Chin Surgery

Do you have a double chin, turkey neck or jaw structure that you find unappealing? If so, even diet and exercise cannot alter your chin line. Aesthetic chin surgery may help to enhance the ergonomic appearance of your facial profile, as well as helping to strengthen your jaw. Sometimes DNA is the culprit and you may have inherited a neck and jaw that is less pronounced, making it more susceptible to sagging or loss of elasticity as you get older.

Am I a Candidate for Chin Surgery?

A chin augmentation is a great solution for people who have normal, functioning jaw structure, yet whose chin seems to lack any kind of definition. There are many advantages of getting a chin augmentation or chin implants. Short term fillers do not last; therefore you may find yourself back at the plastic surgeon within a year to get it refilled. Chin surgery is the only permanent solution to fix a weak jawline, which will help you look better, eat better and create a lasting transformation.

Many patients opt to combine chin surgery with other facial surgeries, such as a rhinoplasty, neck lift, lipo or lip surgery. Dr. Humberto Palladino has many years of experience and is an award-winning plastic surgeon. Whether your chin augmentation is minor or major, you can trust him to get your jawline looking better and working to its fullest potential.

The Procedure – What to Expect

The first step in seeking chin surgery is to come in and discuss chin implants or chin augmentation with Dr. Palladino. Depending on your height and build, he will show you the potential outcome on a remarkable imaging system. Chin implants are available in various shapes, sizes, and materials. You can choose the look you like best, as you will collaborate with Dr. Palladino to achieve the look you want.

Once you decide to do it, Dr. Palladino will recommend preparing for chin surgery. You should quit smoking at least two weeks beforehand, as well as getting stocked up with supplies such as bandages and ice packs. Never eat or drink for at least eight to ten hours before your chin surgery. Don’t use any shaving cream, lotions, makeup or creams on your face and neck. Ask a relative or friend to drive you to and from the procedure, as you may feel rather groggy.

Chin augmentation surgery will require local anesthesia or general anesthesia for optimal comfort, which largely depends upon the extent of your procedure. Most people prefer general anesthesia to avoid having to feel anything or be awake while the chin surgery is performed. Dr. Palladino will work diligently for approximately two to three hours, if your surgery is done in conjunction with other cosmetic surgeries.

Chin Surgery Techniques

Except in differentiating circumstances, the most common chin surgery incision for chin implants is made along the natural jawline, usually inside the mouth or right under it. After the incision is made, Dr. Palladino gently stretches the tissue to place the implant. A special “pocket” holds the implant over the lower jaw bone, and then Dr. Palladino seals up the incision along the crease. After it heals, you will barely notice any marks. It is a smooth process.

The small incision inside your mouth or just underneath your chin is barely detectable and only big enough to apply the silicone chin implant. Nine times out of ten, a solid, silicone chin implant is used. It feels and looks like normal tissue, so you will not see any bumps or weird spots. The chin implant is shaped to fit your facial contours. Dr. Palladino inserts the chin silicone implant into the pocket.

The chin implant is positioned securely and accurately into the pocket, or it can be fastened onto the jaw bone and tissue directly. Special surgical tape is placed to protect the implant while your face heals. The tape is applied to the lower part of the chin along the jaw. If you are having a chin reduction, the incisions are done the same way, except with no implant. Dr. Palladino will sculpt the jaw bone to a desirable size and contour.

The Recovery

After completing your chin surgery and augmentation, the caring team will apply dressing to your chin around the sensitive area. It should be left on for a few days. Your jawline and face may feel tender, sore or bruised. The doctor may prescribe some medications to ease the postoperative discomfort. Biting and chewing should be minimal, so opt for eating soft foods, such as soup or milkshakes for a few days after the chin augmentation. Your face may feel tightness, stretched, swollen and light bleeding may occur. Not to worry, these discomforts will subside after approximately one week, but if you notice anything out of the ordinary, call our office right away.

Approximately six weeks following your chin surgery, your chin will finally start to look the way it should and you will be able to see the results. Remember, it takes time to heal, so you may want to postpone any major social obligations during the recovery phase of your chin surgery. Eventually your chin will be stronger and more defined, which will really make a difference in your self-confidence!

What are the Risks with Chin Implants or Surgery?

As with any type of surgery, chin surgery comes with risks. Although you do not have to worry about your chin implants slipping out of place or hurting your natural facial contours, bones and tissues, the other risks are mostly associated with the surgery itself.

• Minimal risk of implant shifting
• Thin jaw bones could have resorption
• Muscle or tissue damage
• Body rejecting chin implants
• Excess bleeding
• Lower face or lip nerve damage potential
• Possible infection leading to removal of chin implant

Keep in mind that these complications are very rare. You can feel confident having chin augmentation surgery done by our board-certified plastic surgeon and accredited facility. We have a top notch outpatient center with a highly knowledgeable and reputable staff to make you feel as comfortable as possible.

Pricing

Some patients need chin surgery for functional reasons, especially those who have trouble chewing, biting, swallowing or who are uncomfortable. Patients who have suffered from an injury or accident could require chin surgery to return the functional and aesthetic use of their jaws back to normal.

The range of cost is between $2,000 to $3,500 for chin augmentations. The difference in the price varies depending on which type of chin implants you choose, as well as whether you opt for the twilight sedation or general anesthesia. Most patients prefer general anesthesia for maximum comfort.

You can get a quote for your chin surgery during the consultation, whereupon you may also see the end result through the imaging system.

Combining Chin Surgery with Other Procedures

Having a well-defined chin helps to create facial balance and symmetry. It is thought that having a “weak” chin can make you feel less confident, such as those whose chin might seem to connect or blend in with their neck without the pronunciation of a jawline. Although chin implants are not something specific that people ask for in a plastic surgeon’s office as commonly as other types of facelift procedures, it is often done in conjunction with other cosmetic enhancements.

Face procedures that can partner well with a chin augmentation include:

• Neck Lift Surgery
• Otoplasty
• Lip Augmentation
• PRP for Facial Rejuvenation
• Lipo
• Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
• Blepharoplasty
• Rhinoplasty (nose job)

Depending on your particular facial structure and jawline, aesthetic chin surgery can fortify a weak chin by augmenting its bony contour. Dr. Palladino can lengthen, widen, or make subtle changes to your jaw to give it more definition. When combined with lipo or neck lift surgery, this will make a remarkable difference in the way your chin looks and also the way you bite and chew, talk, and even help with sleep issues.

Learn More About Chin Surgery

For more information about chin surgery, please contact our plastic surgery team, led by respected surgeon Dr. Humberto Palladino. Dr. Palladino would be pleased to meet with you to discuss your cosmetic goals and come up with a plan to achieve them. Please contact us at 866-624-7874 or schedule a one-on-one consultation.