What is a Chin Implant?
This procedure can be beneficial if you have a small or recessed chin, adding structure to the lower part of your face. Although commonly associated with aesthetic improvements, it is also used to treat victims of accidents, burns, and patients with facial tumors that need to reconstruct this part of their anatomy.
Although it is specifically designed for the mandibular area, its effects extend to the contours of the neck. According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), to perform this treatment, a small incision is made in the inner part of the mouth or in the lower area of the chin for the placement of the implant, which consists of a prosthesis made of silicone or a similar material. Chin implant surgery corrects a receding chin, as well as facial imbalance by creating a better proportion between the jaw and the rest of the facial structures.
Types of Chin Plastic Surgery Procedures
The types of chin surgeries -or Mentoplasty- depend on the goal. These include chin augmentation, reshaping, chin reduction if there is an excessive prominence, and even jaw enhancement. Each technique is usually adapted to what the person needs and requires according to facial features.
Chin Augmentation and Reshaping (Genioplasty)
Chin augmentation, also known as genioplasty, is a surgical procedure that reshapes, resizes, and repositions the chin, either to address injuries or trauma or for purely aesthetic reasons. The most common method for chin augmentation is through implants, which is the approach used by our surgeons at Avana Plastic Surgery. Chin implants offer a minimally invasive, quick, and safe way to achieve greater projection and definition in the chin area. When combined with liposuction, they can deliver even more remarkable improvements to the overall facial appearance.
In other types of genioplasty, the chin bone is reduced and moved forward. For repositioning procedures, the bone is adjusted to achieve the ideal placement.
The healing time can change based on personal specifics, but typically, after two weeks, swelling is mainly reduced, and patients can return to their daily activities. Final results become visible between three to six months, although some changes can be observed just hours after the surgery as swelling begins to subside.
Chin Reduction
Chin reduction surgery takes approximately three hours to complete. It starts with an incision inside the mouth or below the jaw, allowing access to the bone to sculpt and achieve the desired shape and size, creating a more harmonious and aesthetically pleasing face.
In cases where the incision is made in the neck, the specialist may use a small tube or cannula to remove excess fat and tissue.
Recovery is based on the instructions given by the surgeon. For instance, during the initial hours, solid foods should be avoided, and oral hygiene has to be excellent, especially if the incision is internal. Similarly, physical activities are completely avoided, and appointments are made for postoperative check-ups in order to monitor the patient's progress.
Benefits of Chin Implants
The benefits of undergoing a chin implant procedure are numerous, particularly when it comes to physical and aesthetic transformations, which are typically permanent:
- Rejuvenation of facial features.
- Facial symmetry and balance.
- Improvement of facial profile.
- Jawline definition.
- Strengthening of jaw bones and tendons.
- Neck refinement
Who is the Best Candidate for a Chin Implant?
The treatment aims to correct a minor, recessed, or poorly defined chin, making adults with fully developed jaw growth ideal candidates. The procedure is not recommended for children, teenagers, or young individuals who still need to complete the growth of this facial area.
It is also essential that you do not smoke, are in good overall health, and have firm, elastic skin to allow the tissue to adapt appropriately to the changes brought by the implant. Before making any decisions, you should consult a specialist to understand the magnitude of the transformation and select the technique that is right for you.
How is Chin Augmentation with Implants Performed?
Chin augmentation with implants typically takes one to two hours. Depending on the complexity of the procedure or whether it is combined with another surgery, it can be performed under local or general sedation.
After the initial incision, either below the chin or inside the mouth, the surgeon separates the tissues in the area and creates a pocket over the bone where the implant will be located. These implants are small pieces made of biocompatible materials such as silicone, pre-molded to fit the patient's bone structure.
Once inserted, they provide a sensation similar to the natural jawbone. If you were treated by a qualified surgeon, such as those at Avana Plastic Surgery, it would be nearly impossible to tell that you underwent the procedure.
Once the implant is positioned, the area is sutured, and a bandage with antibiotics is applied to reduce swelling and the risk of any infection. The stitches either dissolve or are removed during a postoperative appointment.
What to Expect During Recovery
Most patients can return to office work and other daily activities within seven days. However, this timeframe depends on the specific characteristics of the surgery and your discipline in following the doctor's postoperative instructions.
You will generally experience minimal discomfort, which can be minimized with pain medications and cold compresses and subsides over time. Immediately after the procedure, you may feel some swelling and numbness in the treated area and bruising caused by the manipulation.
During this period, resting moderately and sleeping on your back with your head elevated for at least one to two weeks is essential. Maintaining a liquid diet to reduce bone and muscle tension is also advisable. Strenuous physical activities should be avoided for 21 days or even a month.
Procedures You Can Combine with Chin Implants to Enhance Results
Combining other facial or neck aesthetic procedures with chin implant surgery is highly recommended. You can also perform two different chin surgeries at the same time, such as genioplasty and mentoplasty. The results are often more comprehensive and efficient since you only undergo surgery once. Some of the most commonly combined treatments are:
- Rhinoplasty or nose surgery: A chin implant's effects are complemented by correcting the size or positioning of the nose, creating more harmony in the facial contour.
- Facelift: Ideal for rejuvenating your features. It strengthens the facial skin and removes unwanted tissue.
- Chin liposuction: One of the most popular surgeries at Avana Plastic Surgery. It helps eliminate double chins and removes fat deposits in the neck and chin.
- Botox or facial fillers: Helps define the jawline more precisely and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
- Buccal fat removal (Bichectomy): Focuses on removing fat pads from the cheeks. This correction gives the face a slimmer overall appearance.
Is There Any Difference Between Chin Implants for Women and Men?
Since there are significant physical differences between men and women, it is logical to assume that modifying the jawline differs between the sexes. The main contrasts involve size and shape, as well as differences in projection and their role in facial contouring.
The common width for implants for men is because they are expected to yield for them a much stronger and more angular outline of the jaw, generally considered to be attractive. Female ones are narrower and softer for the maintenance of a delicate and less accentuated profile of the jaw. Men also want to be more robust in appearance in order to form a square profile, while women choose an oval or slightly pointed finish.
Chin Augmentation: Surgery vs. Fillers
Both options are effective for modifying the size of your chin. Each technique has its own set of benefits and risks. Fillers, for example, are non-surgical and do not require incisions, resulting in a shorter recovery time.
Other advantages of this approach include reversibility if unsatisfied with the results and lower costs than implants. However, since the results are temporary, fillers must be renewed over time. The effects are immediate, making them an interesting choice for addressing small asymmetries or as a preview of what permanent changes might look like in the future.
On the other hand, implants are more custom-made, allowing for a balanced construction of the facial profile. They are perfect for those patients who desire a final transformation and do not want to be worried about regular maintenance.
How Much Do Chin Implants Cost in Miami?
The cost of these procedures varies depending on the clinic, the surgeon you choose, and your specific needs. Generally, prices in Florida are reported to exceed $5,000, influenced by major metropolitan areas like West Palm Beach and Tampa, with averages of $4,200 and $5,900, respectively.
In Miami, chin implant prices typically range from $4,000 to $6,000. However, Avana Plastic Surgery stands out for offering some of the most affordable rates on the market, with prices starting at $3,500 and going up to $5,000. Costs can be even lower if this treatment is combined with other cosmetic procedures.
Schedule Your Free Chin Implant Consultation Today
The first step is always the easiest. Don't wait any longer and schedule your free consultation today to understand all the details about chin implant surgeries at our clinic. We have very well-renowned and highly experienced surgeons who can help you transform your physical appearance. Contact us at any of our Miami or Hialeah locations to schedule your appointment.