Chin Augmentation - Chin Implant, Profile Enhancement, Facial Balance, Benefits, Recovery, Risks, Cost

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Benefits

: Balanced Profile

A properly projected chin creates harmony between your nose, lips, and jawline, often making a large nose appear smaller without rhinoplasty.

Subtle Yet Significant

Friends and family rarely identify chin augmentation as the reason you look better. They simply notice you look more attractive.

Immediate Results

Unlike procedures that require months to see final results, chin augmentation delivers visible improvement immediately after surgery.

Quick Recovery

Most patients return to work within 3-5 days. No special dressings or wraps required, and the implant is stable even with normal contact.

Expected Results

Chin augmentation creates results that are subtle yet significant. Most people who see you after surgery won't be able to identify exactly what changed. They'll simply think you look more attractive, more balanced, more confident. The procedure improves your appearance without announcing that you've had plastic surgery.

Profile Transformation

The most dramatic improvement is visible from the side. A properly projected chin creates a balanced relationship between your nose, lips, and jawline. Many patients who initially wanted rhinoplasty discover that chin augmentation alone achieves the balance they were seeking.

Front View Enhancement

Chin implants affect more than your profile. Extended implants can create a more angular lower face in men or a heart-shaped face in women. The width and shape of the implant selected will subtly reshape how your face appears from the front.

Neck Definition

A stronger chin creates better distinction between the face and neck. Combined with neck liposuction when needed, chin augmentation can dramatically improve the cervicomental angle and create a more youthful, defined appearance.

Real Patient Results

Browse our extensive gallery to see the natural, symmetrical results Dr. Neavin achieves.

OPEN GALLERY

Technical Specifications

Understanding Facial Balance

The chin exists in relationship to every other facial feature. Mathematical principles guide proper chin projection: as a general rule, the chin should project beyond an imaginary line drawn from the tip of the nose to the lower lip when viewed in profile. But numbers are only part of the equation. The chin must also balance with the jawline, cheeks, and forehead from the front view. Men and women have different ideal chin proportions. Men typically benefit from stronger, more angular chins that create a masculine jawline. Women generally want balanced projection without excessive width or angularity. Dr. Neavin evaluates each patient individually, considering both the mathematical ideals and the specific aesthetic goals. Many patients who believe they need rhinoplasty actually need chin augmentation. A recessed chin makes the nose appear larger by comparison. Simply bringing the chin forward into balance can make the nose look appropriately sized without any surgery to the nose itself.

Implant Options

Chin implants are made of solid silicone, a material that has been used safely in facial surgery for decades. The implants come in various sizes and shapes:

Projection: Implants range from subtle (a few millimeters of added projection) to significant (creating a dramatic profile change). The amount of projection needed depends on your current anatomy and goals.

Width: Some implants are narrow, adding projection only to the central chin. Extended implants wrap around the jawline, creating a more angular lower third of the face. Extended implants are often chosen for men seeking a stronger jawline or for patients with round faces who want more definition.

Shape: Implants can be anatomically shaped to mimic natural chin contours or designed to create specific aesthetic effects. The shape selected depends on whether you want to maintain your current chin appearance with more projection or subtly reshape the lower face.

During your consultation, Dr. Neavin will show you sample implants so you can see and feel what will be placed. He will recommend specific sizes and shapes based on your facial analysis and desired outcome.

Surgical Approaches

External (Submental) Approach: A small incision (approximately 2 centimeters) is placed under the chin in a natural crease. This approach offers the best visibility during surgery, allowing precise pocket creation and implant placement. The mentalis muscle that supports the chin pad remains intact. The scar heals remarkably well and is virtually invisible during normal interaction. This is Dr. Neavin’s preferred approach for most patients.

Intraoral Approach The incision is placed inside the mouth in the lower gum area. There is no external scar. However, this approach requires dividing the mentalis muscle, which in rare cases can cause mild descent of the chin pad over time. The surgical field is also more limited, and the incision is exposed to oral bacteria, potentially increasing infection risk.

Both approaches are safe and effective in experienced hands. Dr. Neavin will discuss which approach is best for your situation, considering your preferences regarding scarring, your anatomy, and whether you’re combining chin augmentation with other procedures.

Alternative Options

Dermal Fillers: Injectable fillers can provide temporary chin enhancement without surgery. Results may last up to two years depending on the product used. Fillers are an excellent option for patients who want to “test” chin augmentation before committing to an implant or who prefer non-surgical options. However, fillers require ongoing maintenance and can become expensive over time compared to a permanent implant.

