What to Know If You’re Considering a Chin Implant

Do you want to add definition to your jawline or improve facial harmony? It may be time to explore chin enhancement surgery. Chin augmentation with an implant can be an excellent and long-lasting solution to your facial contour concerns.

However, as an invasive surgery, this procedure isn’t for everyone. To find out if you’re a good candidate for chin implant surgery, it helps to know the basics to better understand the procedure and its expected results before scheduling a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Nicholas Howland.

What Is Chin Enhancement Surgery?

Medically termed mentoplasty, chin augmentation involves placing a small implant in the front of the chin bone. The procedure is designed to improve facial contours, particularly of the jawline, and can provide a more naturally attractive balance to the rest of your facial features.

Why Consider Getting a Chin Implant?

There are many reasons why you might consider a chin implant. If you have a naturally small chin or if your facial features feel out of proportion, a chin implant can help you gain confidence about your appearance. In addition, chin enhancement can also have these benefits:

• Reduce the appearance of a double chin
• Improve facial harmony by bringing balance to the nose and chin
• Strengthen a recessed or underdeveloped chin
• Provide a more attractive shape to your neck and jawline

How Is Chin Implant Surgery Performed?

Chin implant surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. You’ll be placed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on your agreed-upon surgical plan. Most chin implant surgeries are completed in less than an hour, although this time will increase if you’re having other procedures done.

During the procedure, Dr. Howland will make a small incision either inside the mouth or underneath the chin. Then, the implant is placed around the chin bone. After placing the implant, sutures are used to close the incision, and the area may be bandaged.

What Does a Chin Implant Look Like?

A chin implant is a small device made from materials that are compatible with the body, typically a hard silicone material. The implant is sculpted to fit the unique shape of your chin bone. Chin implants are available in a variety of sizes, and Dr. Howland will help you choose the chin implant that will provide the most natural-looking results for your aesthetic needs.

Recovering After Chin Implant Surgery

Dr. Howland will provide you with detailed instructions after your chin implant surgery. For most patients, there is very little downtime associated with the procedure, and you can expect to return to work and your other everyday activities within a week.

To minimize swelling and protect the chin during the healing process, Dr. Howland recommends sleeping on your back with your head elevated for at least two weeks. Preliminary results are noticeable shortly after your procedure, but your final appearance will take two or three months to notice once your body fully heals.

Schedule a Consultation

Ready to learn more about how you can benefit from chin implant surgery? The best place to start is in a consultation with Dr. Howland, where he can examine your facial contour and provide surgical recommendations to meet your aesthetic goals, including chin implants and other facial procedures. Schedule your appointment today by calling or by contacting Howland Plastic Surgery online.