Concern: Small chin

Improve the balance of your facial profile with a chin augmentation

Plastic surgery of the chin, also called genioplasty, is performed to improve the balance of your facial profile and correct a “weak” chin. Chin augmentation with implants is the procedure of choice for most patients with normally functioning teeth and jaw development. A biocompatible implant is placed over the bone structure of the lower jaw, augmenting the dimensions of your jaw. Depending on the region augmented, you can create a stronger and/or wider chin, and even lengthen your face.

There are several options available for genioplasty. Aesthetic chin surgery augments the bony structure of your jaw, and can create a stronger chin, make the chin wider, or even slightly lengthen your face. Implants of multiple shapes, sizes, and materials are available, and are chosen depending on the changes desired and the technique utilized. To perform aesthetic chin surgery, the incision is made and a pocket designed to accommodate the implant directly over the bone along the lower jaw. Solid silicon implants can be placed through a small incision under the chin.

When other rigid biocompatible materials (such as Medpor) are used for chin augmentation, an incision inside the mouth is utilized.

The chin implant is secured in place either by designing a well-fitting pocket, or affixing it to soft tissue or bone. The incision is closed, completing the chin augmentation. Usually the entire operation takes about 30 to 45 minutes to complete.

When considering aesthetic chin surgery with a chin implant, you should be aware that certain patients are better served with other surgical approaches. If you have a severely weak chin, or abnormally functioning jaw, a genioplasty or mandibular advancement surgery maybe appropriate. Dr. Karl Schwarz will tell you which procedures are right for you.