Chin augmentation describes the process of placing a chin implant into the chin to improve the appearance of a weak or small chin. A small chin can make someone less attractive both in the frontal and the side profile views. A weak chin can also make a nose appear too large and throw off the balance of one’s facial features. The type of implant that Dr. Lam prefers to use is known as an extended anatomic implant made of silicone. He finds silicone to be the ideal material because it does not compress (unlike Gore-Tex), stays very stable, and is easily removable (unlike MedPor). The chin implant, once done, is a permanent solution that provides a lifetime of enjoyment.
Introduction
Chin augmentation can be a life-changing procedure for many who have suffered from an imbalanced lower face with a retrusive chin appearance. Sometimes a relatively small chin implant will sufficiently change the shape of the lower face but at times larger chin augmentation is required. Dr. Lam uses what is known as an extended anatomic chin implant that effectively improves the entire anterior jawline and that smoothly blends into the sides of the lower face. The procedure can be effectively combined with other types of surgeries like a deep neck lift/face lift or rhinoplasty for improvements in overall facial appearance and balance
The degree of chin augmentation is based on certain rules like the Gonzalez-Ulloa line (shown below), which has gender differences, along with Dr. Lam’s aesthetic judgment, and dialogue with you for what you are expecting and desiring. It is important when seeking overall facial balance that the chin not be overly augmented simply to compensate for other facial deficiencies. For example, if the neck is truly too full or sagging, a very large chin implant will not fix the neck and may just throw the lower face off balance. Instead, a facelift in combination with a chin implant can provide ideal balance.
Similarly for a very large nose, at times, a rhinoplasty is needed rather than simply an extra-large chin implant
As an artist, Dr. Lam renders his judgment of what procedures can help with total facial balance and appearance.This page will explore more in depth the nature of the chin implant that Dr. Lam uses and why, the procedure itself, and the recovery along with FAQs, videos, testimonials, and before-and-after photos with further links to other supportive pages for more photos, videos, etc. If you should have more questions than this page can provide for you, please come to Dr. Lam for an in-depth, personalized consultation where he can meet with you, discuss your objectives, size you for a proper implant, and even do 3D imaging to show you the proposed effect on your face that a chin implant can offer you.
Key Points:
- Dr. Lam uses an extended anatomic implant and likes to refer to the procedure as truly a “jawline implant”. In the old days, “button” implants were used that had problems after a while because these short implants could shift over time. Dr. Lam’s implant has wings that are tucked under the periosteum (lining of the bone) and placed under the mentalis (chin) muscle so that it should never move and should remain stable for one’s lifetime. In addition, these extended implants create an encapsulation with collagen tissue that keeps it firmly in position.
- It is important before contemplating a chin implant to ensure that one’s dentition (bite) is normal and does not need orthodontic (braces) or orthognathic surgery (jawbone advancement). If one’s bite is normal or if one has had braces already, then a chin implant can offer an excellent solution. However, some individuals who have not had their orthodontic work performed may elect to have orthognathic surgery, which can be considerably more expensive with a much longer recovery time. However, it should be considered as an alternative to chin augmentation with a chin implant.
- Men and women differ in what may be considered an ideal chin size and degree of projection. Using Gonzalez-Ulloa’s line drawn through the nasion (nasal root) and perpendicular to the Frankfort Horizontal line, we can determine general guidelines for ideal chin projection. Men should be at the line or slightly in front of the line. Conversely, women should be at the line or slightly behind the line. When unsure of the exact size of the chin implant, it is almost always better to upsize a male slightly and err on a smaller size for a woman.
I highly recommend Dr. Lam. He is a perfectionist and took the time to listen to my concerns and explain the procedure in detail. His staff has always been warm and welcoming from the day of my consultation, throughout the procedure and follow-up appointments. I am very happy with the results of my procedure! Thank you Dr. Lam!
What Type of Chin Implant Does Dr. Lam Use?
There are many types of chin implant materials that can be used for chin augmentation. The most common types of implants are silicone, Gore-Tex (generic name: expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, or ePTFE), Gore-Tex coated silicone, and Med-Por (generic name: porous polyethylene). In short, Dr. Lam uses silicone exclusively for a variety of reasons. It is important to understand the benefits of silicone implants in Dr. Lam’s opinion. They are non-compressible over time, easy to remove, and are firmly positioned without risk of migration because of the technique Dr. Lam uses and also by the nature of the implant. Let’s explore these concepts more in detail in contrast to the other materials mentioned above. Non-compressibility is a huge benefit since there should be no loss of chin projection over time. When Dr. Lam used to use Gore-Tex implants in the past, the implant would be slowly compressed over time and lose its ideal projection. The second benefit of silicone is that it is easily removed if there is a problem or dissatisfaction with the implant. All three other implants (Gore-Tex, Gore-Tex coated silicone, and Med-Por) are very difficult, if not near impossible, to remove, especially Med-Por. In fact, trying to remove these other implants, because they become deeply integrated with the tissues, will tear apart the surrounding tissues and cause unwanted tissue damage. It cannot be overstated regarding the difficulty of removing these other implants if there ever is a problem. Med-Por, the most difficult to remove implant, also is prone to becoming infected, which can make the situation particularly difficult. Dr. Lam has only had one chin implant infection in over 23 years of practice.
