillers offer temporary results, making them a good option for patients who want to test the look before committing to permanent augmentation.
Chin Reduction
Chin reduction, also known as mentoplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves reducing the size and projection of the chin. This outcome can be achieved by reshaping the bone or removing excess soft tissue.
Bone Reshaping
Chin reduction through bone reshaping may involve one of two options:
Selective chin burring – This option uses a power burr to reduce or reshape the chin by incrementally removing small portions of the bone.
Chin burring is commonly used in women with prominent or squared chins to sculpt more feminine angles. It can also remove chin dimples and clefts.
Reduction osteoplastic genioplasty – When more extensive correction is desired, precise cuts are made on each side of the chin; the middle bony segment is removed, and the remaining portions are moved back and secured to the jaw.
Benefits of Chin Augmentation and Chin Reduction Procedures
Reshaping a weak or prominent chin can improve the following cosmetic, psychological, and functional conditions:
Facial Asymmetry
Chin augmentation or reduction can improve the overall symmetry and balance of the face, creating a more harmonious appearance.
Gender Identity
Chin augmentation or reduction reshapes the contours of the lower face, creating a defined and attractive jawline that can be either more masculine or feminine. This is commonly a part of both feminization and masculinization procedures.
Lack of Confidence and Self-Esteem
Chin augmentation can increase self-confidence and self-esteem by addressing cosmetic concerns to create a more aesthetically pleasing facial appearance.
Which Cosmetic Chin Option Is Right for You?
Your decision to undergo chin augmentation or reduction should be made after a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in facial surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Weinfeld will evaluate your facial features and discuss the best options to meet your needs.
Cosmetic Chin Surgery in Austin, TX
Chin augmentation offers enhanced facial symmetry and contour, while chin reduction can provide a more refined and proportional appearance and improved function in some cases.
Dr. Adam Weinfeld is a board-certified plastic surgeon providing individuals in and around Austin, Texas, with advanced chin augmentation and reduction options. He combines scientific principles with surgical artistry to deliver ideal results for a diverse patient population, and his helpful team is here to answer your questions.
Call (512) 508-8107 to learn more about your Austin chin augmentation options or to schedule a consultation today!