Chin Enhancement

This is one of the areas in the face where patients, unlike in other areas, very quickly realize what they don’t like and want it “fixed!” Patients complain of a “weak chin” or small chin, or do not like their side view. It is an extremely noticeable condition that often troubles patients for many years, and once corrected, provides instant improvement, and tremendous satisfaction. It is an extremely satisfying surgery to me and to the patients for this reason and I am pleased to be able to provide this change for you.

Like cheek enhancement surgery, I call this chin “enhancement” because there are a number of very creative options available for correction. The anatomy of the chin area is relatively straightforward. There is the underlying jawbone that defines the foundation or anatomy of this area, and then the overlying fat, and skin. The features of the chin are mostly what you are born with, but can be affected by trauma, or by aging, where some of the bone dissolves and the fat and “chin pad” droops. This area may be related to other nearby features so that there are many different anatomic factors here that must be addressed prior to your surgery. I will coordinate all these different features of your anatomy with your expectations, formulate a plan with you, and guide you through this. In my practice I offer several different options to enlarge and shape the chin area:

• Implants. This is the gold standard. They are “anatomic” in shape and fit over the bone as an exact replica of your existing anatomy. They come in a wide variety of materials, shapes, and sizes to allow for tremendous customization.

• Fat grafting. This often can work well in the chin but has limited application. When used it is very successful and highly predictable, permanent and safe.

• Injectables. Products like Perlane and Restylane and others work well injected into this area. They are very safe and you see your result immediately.

• Botox. This can be administered into the chin when the muscles here are strong and create a lot of irregularity, often referred to as the “complex chin”.

• Genioplasty. This means cutting the bone and repositioning it with screws. It is another option, has limited application, but is all natural and does not require an implant.

In the case of surgery with implants, this involves a relatively short procedure under a light general anesthetic, performed where I do surgery, which is in a hospital setting. The surgery is safe and predictable. There is a small incision under the chin about 1” long. Often liposuction is done at the same time. You see your result immediately. There is only mild to moderate swelling and you appear presentable and may return to work in as little as 2 days, and to some physical exercise within the first week.

I have a great expertise in chin surgery and have performed many of these procedures in patients. I spend a great deal of time discussing your anatomy, listening to your expectations, and interpreting for you what your anatomy and tissues will allow me to do in a safe and predictable way. In addition, I consider your body as a whole and I build a system into every facial surgery that, initially, allows you to recover much quicker and, secondly, it serves to preserve your surgical results. This system includes a special diet, special attention to blood clotting, vitamins, supplements, special garments, skin products, physical training and knowing what to avoid. Together, all of this allows me to create results that are consistently very beautiful, quick to heal, exceptionally natural, and with minimal incisions, especially in the face; an area of such major importance. I am delighted to surgically provide you with such profound yet natural facial image changes, and ones that have consistently so pleased my patients and changed their lives.

For before and after images of this procedure click here

Please call or contact the office for any further information or to schedule an appointment.