Chin augmentation can be achieved surgically to enhance the shape and size of the chin.  It is done by inducing implants or by manipulating the bones to reshape the chin to the desired state. Chin augmentation is acquired by people who want to provide better balance to their facial features. It is a popular cosmetic procedure specially amongst people who want to improve the facial balance or are suffering from receding chin.

Since chin augmentation deals with manipulating the jaw bones several x-rays will be taken of the face and chin to have an idea which part of the chin to operate on. Some people will simply need implants to be placed for the necessary augmentation and some will require undergoing bone changes.

Chin Augmentation through Implants

For implants the process starts with providing general or local anesthesia along with a medication to relax the patient. An incision is made inside the mouth or outside under the chin to create a pocket for the implant to be placed. This is made right in front of the chin bone under the muscles. There are several types of implants that can be used for chin augmentation including Gore-Tex, ePTFE, Alloderm, Silicone, Teflon, Dacron or any other biological inserts. The implant selected is based on the suitability to the skin.

The person having chin implants might have to go through skin evaluation to find out any reactions to the implants being induced. Once the implants are placed they are attached ot the bone with screws or sutures. The incisions are then closed with stitches which will take about a few days to remove. When the incisions are made inside the mouth the scars are barely visible.

Chin Augmentation through Bone Restructuring

If the chin augmentation process requires changing the bone structure, the incisions are made inside the mouth along the lower gum. Once access to chin bone is made a bone saw or chisel is used to make another cut in the jaw bone. The jaw bone is screwed to the desired position to achieve the desired state. The incision is closed with stitches and bandage is applied. This process will also leave no scars as the incisions are made inside the mouth. This can be a long process and may require 3 hours to complete.

Recovery & Side Effects

The patient may experience moderate level of pain after the surgery which can be subsided with proper medications. The stitches or sutures are removed after a week or two. There will be some amount of swelling which will disappear in two weeks and it can be reduced by using ice packs. The person will also feel difficulty in chewing in the first few days until the implants are set. The complete recovery from the surgery will take 3 to 5 months.

There are some risks to the chin augmentation surgery which includes bruising, pain, infection, implant shift, asymmetry, scarring and capsular contracture. Some of these effects will require re-surgery to be fixed. Other side effects can include blood clots, loss of sensation, damage to teeth and fluid inside skin.