Chin augmentation can be very successful procedure for people who want more projection for their
chin.
It can also result in a more contoured facial profile, achieve a more chiseled look, or
extend or better define the jawline.
Chin augmentation be done with a cosmetic filler, a surgical implant, or a combination
of both.
I’ll discuss how I counsel my patients to help them make the best choice for their situation.
I’m Dr Amiya Prasad.
I’m a Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon and Fellowship Trained Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive
Surgeon.
I’ve been in practice in Manhattan and Long Island for over 20 years.
For many years, facial implants such as chin implants have been a big part of my practice.
More recently, I’ve been using an advanced filler placement technique that reaches the
bone level of the facial structure, which has become a significant, non-surgical chin
augmentation treatment.
When it comes to chin augmentation, my patients will express wanting something that is safe,
long lasting, with immediate results, and minimal to no downtime.
Before choosing a solution, I first make an assessment.
I look at the relationship of chin projection with other parts of the face, such as the
nasal base, and the lips from a side view.
I measure these relationships using the established facial references such as Steiner’s Lines,
Ricketts’ Lines, and the Frankfort plane.
I also use the Golden Ratio, which is a natural proportion of beauty of 1.6 to 1 that we are
intrinsically drawn to as it occurs throughout nature.
When a patient is looking for a long term solution, I discuss chin implant surgery.
Chin implant surgery involves placing a silicone implant on top of the chin bone.
I typically do this procedure from just below and behind the chin, which heals very well
and is typically barely detectable.
This is a fairly straightforward procedure done in our office operating facility using
local anesthesia with LITE IV sedation.
The advantages of chin implants is they are long lasting.
It’s commonly assumed that implants are permanent, however the shape and size of the
face does change with age as bone, muscle and soft tissue of the face gradually diminishes.
Disadvantages of chin implant for the purpose of chin augmentation are the same as any implant
surgery.
The implant can shift, can become infected or need to be removed if the patient chooses
to do so because of dissatisfaction with the outcome which is additional surgery.
I’ve found that a significant percentage of patients who want chin enhancement are
not comfortable with having an implant.
This is where the modern and longer lasting fillers provide my patients a more attractive
option.
Cosmetic filler placement can be done in an exam room without surgery, and still get the
same results as a chin implant.
I would also add that the control I have in the precise placement of volume allows me
to even get better results.
Technique is critical to successful outcome.
I use a technique to place filler in the chin called Structural Volumizing.
Comparable to placement of an implant, I place the filler on top of the bone structure.
I use thicker and longer lasting fillers such as Juvederm Ultra Plus or Juvederm Voluma.
I perform this procedure using blunt cannulas instead of needles as the technique creates
less trauma to the skin, soft tissue and muscle.
While we can achieve results comparable to chin implant surgery with a the procedure
which is performed in minutes with patients usually returning to work the same day or
the next day.
Initial results can be seen immediately after the procedure and settles over several days.
I usually see patients in follow up after 2 weeks to review their results and compare
before and afters as well as assess if enhancement would be beneficial.
Result from placement of long lasting fillers can range from 1 to 2 years.
Should any issue occur which requires removal of filler, as opposed to surgery, the hyaluronic
acid filler may be dissolved in minutes with the enzyme hyaluronidase.
Hyaluronic acid, the substance that makes up fillers I prefer, including Juvederm Ultra
Plus and Juvederm Voluma, occurs naturally in the body, so these fillers are safely metabolized
by the body with time.
The choice of filler or implants for chin augmentation comes down to understanding your
priorities.
In my practice, I’ve seen a trend for more than 20 years toward a preference for minimally
invasive and minimal downtime procedures whether the procedure is surgical or nonsurgical.
I find that the acceptance of filler placement over surgical implant to be the basis for
continuous growth in structural volumizing for chin enhancement in my practice.
Thanks to the introduction of thicker, longer lasting fillers with the application of minimally
traumatic techniques for filler placement at the bone level, I find that I’m more
inclined to recommend filler for chin enhancement.
I find that the ability to make microadjustments at different levels from the bone outwards
allows me a type of control that cannot be done with an implant.
Oftentimes, patients also choose to have volume enhancement in other places such as the cheeks
and the lips to create better facial harmony and balance.
I hope you found this information helpful...thank you for your question.