A properly sized chin is essential to creating a pleasing facial appearance. Many times the chin is an overlooked feature, but its role in overall facial balance is very significant. In most cases this chin is out of balance because it is too small. The medical term for this is microgenia. This gives the face a weakened appearance. Viewed from the front, a small chin provides no base or foundation for the mouth and creates the visual impression of the lower face blending into the neck. Viewed from the side, a recessed chin shortens the submental length, the distance between the chin and the neck. The result is not only a weak jawline, but an unbalanced face. A weak chin can actually create the visual perception that the nose is too big. In fact, most chin implants in my practice are performed on patients that are undergoing rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) and are found to have microgenia during the preoperative evaluation. Occasionally, I will recommend that a chin implant be placed as part of a facelift procedure. This will increase the submental length and significantly enhance the sharpness of the jawline. It can also significantly soften or eliminate joweling.
A chin implant is for all practical purposes, permanent. The implant does not shrink over time and there is no absorption of bone behind the implant. Chin implants are made of various materials and come in different shapes and sizes. I prefer a flexible silicone implant that extends out to the sides for a short distance beyond the center of the chin. This, in my opinion, creates a stronger, more appealing jawline appearance.
Chin implants, as previously stated, can be inserted as an isolated procedure or as part of a facelift, neck lift or rhinoplasty procedure. They are typically inserted into a pocket created over the boney surface of the chin. This is achieved through a small incision just behind the natural crease under the chin, or through an incision inside the mouth between the gemlike and lower lip. I secure the implant with a single permanent suture. Once the tissue heals around the implant there is no movement or shifting. In rare cases where the implants need to be removed, it can easily be done in the office with local anesthetic.