Chin Augmentation

What is it?

Chin augmentation involves an implant being placed below the surface of the skin and fastened into place with permanent stitches.

Then there's a genioplasty - a more complex op involving the jaw being repositioned or reshaped so that the chin projects forward. Chin augmentation is more common and is often done at the same time as a nose job to improve the profile.

What can it do for you?

People with receding chins are the most likely candidates. A well defined jaw line is seen as being very attractive, whereas a receding chin can make the nose seem bigger and the cheeks look chubbier.

The procedure

Chin implants come in all shapes and sizes and are usually made of silicone or saline (salt water, as is often used for breast implants).

The operation takes around two hours and is usually performed under general anaesthetic. The surgeon will make an incision underneath your chin, slip in the implant and secure it with permanent stitches. Or the incision is made inside the mouth and the implant inserted that way.

Cost

Prices start from around £2,150.

Recovery time

After surgery, he chin is taped up to minimise swelling and bruising. Your head must be kept elevated for around 12 hours and your chin will probably feel tight and sore, which could make talking or eating difficult.

Surgeons may recommend a liquid-only diet and antibiotics for a couple of days. Bruises may appear around your mouth and neck, but these should fade after a week or so.

Patients usually return to work after a week, but strenuous activity is to be avoided for up to a month. In particular, any contact sports should be avoided for as long as possible afterwards.

What can go wrong?

There's a small risk of infection. In the short term, some numbness may occur, but this shouldn't last long. If it does, it may be that the implant is pressing against a facial nerve, so it's advisable to see your surgeon if the numbness persists.

As with all implants, there's a small risk of the scar tissue around the implant hardening, which can cause it to ripple or dimple. Hard scar tissue can also cause the implant to move around, in which case a second operation would probably be needed in order to reposition the chin.

How long does it last?

The results should last indefinitely unless the implant becomes infected, in which case it may need to be removed or replaced.

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