Telephone: 212.988.180035A East 84th Street, New York, NY 10028

Chin Implant (Chin Augmentation)

Chin Implant & Chin Augmentation in New York

The shape and position of the chin can have a powerful impact on overall facial aesthetics.  When the chin is too small or recessed, it not only affects the jaw line and facial profile, it can also make the neck look fleshy, the face appear overly round, and a normal-sized nose look too large.  Even subtle changes to the size and projection of the chin can bring about dramatic improvements in facial balance and harmony. Chin implant (chin augmentation) is an excellent option to enhance chin size, shape, and position, most commonly by inserting implants to bring the chin forward.  In rare cases, a severely recessed chin may be improved with a surgical procedure to reposition the bone.  Often, chin augmentation is combined with other facial cosmetic procedures for even better results, including rhinoplasty (nose surgery), neck lift, and liposuction to sculpt and shape the neck.*  At Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, our advanced computer imaging system can help you “see” how chin augmentation alone, or together with other procedures, can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

WHAT CAN CHIN AUGMENTATION DO FOR ME?*
Bring forward and enhance a receded or “weak” chin
Create a stronger jaw line
Produce a more balanced facial profile
Improve chin and jaw line definition in a rounded face

Who is a good candidate for chin augmentation?

People with a small or receded chin, a poorly defined neck line, or an overly rounded face may be good candidates for chin augmentation.  People who are looking to improve overall facial balance and proportion may also be benefit from this procedure.  Dr. Levine will gladly meet with you to discuss whether you are a good candidate for chin augmentation surgery. 

CHIN AUGMENTATION AT A GLANCE
Procedure* Recovery* Post-Op Care*
Performed in our accredited in-office surgical facility

Go home same day

Sutures in the mouth will dissolve on their own; any sutures under the chin will be removed in 5-7 days
Surgery time approximately 1 hour Back to work in
4-7 days
A soft diet is recommended for the first week
Twilight anesthesia Light cardio exercise in 5 days  
  More strenuous exercise in 2 weeks  

Can chin augmentation be combined with other procedures?

Chin augmentation is often combined with rhinoplasty (nose surgery) in order to improve the overall facial profile.  Chin augmentation is also frequently combined with traditional liposuction, laser liposuction, and neck lift surgery.  Some patients elect to combine chin augmentation with other cosmetic procedures, such as facelift, neck lift, cheek lift, and cheek augmentation.  Dr. Levine will discuss with you what procedure or combination of procedures may best suit your specific needs. 

How is chin augmentation performed?

For the majority of patients, chin augmentation is performed by inserting a special chin implant to enhance the existing bone.  During the procedure, Dr. Levine may make intraoral incisions (inside the mouth), or submental incisions (just under the chin).  The technique used will depend on the specific anatomy and needs of each patient, but in both cases, the incisions are either non-visible or well-hidden once healed.  After the incision is made, a pocket is formed in the facial tissue, the chin implant is placed, and the incision is sutured closed.  In select cases where the chin recession is more severe, Dr. Levine may elect to perform a surgical procedure to physically move the jaw bone forward (sliding genioplasty).  During the sliding genioplasty procedure the jaw bone will be cut, repositioned, and secured in place with a small plate and screws.  There is no need for an implant with this procedure.  Dr. Levine will discuss with you which chin augmentation technique will best suit your specific needs.   

What type of implants are used for chin augmentation?

Chin implants are made from soft, flexible, biocompatible materials, such as silicone or polyethylene (Medpor implant).  Chin implants are available in a variety of shapes and sizes.  Dr. Levine will discuss with you your aesthetic goals and may use advanced computer imaging to help you choose the chin implant that will best suit your specific needs.    

Chin Augmentation Before And After Chin Implants Before And After   

* Patients individual results may vary.

How can I prepare for chin augmentation?

During your initial consultation, Dr. Levine will examine your facial structure, including the shape and position of the chin, the jaw line definition, and your overall facial balance.  Advanced computer imaging will be used to show how chin augmentation will change your profile, as well as to determine whether other procedures, such as rhinoplasty and liposuction, can help improve overall facial aesthetics.  Dr. Levine will thoroughly discuss your goals and expectations, including possible risks and the best way to prepare for your surgery.  He will let you know what to expect before, during, and after your procedure, and he will answer any questions that you may have. 

What type of anesthesia will be used?

We recommend twilight anesthesia for chin augmentation.  You will discuss your procedure thoroughly with both Dr. Levine and our board-certified anesthesiologist to determine the best type of anesthesia for your needs. 

What should I expect during chin augmentation surgery?

Chin augmentation surgery is performed on an outpatient basis in our state-of-the-art, in-office operating suite, which is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).  The length of your procedure will depend on many factors, but on average, the procedure usually takes about an hour.*  After your procedure, you will wake up in our warm and caring recovery suite, where our licensed, registered nurse will make sure you are comfortable and assist in your recovery.  You will be able to go home the same day with a friend or family member. 

What can I expect after chin augmentation surgery?

Every surgery is different, and you will receive detailed post-operative instructions for your specific needs.  In general, you may expect to have mild to moderate swelling for 1 week after your procedure.  We recommend a soft diet for the first week after surgery.  Most patients report mild discomfort, which is usually well-tolerated with medications.*  At Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, our concern for you doesn’t end when you go home.  We’re dedicated to providing ongoing care to ensure a fast, safe, and smooth recovery.  Dr. Levine will see you for post-operative visits, and he and our staff stand ready to answer any questions you may have about your recovery, as well as your overall health and well-being. 

How can I find out more about chin augmentation?

Dr. Elie Levine will be happy to meet with you to discuss chin augmentation. Please call our office at 212-988-1800, or make an appointment online for a personal consultation in our New York City offices.