Chin Augmentation and Reduction

A weak or recessive chin can have a profound effect on the aesthetic appearance of the face and can often make the nose look out of proportion or the neck too ‘fleshy’. A chin augmentation brings balance back to the facial structure and treatments vary from dermal fillers through to chin implants and surgery (also called genioplasty). If the chin is too prominent there are methods to reduce the size and shape as well.

Chin augmentation: Am I suitable?

You should first be examined to see if there are issues with your teeth as it might be necessary to have orthodontic surgery as well.

Your chin augmentation consultation with your surgeon will determine whether the op will give you the results you are expecting. Also a full medical history will be taken to check whether you’re physically able to undergo the procedure.

Chin augmentation: What do I have to do to prepare?

The treatments range from non-surgical through to surgical, so your practitioner will be best placed to advise you how to prepare.

Chin augmentation: What’s the treatment like?

The surgical option is called a sliding genioplasy where the lowermost part of the jaw bone (the mandible) is repositioned to either increase or decrease the size of the chin. Reduction of the chin can also be achieved by reshaping the bone.

To augment the chin, an implant can also be used. There are different types of implant material so your surgeon will need to discuss which is best for you. Incisions are usually made inside the mouth, but in some cases they may insert the implant through an incision under the chin. The implant is inserted into a pocket in the lower jaw.

Both the surgical or implant options are normally carried out under a general anaesthetic.

Chin augmentation: What about after?

Bruising and swelling will take seven to ten days to subside. There may be discomfort from eating and facial movements and a soft diet is recommended for about a week.

Chin augmentation: Are there any risks or side effects? 

Implants can result in capsular contracture, where scar tissue forms around the implant. Scarring is relatively minimal and can be well hidden by the surgeon. There may also be some residual numbness and the possibility of asymmetry.

Chin augmentation: What will it cost me?

Chin implants cost from between £1,500 to £3,000 depending on which implant is used and the extent of the procedure. A sliding genioplasty procedure usually costs from £1,500 to £4,000.