The chin augmentation procedure has experienced the greatest surge in cosmetic procedures that patients seek from plastic surgeons. The medical term for a chin implant surgery is mentoplasty or chin reshaping is genioplasty. Doctors suggest the popularity of social media and competitiveness at work play the greatest role in the recent spike in requests. In 2011, the number of chin implants performed increased more than Botox injections, liposuction treatments, and breast augmentations combined. Men reportedly received more chin implant surgeries than women, and patients aged 40 and above were the largest demographic of patients. Of all the areas of the face, the jawline is one of the first features to reveal age.
Following the healing period for chin augmentation surgery (the medical term for a chin implant surgery is mentoplasty or genioplasty), patients have reported that others have noticed the change in their face, and questioned if it was due to weight loss. A well-defined chin can create a streamlined jaw, which is more distinguishable from the neck. Conversely, some people who have lost a great deal of weight can see definition throughout their body, yet the lack of definition of the chin remains. Chin implants can create a wider or longer looking face, or simply enhance the jawline. The Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery gallery of before and after chin augmentation photos shows the dramatic transformation of patients.
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Aside from physical appeal, the chin is a psychological indicator others use to gauge a person’s character traits. Subconsciously, humans view people with strong chins as assertive and athletic; a weak chin could signify the opposite. These traits are read similarly in men and women alike, and may contribute to the self-consciousness of people who dislike their weak chins. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Mark Hamilton, facial plastic surgeon of Indiana, to discuss your facial cosmetic surgery options.
A chin implant surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and most patients can resume their work duties in three days. Review the post-surgery instructions for chin implant recovery. Patients will have stitches for one week and most of the swelling will resolve in this time. Residual swelling may be noticed, typically only by the patient, for 3 to 5 post-operative months.
The cost of the surgery ranges from $4,000 to $7,000, though a more precise quote will be discussed during a consultation. Rhinoplasty surgery is often performed in conjunction with a chin implant to balance the side profile, which will increase the cost of surgery. A patient may also be interested in receiving non-surgical facial treatments, which can also be performed while a person is sedated for the implant procedure.
The implant is most commonly inserted through a sub mental incision, under the chin. In some cases the chin implant is placed intraorally, through incisions hidden inside the mouth. Because Dr. Hamilton specializes in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the face, the risks of negative side effects are rare, and the necessary precautions are always taken. Though less common, patients can also opt to enhance the look of their chin with temporary or permanent injectable dermal fillers. This is considered a non-surgical chin augmentation. Visit Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery online or call 800.597.3223 for more information on chin implants and augmentations.