The way that Dr. Lam places the implant in a triplanar position, under the cuffs of periosteum laterally and above the periosteum medially, the implant should not move during the healing phases and thereafter. He also secures the implant to the periosteum using dissolvable sutures so that there is very little chance even during the recovery time that the implant will move. Finally, he secures the implant in position by closing the mentalis muscle over the implant. Ultimately, what keeps the implant in a confined position is the capsule that forms to surround the implant. This encapsulation keeps the implant in a fixed position but when the capsule is cut through surgically the implant can be easily removed if need be. If you have further questions about the implant Dr. Lam uses and why he can speak to you more about the style of implant he prefers when performing chin augmentation.
About the Procedure
Typically, Dr. Lam prefers to perform a chin augmentation under general anesthesia in usually less than an hour of operative time. He prefers deeper anesthesia because usually people with weak chins have shallower airways. In the past, when he performed the procedure under sedation, it was particularly difficult to maintain the airway during his delicate surgery and at the same time keeping the procedure sterile. The chin implant procedure is performed in his Joint Commission accredited surgical facility, which is on site at his clinic, and is administered by experienced anesthesiologists (medical doctors) who have been handpicked by Dr. Lam for their excellence. You will also be able to go home the same day with a companion. All of these details will be explained to you by Dr. Lam’s team during a preoperative visit where all of the information you need to know will be outlined in written and oral format for you.
About the Recovery
As mentioned, all of the details will be given to you during the preoperative visit. There can be some postoperative discomfort with a chin implant, but Dr. Lam uses a long-lasting anesthetic called Exparel that truly minimizes pain. Further, on the first postoperative day, Dr. Lam uses a novel, patent-pending method to eliminate pain almost immediately if there is any residual discomfort. Typically, there is not a lot of bruising and swelling but results may vary. Dr. Lam uses an anti-bruise solution called tranexamic acid in many patients who are eligible for it, which can further reduce or at times eliminate bruising. The biggest issue is that speech may feel slightly off along with one’s smile because the mentalis muscle under which the implant is placed will be affected for one week or in rare cases a week or two longer. Of note, men will not be allowed to shave around the implant for two weeks followed by only an electric razor for the first month.
Related Procedures
As mentioned on this page, some individuals seek a chin implant when in fact either other procedures would be better for them or they should consider complementing a chin implant with these other procedures. Sometimes a chin implant just won’t suffice. Only through a consultation with Dr. Lam can he help you decide whether you are a good candidate for a chin implant or not, along with what size he would propose, and whether other procedures may be beneficial. For example, if your nose is aesthetically too large, then a rhinoplasty may help; but a chin implant in combination with a rhinoplasty could also further improve your aesthetic appearance. Sometimes individuals think they need a chin implant because their neck is too full or sagging but a chin implant will not solve this problem. Usually, a deep neck lift with or without a facelift (depending on age and severity of the problem) should be the main way to address this problem. In the past, Dr. Lam would perform neck liposuction but today he believes in most cases neck liposuction will fail to deliver a result or result in premature aging with early visibility of neck banding. Only through an in-person or virtual consultation can Dr. Lam help you determine the recommended procedures that would be ideal for you to undergo.
Chin Augmentation Videos:
Facelift and Chin Implant TestimonialChin Augmentation Before and After Photos:
How Much Does Chin Augmentation Cost?
The total cost of Chin Augmentation in Plano is determined based on factors like your medical examinations, surgeon’s fees, hospital charges, post-surgery garments, and anesthesia. The exact techniques used will also impact cost, as will the total time needed to perform the surgery.
Schedule a Consultation
Contact Lam Facial Plastics today to schedule a consultation for your Chin Augmentation in Dallas. We will take the time to guide you through the entire process, ensuring results that fully satisfy your aesthetic needs. Contact us today!
FAQs About Chin Augmentation
What is the nature of the procedure and how long is the recovery?
