Chin augmentation is a recognised cosmetic procedure designed to enhance the shape, size, or projection of the chin at patient’s request.
In this blog, we will explore the key aspects of chin augmentation, including indications for the procedure, the various treatment options, the differences in male and female chin augmentation, and the relationship between the chin and other facial features e.g. nose and forehead.
What is Chin Augmentation?
Chin augmentation also known as genioplasty, is a cosmetic procedure aimed at enhancing the chin’s projection and symmetry. This can be done using non-surgical options like dermal fillers, fat grafting, or through more long lasting methods like silicone implants or advancement genioplasty.
Indications for Chin Augmentation
Chin augmentation is suitable for individuals who:
- Feel that their chin is recessed or lacks definition.
- Are looking to change balance between chin in relation to their nose or other facial features.
- Have asymmetry or deformities in the chin area due to genetics, aging, or injury.
- Desire a more defined jawline, particularly in men.
Treatment Options for Chin Augmentation
Surgical Chin Augmentation using Silicone implants is a common approach at MACS Clinic, Several types of implants can be used following a detailed discussion with the patient.
- Silicone Implants: These are the most widely used due to their consistency alike chin bone , smooth, and flexible nature. Silicone implants come in various shapes and sizes, providing versatility in achieving desired results. They are also easy to remove if necessary.
- Polyethylene Implants: These implants are harder and porous, offering more stability. They are less flexible than silicone implants and are more difficult to remove, but they provide a strong and secure augmentation.
- Polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE): Known for its softness and flexibility, ePTFE is also a durable material used in chin implants. It is often chosen for patients seeking a more natural feel and look.
How Chin Implants Work
Chin implants are designed to improve the shape and size of the chin . Here’s how the procedure is performed:
- Creating the Pocket: A small incision is made either inside the mouth or just under the chin. This incision allows the surgeon to create a small pocket where the implant will be placed.
- Inserting the Implant: The biocompatible silicone implant is then inserted into this pocket. Depending on the patient’s anatomy and the desired results, the implant may be either stabilised with sutures or using screws into the jawline to ensure it stays securely in place and integrates with the natural bone structure.
- Long lasting Fixation: The implant attaches to the jawbone, providing a long-lasting solution to enhance chin prominence.
Non- Surgical Chin Augmentation
- Dermal Fillers:
A non-surgical option where hyaluronic acid-based fillers are injected into the chin to add volume and contour.
Advantages: Ideal for those seeking temporary or subtle changes; allows for gradual adjustments.
Limitations: Results are not permanent and need regular maintenance; less effective for significant chin augmentation.
- Fat Grafting:
Fat from another part of the body is harvested and injected into the chin for augmentation.
Advantages: Natural-looking results using the patient’s own fat; no risk of allergic reactions or granuloma
Limitations: Results can be less predictable due to variable fat absorption; requires two procedures (fat harvesting and injection) in more than one stage.
Facial Harmony in Profile: The Nose-Chin Relationship
The chin plays a crucial role in the overall balance and harmony of the face, especially when viewed in profile. A well-proportioned chin can enhance facial balance by complementing other key features like the nose. In fact, the relationship between the nose and chin is often considered in tandem during chin augmentation:
- A recessed chin can make the nose appear larger, affecting facial proportions.
- By enhancing the chin, the nose may look smaller or more balanced, improving the profile.
- For patients considering rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), chin augmentation is often discussed as a complementary procedure to achieve the desired facial harmony.
Steps for Booking a Consultation with Mr. Shailesh Vadodaria at MACS Clinic
Contact the Clinic:
- Phone: Call the clinic at 020 7078 4378.
- WhatsApp: Message the clinic at 07792 648 726.
- Email: Send an email to enquiries@macsclinic.co.uk.
- Contact Form: Fill out your details on the contact form.
MACS clinic staff will respond to your inquiry and offer you a complimentary video or face-to-face consultation with Mr. Shailesh Vadodaria, the senior consultant plastic surgeon.
You will be provided with a detailed information factsheet about Chin Augmentation procedure to give you better insight into what to expect.
Consultation with Mr. Vadodaria:
During your consultation, Mr. Vadodaria will thoroughly explain all aspects of the Chin Augmentation procedure, including potential risks, complications, and post-operative care.
He will also present representative before and after photos/videos of previous Chin Augmentation patients from his practice.
Procedure Estimate:
After the consultation, the MACS Clinic team will send you a procedure estimate to help you plan accordingly.
