Changing your profile: Is a chin implant right for you?

Do you want to sharpen your look? It might be time to change your profile. No, not your profile pic, your actual profile. A chin implant is one way to build a strong profile and add character to your face.

Chin augmentation, or mentoplasty, is on a slight upswing, according to the 2023 ASPS Procedural Statistics Report. It was up 1 percent in 2023, which may seem like a minimal gain, but chin augmentation is growing in popularity. The small rise may be because it is an excellent procedure to add to other surgical work such as rhinoplasty or a neck lift to add balance and symmetry to the face.

More people are understanding the basics of chin augmentation and considering combining it with other feature-enhancing procedures. Chin implants may be one of the best ways of permanently boosting a person's profile and, by extension, their confidence.

The basics of chin augmentation

What is chin augmentation? It is a cosmetic procedure that helps reshape or refine the lower jawline by enlarging or enhancing the chin. Implants can create width and length plus address issues like a chin that appears too short or lacks projection.

There is a misconception that chin implants are a male-dominated plastic surgery procedure. Many people associate a strong and prominent jawline with masculine features. However, many women also look to improve the look of their profile.

"While both men and women seek chin implants, more chin implant patients in my practice are female," said Lara Devgan, MD. "Often, these surgeries are performed in the context of rhinoplasty, submental (chin) liposuction or neck lift in order to enhance profile balancing."

The surgery maybe the same for both men and women, but the outcome is decidedly different for each gender. Dr. Devgan noted that male patients tend to seek chin implants to help define their faces and create a masculine jawline, while women turn to chin augmentation to balance facial aesthetics. The difference is that most female implants are designed to create an anterior or frontal projection, whereas male implants tend to be used to add width and length to the chin.

Rod Rohrich, MD, FACS, also said that most of his patients are women who combine the procedure with rhinoplasty.

What to expect from chin augmentation?

Before deciding on a chin implant, you'll need a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is an ASPS member. Dr. Devgan said that to determine the proper size and shape of the implant, she starts with a detailed consultation to assess a patient's aesthetic objective, facial structure and overall health.

"I ask patients to share inspiration images of their desired goals to better visually understand their desired outcomes," said Dr. Devgan. "Additionally, I perform precise measurements of the patient to help in selecting the appropriate implant size and shape."

She also mentioned that once an implant is selected, it can be custom designed for the best fit and to give patients unique facial contours that work with their facial anatomy.

Dr. Rohrich said he selects implants based on the sex of the patient and the patient's aesthetic goals.

What can you expect from the procedure itself?

"Patients undergo a thorough preoperative assessment to ensure they are suitable candidates for the procedure," said Dr. Devgan, adding that the procedure itself can take under an hour and is performed under local anesthesia without sedation.

Patients can expect some swelling and bruising immediately after the operation, but a compression bandage can minimize inflammation and help support the implant.

So, how long is the recovery?

"One to two days only," said Dr. Rohrich.

Most patients are able to return to a desk job within one to two days and a physically demanding job in seven to 10 days, with final results visible in about three to six months.

"Strenuous activities and contact sports should be avoided for at least four to six weeks," said Dr. Devgan.

The benefits of chin implants are that they can create a balanced facial profile and improve self-esteem and confidence.

"Unlike fillers, chin implants offer a permanent enhancement," said Dr. Devgan.

However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks of bleeding, infection and potential scarring. In rare situations, the implant can move, shift or be rejected by the body, requiring revision surgery.

Another positive touted by both surgeons is that chin implants are generally long-lasting when appropriately placed and rarely require replacing.

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.