Fat Grafting: During facial fat grafting procedures, Dr. Neavin can inject fat into the chin for subtle, permanent enhancement. Fat provides a natural feel but is less predictable than implants for significant projection changes. Fat grafting to the chin works best for patients who need only mild augmentation or who are already having fat grafting elsewhere on the face.

Sliding Genioplasty: This is a more invasive procedure where the chin bone itself is cut and repositioned forward. Genioplasty can correct both projection and bite issues, making it appropriate for patients with significant overbites or underbites. However, it carries more risks, requires longer recovery, and is generally reserved for cases where an implant cannot achieve the desired result.

Patient Profile

Candidates

Ideal Candidates

Profile appears weak or recessed when viewed from the side
Nose appears disproportionately large relative to chin
Desire a stronger, more defined jawline (particularly men)
Face lacks balance between upper and lower thirds
Good skin elasticity and realistic expectations
Non-smokers in good overall health

Not Ideal Candidates

Significant overbite or underbite requiring jaw surgery (genioplasty)
Unrealistic expectations about how much change is possible
Those unwilling to accept any visible scarring (external approach)
Active infections or untreated dental issues
Medical conditions that impair healing

Estimated Investment

$5,000 – $8,000

Chin augmentation cost varies based on the surgical approach, whether the procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, and whether it's combined with other procedures. Standalone chin augmentation under local anesthesia in the office represents the lower end of this range. When combined with rhinoplasty, facial fat grafting, neck liposuction, or other procedures under general anesthesia, the total cost will be higher but reflects the added surgical time and facility fees. Your quote includes the surgeon's fee, implant cost, anesthesia (if applicable), facility fees, and all standard follow-up appointments. Chin augmentation is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance.

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Chin Augmentation Combined with Other Procedures

Surgery Day Journey

Arrival & Preparation

You'll arrive at the surgical facility and be greeted by our team. Pre-operative photos are taken if not already completed. You'll change into a surgical gown and meet with Dr. Neavin to review the surgical plan and implant selection. The surgical sites are marked and you'll have the opportunity to ask any final questions.

Anesthesia

For standalone chin augmentation, you may have the option of local anesthesia with oral sedation (you're awake but relaxed and numb) or general anesthesia (fully asleep). If combining with other procedures, general anesthesia is typically used. The anesthesia team ensures your complete comfort throughout.

The Procedure

Dr. Neavin makes the planned incision (external under the chin or inside the mouth) and creates a precise pocket directly on the bone. The mental nerve is carefully protected throughout. The implant is placed into the pocket and positioned symmetrically. The incision is closed with sutures. The entire procedure takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

The Artisan Promise

Comprehensive
Aftercare Support

Rest with your head elevated for the first few days to minimize swelling. Avoid bending over or straining. Light walking is encouraged starting day one. Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and activities that could result in contact to the chin for 2-3 weeks. Sleep on your back initially to avoid putting pressure on the implant.

Activity Guidelines

Incision & Oral Care

For external incisions, keep the area clean and apply antibiotic ointment as directed. Avoid getting the incision wet for the first 48 hours. For intraoral incisions, rinse gently with prescribed mouthwash after meals. Eat soft foods for the first few days and avoid using a straw. Take all prescribed antibiotics as directed.

What to Expect

Swelling peaks around day 2-3 then steadily improves. Bruising is uncommon but may occur. The chin will feel tight and somewhat numb initially. This is normal and resolves over weeks to months. The implant is stable immediately and will not move with normal facial movements, eating, or even contact. Call our office if you experience increasing pain, fever, significant swelling, or any concerns.

Healing Timeline

Every patient heals differently, but this timeline offers a general guide for your return to daily life.

Phase 1: Days 1-3

Expect swelling and mild discomfort around the chin and lower face. The chin will feel tight. Pain is manageable with prescribed oral medication. If an external incision was used, keep the area clean and dry. If an intraoral approach was used, eat soft foods and rinse gently after meals. Avoid strenuous activity.

Phase 2: Days 4-7

Most swelling subsides significantly. Many patients return to work and normal activities by day 4-5. If external sutures were placed, they're typically removed around day 7. The chin may still feel firm or slightly numb, which is normal. You can resume light exercise.