Chin Augmentation procedure ranges from £3000 to £5000. These prices may vary based on factors such as the type of anaesthetics used and your choice of clinic or hospital. Following your consultation with Mr. Vadodaria, a final cost estimate will be provided to you.
Which technique Mr. Shailesh Vadodaria uses to perform Chin Augmentation?
Mr. Shailesh Vadodaria makes a small incision either beneath the chin or inside the lower lip. Mr. Vadodaria creates a pocket in the chin area and carefully places the implant within it. Depending on the type of implant used, it may be attached to the jawbone (mandible) or placed securely in the pocket.
The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia and if required sedation. However, if chin augmentation is combined with other procedures like rhinoplasty, general anaesthesia may be used for patient comfort.
The surgery typically takes about 1 hour depending on whether it is a standalone procedure or combined with other procedures like nose reshaping. Since chin augmentation is a relatively simple procedure, most patients experience minimal downtime. There may be slight swelling and discomfort, which subsides within a few days.
Benefits of Chin Implants
- Natural Look: Chin implants provide a natural, balanced appearance, particularly when customized to the patient’s specific facial structure.
- Durable Results: Once the implant is in place, it offers long-lasting, permanent results.
Minimal Scarring: With the option to place the incision inside the mouth or under the chin, scarring is minimal and often imperceptible.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Chin Augmentation/Sliding Genioplasty procedure at MACS Clinic
- Consent Process:
Upon arrival at MACS clinic, you will need to complete the consent process. This ensures that you fully understand the treatment, its potential risks, and the expected outcomes.
- Pregnancy Test:
In compliance with National Government Law, a pregnancy test will be conducted in female patients to their patients’ safety.
- Anesthesia:
Chin augmentation is typically performed under local anesthesia and sedation if required. Sliding genioplasty is performed under general anaesthetics.
- Surgery Duration:
The surgery generally takes approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity and extent of the corrections required.
- Post-Procedure Care:
After the surgery, you will be provided with prescriptions for antibiotics in either tablet and ointment form for prophylaxis and painkillers to manage any discomfort and pain.
You will also receive a comprehensive post-operative information leaflet. This will help you to know what to expect during recovery, and to inform you about signs of any potential complications to watch for.
- Recovery Guidance:
Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your healing progress. The MACS Clinic team will be available to address any concerns or questions you may have during your recovery period.
Rest and Recovery After Chin Augmentation
- Rest and Light Activity: It is essential to take sufficient rest after the procedure. Most patients can resume normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks. During the initial phase, you should avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or exercises that could put stress on the face and jaw.
- Medications: Take the prescribed antibiotics and analgesics (Painkillers) to manage any discomfort and reduce the swelling.
- Return to Work: Many patients feel well enough to return to work within a week after the surgery. However, this may vary depending on the individual healing process and the extent of the procedure performed. Contact sports and weight lifting should be avoided for 4 weeks.
- Swelling and Healing: Immediately after the procedure, swelling around the chin area is expected. This may initially give the impression that the implants are larger than desired. This swelling will gradually subside over a period of a few weeks, revealing the true contours of the chin.
- Visible Results: One of the great benefits of chin augmentation is that the results are visible immediately after the procedure. However, as the swelling diminishes over time, the final result will become more apparent, usually within a few weeks.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up visits with Mr. Vadodaria are essential to monitor the healing process. Follow-up appointments will be organised within 1 weeks’ and 6 weeks’ time after the procedure.
- Resuming Exercise: After 1 to 2 weeks, you can slowly start to resume light physical activities. However, it’s crucial to avoid high-impact exercises or activities that could affect the chin area for at least a month.
What are the risks of the Chin Augmentation at MACS Clinic?
Although rare, potential risks and complications associated with the Chin Augemntation procedure include scarring, swelling, bruising, discolouration, undercorrection, overcorrection, asymmetry etc. If a revision is required, Mr. Vadodaria waives his surgeon’s fee, although the theatre cost remains payable. The revision rate for this procedure is less than 5% at MACS Clinic.
For more information about Chin Augmentation visit: https://medicalartsforcosmeticsurgery.com/chin-augmentation/ or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnSD3I33U9M&list=PL_FxiihJDtcm7byK59XmjVNSGIjrT7Vup or contact MACS Clinic at 020 7078 4378 or 07792 648726.
Before and After Photos
