Chin
Augmentation

Facial beauty evolves with age, as our skin loses elasticity and soft tissues lose volume or descend. With time, facial bones can resorb in certain areas which causes loss of support for overlying soft tissues. These changes all affect the light reflexes and shadows which define the contours of our face. For some patients, genetic deficiencies in facial structure, such as a small chin, can also contribute to inadequate support for tissue or facial imbalance. A fundamental concept in Facial Plastic Surgery is enhancement of facial contours to produce a youthful, balanced and natural appearing face.

CHIN AND JAW AUGMENTATION

The jawbone (mandible ) provides framework for the lower third of the face and plays a critical role in defining facial beauty. A prominent, well-defined jawbone gives the impression of confidence and assertiveness. The chin provides also balance to other facial features, especially in the profile view, as well as lending support for the lower lip and muscles of the lower face. As we age, the jawbone undergoes slight resorption, decreasing in height and projection. This can worsen the marionette lines. A small jaw bone (micrognathia) or small chin (microgenia) can also be genetically inherited traits. For these reasons, a chin or jawbone augmentation is an excellent treatment option to improve your facial aesthetics.

A chin augmentation can be performed using injectable filler (hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxyapatite) or using an implant. Filler can be used to build volume along the angle of the mandible on each side, to improve the width of the lower face. It can also be used along the length of the jawline to improve angularity, and in the front of the chin to improve projection and definition. Fillers offer a safe and effective option for jaw augmentation, with relatively no recovery time.

Chin implants have undergone significant advancements in material and shape over the last decade. Implants are available in different sizes and shapes, and selected based on the natural anatomy of a patient’s jawbone and the desired areas of augmentation. Silicone implants are commonly used and are customizable during surgery in order to perfectly shape the implant for the patient’s jawbone. Chin augmentation can be performed under local anesthesia in the office, with relatively little post-operative discomfort or downtime.