Philosophy: My philosophy for facial implants is that they should be positioned in
a space created immediately above the bone. They should be immobile and not
placed in the loose tissues of the face so that they move around. The patient
should be unaware of a foreign substance and the implant should be a seamless
part of their body shape and image.
Age Group: Chin augmentation is indicated for two distinct groups:
Young adults with deficient chin development. These patients may also
need a simultaneous reduction of the nose.
Young and older patients with poor definition of the neck who also require
a neck lift often combined with a lower facelift.
Surgical Technique: A small incision is made in the crease beneath the chin. A
space is created next to the bone for the implant. The space is washed with
antibiotic and the implant is positioned. After making sure that the size and
position of the implant is ideal, the wound is closed. In the case of patients
requiring more neck definition the procedure may be combined with a neck and
lower facelift as well as liposuction of the neck.
Implant: A solid silicone implant is used. This type of implant is easily placed
without excessive trauma to the tissue and it can be removed or changed without
difficulty. A wide range of sizes and shapes is available to create the best contour
for that particular individual.
Options: Injections of Perlane or New-Fill may allow soft tissue correction but the
results last for 6-24 months and are not permanent. The result is less predictable
although no surgery is required. Fat injection is inconsistent and results may be
short-lived.
Recovery: Bruising is usually minimal but can occur. Swelling lasts for about a
week. The contour will continue to change after this point and the final appearance
will not be apparent until six months after surgery.
Risks and complications: Potentials risks of all surgery are bleeding and
infection. Specific risks of placement of a chin implant are damage to the nerves
providing sensation and movement to the lips. Surgery is performed in the space
next to the bone so that the implant is safely positioned and the nerves are
protected. The mental nerve which provides sensation is often identified and by
using the space next to the bone, the marginal mandibular nerve which provides
movement to the face, is protected as it passes above the bone in the overlying
muscle. Transient weakness of both nerves is possible after surgery. Other risks
of surgery are asymmetry of the implant, wrong position or wrong size. For these
reasons all of these factors are evaluated during surgery to obtain the best result.
Please see our consent form for a detailed description of potential risks and
complications.
Related procedures: Chin implants can be combined with a rhinoplasty or a
facelift. A patient with a large nose may also have a small chin. Facelift patients
with a flattened chin or sagging of the chin pad or lack of neck contour, do well
with a chin augmentation.
More information for facial plastic surgery procedures.
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Body Contouring Procedures 
