Chin augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to enhance chin projection, restores facial harmony, and creates more defined contours along the lower face and jawline. Beyond enhancing aesthetic appeal, a stronger chin profile can also reduce the appearance of a “double chin” by improving underlying skeletal structure rather than simply addressing superficial fat.
Understanding Facial Harmony
The chin is a fundamental feature that significantly influences the overall structure and harmony of the face. While sometimes overlooked, its size and projection play a critical role in defining the lower face and establishing balance with the mid-face (cheeks and nose) and upper face (forehead). A well-proportioned chin contributes to a sense of aesthetic balance and can enhance overall facial appeal.
One of the most important relationships is between the chin and the nose, particularly when viewing the face in profile. A chin that appears underdeveloped or recessed (underprojected) can make a nose of average size seem larger or more prominent. Conversely, enhancing the projection of the chin can bring the profile into better alignment, creating a more balanced relationship between these key features. This interplay is why chin augmentation is sometimes considered alongside procedures like rhinoplasty, aiming for comprehensive facial harmony.
Chin augmentation surgery aims to improve facial balance by addressing an underprojected chin. By carefully enhancing its size and shape, the procedure seeks to bring the lower face into better proportion with your other facial features. This can lead to a more defined jawline and an improved profile silhouette. Dr. Turner’s approach focuses on achieving results that appear natural and feel consistent with your own facial structure, enhancing your features rather than creating an artificial look. The goal is always to restore balance and proportion, tailored to your individual facial anatomy and aesthetic preferences.
Types of Chin Augmentation
There are two primary surgical approaches to augmenting the chin:
Silicone Chin Implants:
Medical-grade silicone implants are commonly used to improve chin projection. These are available in various shapes and sizes, allowing Dr Turner to select an option that complements your facial structure. The implant is inserted through a small incision, either under the chin (submental) or inside the mouth (intraoral), and positioned over the lower jawbone.
Osseous Genioplasty (Sliding Genioplasty):
This advanced procedure involves repositioning the patient’s own chin bone without the use of implants. A controlled cut is made in the lower jaw, and the chin segment is moved forward and fixed in place with plates and screws. Sliding genioplasty is typically recommended for patients who require more significant skeletal changes or have bite alignment issues.
Why Choose Silicone Chin Implants?
Silicone implants are safe, durable, and provide permanent results with a natural appearance. They are biocompatible, versatile, and can be tailored during surgery to fit your anatomy. If needed, they can be adjusted or removed later. For many patients, silicone implants offer a cost-effective, long-lasting solution for enhancing facial balance.
Are You a Good Candidate for Chin Implant Surgery?
Chin implant surgery offers a highly effective way to enhance chin projection, strengthen the jawline, and improve overall facial harmony. However, it’s important to determine if this procedure is the most appropriate option for your specific needs and circumstances.
You may be a suitable candidate for chin implant surgery if you:
- Have a small, weak, or recessed chin affecting your facial balance
- Want improved jawline definition
- Feel your nose looks larger due to poor chin projection
- Are in good general health and at a stable weight
- Are a non-smoker (or willing to stop before and after surgery)
- Have realistic expectations for results
- Have a normal bite or only mild alignment issues
- Have reached full facial maturity (usually late teens)
- Can complete a mandatory psychological assessment (as required in Australia for cosmetic surgery)
Chin Implant Surgery: What to Expect
Your safety and comfort are paramount. Dr. Turner performs all chin augmentation surgeries exclusively under general anaesthesia in an accredited private hospital. This means you will be completely asleep and unaware throughout the entire procedure.
Incision Placement
To access the mandible and create space for the chin implant, Dr. Turner will make a small, carefully placed incision. The location is chosen based on your specific anatomy and the type of implant used. The two standard approaches are:
- Submental (Under the Chin): A small incision (often around 2 cm) is discreetly hidden within the natural crease beneath your chin. This approach can provide excellent visibility for implant placement and direct access if other procedures like neck liposuction are performed simultaneously.
- Intraoral (Inside the Mouth): The incision is made inside the lower lip, between the lip and the gum. This avoids any external scarring.
Creating the Implant Pocket
Using specialised instruments, Dr Turner carefully creates a precise pocket, meticulously designed to securely hold the silicone implant in the desired position. This pocket is typically formed directly over the lower part of the mandible, beneath the periosteum (the thin membrane covering the bone), which aids stability. Extreme care is taken to minimise any risk to the mental nerves, which provide feeling to your lower lip and chin.
Precise Implant Placement and Positioning
The selected sterile silicone implant, bathed in an antibiotic solution to further minimise infection risk, is handled minimally and gently inserted into the prepared pocket. Dr. Turner then meticulously positions the implant, ensuring it sits symmetrically and conforms naturally to your underlying bone structure. While the precise pocket and the natural fibrous capsule the body forms around the implant provide significant stability, tiny internal sutures might occasionally be used for extra security.
Closing Incisions
Once the implant is optimally positioned, the incision is closed carefully in layers using fine sutures. Incisions inside the mouth are typically closed with dissolvable sutures. Submental incisions may be closed with sutures that will be removed by Dr Turner’s team at your 1 week appointment. A light dressing and supportive chin garment may be applied to help reduce swelling and support the area during the initial healing phase.