Weeks 2-4

Residual swelling continues to resolve. Any numbness typically improves steadily. The implant feels increasingly natural as tissues settle around it. You can gradually return to all normal activities including more vigorous exercise. Avoid direct trauma to the chin.

Months 2-6

All swelling has resolved and the implant has fully integrated. Any temporary numbness should be resolved or nearly resolved. The external scar (if applicable) continues to mature and fade. Your final result is visible, and the chin feels completely natural to the touch and with facial expressions.

Safety &
Potential Risks

Chin augmentation is one of the safest facial procedures performed. The surgery is relatively quick, the anatomy is straightforward, and complications are rare. However, as with any surgery, risks exist and you should understand them before proceeding.

Important Considerations

Numbness: Temporary numbness of the lower lip and chin is common and usually resolves within weeks to months. Permanent numbness is rare but possible if the mental nerve is injured.
Infection: Uncommon but can occur, particularly with the intraoral approach. Infections may require implant removal, treatment with antibiotics, and delayed reimplantation.
Implant malposition: If the pocket is not created precisely, the implant can shift or sit asymmetrically. Revision surgery may be needed to correct positioning.
Bone erosion: Over many years, the pressure of an implant can cause slight erosion of the underlying bone. This is generally not clinically significant but may be visible on X-rays.
Dissatisfaction with size: Some patients feel their implant is too large or too small. Fortunately, implants can be exchanged or removed easily under local anesthesia.
Chin pad descent (ptosis): If the mentalis muscle is divided (intraoral approach), the soft tissue of the chin may descend slightly over time. This is usually mild and can be corrected if needed.
Hematoma/seroma: Collection of blood or fluid around the implant. Usually resolves on its own but may require drainage in some cases.
Scarring: The external approach leaves a small scar under the chin. While typically well-hidden, some patients may develop visible or thickened scars.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is chin augmentation?

Chin augmentation uses a silicone implant placed through a small incision (either under the chin or inside the mouth) to increase projection of the chin. The implant rests on the bone in a precisely created pocket, providing permanent enhancement to the profile and facial balance.

How do I know if I need a chin implant?

A profile photo is the best way to assess chin projection. Generally, your chin should project beyond a line drawn from your nose tip to your lower lip. But beyond measurements, if you feel your profile is weak, your face looks unbalanced, or your nose appears too large, a chin implant may help. During consultation, Dr. Neavin will analyze your facial proportions and show you how augmentation would affect your appearance.

Will a chin implant make me look masculine?

No. Implant selection is customized to your gender and aesthetic goals. Women typically receive implants that add projection without excessive width or angularity. Men often choose extended implants for a stronger jawline. Dr. Neavin carefully selects implant size and shape to enhance your features appropriately.

Can I remove the implant if I don't like it?

Yes. Silicone chin implants are smooth and not attached to bone. Removal can be performed easily in the office under local anesthesia. The chin generally returns to its pre-surgical appearance without sagging or deformity.

Where is the incision and will there be a visible scar?

There are two options. The external approach places a 2 cm incision under the chin in a natural crease. This scar is virtually invisible during normal interaction. The intraoral approach places the incision inside the lower gum, leaving no external scar. Dr. Neavin will discuss which approach is best for you.

Dr. Tim Neavin

The Artisan

Artistry Meets
Surgical Precision

Chin augmentation requires an understanding of facial aesthetics that goes far beyond simply placing an implant. The chin must balance with the nose, lips, jawline, and cheeks to create harmony. Dr. Neavin approaches chin augmentation with precise mathematical analysis combined with artistic judgment. He evaluates each face from multiple angles, considering how even subtle changes to chin projection will affect the entire facial profile and front view. His expertise allows him to recommend whether a chin implant alone will achieve your goals or whether combining it with other procedures will create the most balanced result.

Facial Harmony Expertise

Board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive facial surgery experience
Combines chin augmentation with rhinoplasty, facial fat grafting, and neck procedures
Uses mathematical facial analysis to determine ideal projection and implant shape
Performs both intraoral and external approaches based on individual patient needs
Honest evaluation of whether chin augmentation alone will achieve your goals

Diplomate American Board of
Plastic Surgery

Philosophy "Surgery with
Symmetry"

Beverly Hills & Santa Barbara

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Schedule your private consultation with Dr. Neavin today.

Chin Augmentation The subtle procedure that transforms your entire face