Chin augmentation can be a 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 can 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.
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.
Best Chin Augmentation Procedure
When it comes to chin augmentation, my patients will express wanting something 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 with them.
What is 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 advantage of chin implants is they are long-lasting. It’s commonly assumed that implants are permanent. However, the shape and size of the face do change with age as bone, muscle and soft tissue of the face gradually diminishes, so eventually the implant won’t fit, and either another implant, or chin filler would be needed.
Chin Implant Before and After
Chin implant before and after male patient 1
Chin implant before and after male patient 2
Chin implant before and after female patient 1
Chin implant before and after female patient 2
Chin implant before and after male patient 3
The disadvantages of a chin implant for 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 with a more attractive option.
How are Chin Fillers Done?
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, so the technique is critical to successful outcomes. I use a technique to place filler in the chin called Structural Volumizing where I place the filler on top of the bone structure, comparable to a surgical chin implant. I use thicker and longer-lasting fillers such as Juvederm Ultra Plus or Juvederm Voluma which can last 1-2 years. I perform this procedure using blunt cannulas instead of needles as the technique creates less trauma to the skin, soft tissue, and muscle. We can achieve results comparable to chin implant surgery with a procedure that 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, with the filler material settling over several days. I usually see patients in follow-up after 2 weeks to review their results, compare before and after images, as well as assess if additional enhancement would be beneficial.
Chin Filler Before and After
Chin filler before and after female patient 1
Chin filler before and after male patient 1
Chin filler before and after female patient 2
Chin filler before and after male patient 2
The result from the placement of long-lasting fillers can range from 1 to 2 years. Should any issue occur which requires removal of filler, hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved in minutes with the enzyme hyaluronidase, as opposed to chin or cheek implants that require surgical removal. 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.
Chin Filler in NYC and Long Island, New York
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 non-surgical. I find that the acceptance of filler placement over surgical implants is the basis for continuous growth in Structural Volumizing for chin enhancement in my practice. Thanks to the introduction of thicker, longer-lasting fillers, and 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 micro-adjustments at different levels from the bone outwards allow me more control over the fine details of the results, which cannot be done with an implant. Often, patients also choose to have volume enhancement in other places such as the cheeks and the lips to create better facial harmony and balance.