The procedure is pretty fast and takes generally a little over an hour to perform. All procedures are performed in Dr. Lam’s Joint Commission-accredited surgical facility with his handpicked board-certified anesthesiologists. After the procedure, you will have some mild to moderate swelling that can make it socially unattractive for a few days to a week in most cases. He says the first few days you will look like Jay Leno. Also, you will feel as if you have a foreign object in your chin for the first week or so, but your body rapidly acclimates to the presence of the chin implant and you will then not notice its presence. Also, for the first week, you will feel as if your smile is not fully present. The reason for this is that the implant is placed underneath the mentalis muscle, so initially the muscle must heal before it fully functions. Typically, other people will not notice that when they look at you, but only you may notice it in yourself. That limitation of movement will last about a week but could last up to 2 to 3 weeks in rare cases. The incision underneath the chin heals quickly but you may need to have an injectable scar dissolver and/or laser treatment one to several times in the following months to ensure that the wound heals perfectly. Men are not allowed to shave over the incision for the first 15 days then can use an electric razor for the next 15 days. After the first month, a normal shaving routine may be resumed.
Will I be able to feel my chin implant?
So, this ambiguous question may have two meanings. The first meaning would be whether you would feel a foreign-body sensation in your chin and the answer is a temporary yes. For a week or so, you may feel as if a foreign object is in your chin but your brain should erase that feeling after a week or so, so you no longer feel anything in your chin. The second meaning would be whether you would be able to actually feel the implant when you touch it with your finger. The answer is a qualified no. In general, the implant is placed very deep under multiple layers of tissue. However, some patients have reported that if they rub the edge of the implant, they could feel the edge of it but it doesn’t bother them. Dr. Lam always says he treats the way something looks not the way it feels.
Will Dr. Lam be able to fix the asymmetry of my chin?
No, Dr. Lam always says “the two sides of the body are not the same and can never be made the same.” It is important to understand your own asymmetries before having a procedure because afterward you may think Dr. Lam caused it when it was there all along. Dr. Lam always emphasizes what he calls right-brain results meaning that you should look a lot better but he may not fix every micro detail of your face (left-brain result) since that is simply impossible to do.
Will I have a bad scar?
If the scar is not perfect, how will Dr. Lam fix it?” In general, the incision heals well and is tucked away under the chin in an area that is known as the “submental crease”. In other words, it is roughly where a crease or fold would exist. There will be an incisional scar there but the goal is to make that scar very hard to see from any social distance, that is, only someone very close up trying to find the scar may be able to see it after everything heals. Dr. Lam uses SuperTox/MesoTox to permanently and safely manage scar tissue in all skin types. He may use other methods to finesse a scar as well that he will tailor to you only if you need those services, obviously at no extra cost.
Can Dr. Lam work to improve the fat in my neck at the same time?
As mentioned above, in the past Dr. Lam would perform limited neck liposuction but in most cases this procedure really fails to deliver much improvement, as the majority of fullness in the neck does not reside in the superficial tissues but instead in the deep neck compartment. Please see the deep neck lift video to understand what he performs when he truly sculpts the neck and also visit his facelift page. Please refer to his page on why he no longer performs neck liposuction.
Does Dr. Lam ever go through the mouth to perform a chin implant?
No. There are several reasons he does not. First, chin implants have a higher risk of infection going through the mouth. Second, the implant is an extended anatomic design, which is more safely placed away from the nerves from the bottom up, i.e., from the neck side. Finally, Dr. Lam oftentimes works in the neck to tighten the platysma muscles and/or remove fat, which he would otherwise have to do from the incision under the chin.
Can Dr. Lam combine chin implants with other procedures at the same time?
Yes. The most common procedures that Dr. Lam performs at the same time with a chin implant would be a rhinoplasty and/or a facelift. However, he can combine almost any other procedure at the same time with a chin implant like otoplasty, fat grafting, blepharoplasty, etc.
Does Dr. Lam perform cheek implants too?
No. He believes that cheek implants are a flawed procedure for many reasons. First, aesthetically Dr. Lam does not like the appearance of cheek implants. Second, cheek implants that may initially look good over time begin to become visible as one age and the overlying fat pad regresses. Third, there is about a 10-12% chance of infection and asymmetry, so he likes what a colleague of his stated during one of his lectures that he believes that cheek implants are a flawed procedure.
Is the chin implant good for my lifetime?
Does it need to be replaced? In short, no. They are not like breast implants that may need replacing. Chin implants should be good for your lifetime. There should be no need to replace them, as the infection is incredibly rare and is about the only reason for the need to remove them. Further, to displace its position would require a major accident that may break your jawbone.
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