Chin Augmentation
Chin augmentation surgery (chin implant) is a procedure using biocompatible implants to improve chin contour and harmony with your other facial features. The implant can increase the projection and width of your chin and can be contoured as needed to achieve the best fit in each individual case. It may be beneficial on its own or as a useful adjunct to face lift, neck lift, or rhinoplasty (nose job).
Many people do not realize how important chin size and position are to the overall appearance of your profile. When looking at your profile in the mirror, the “ideal” chin falls roughly in the same vertical plane as the tip of your lip. If your chin is located behind this plane (a “weak chin”), it may exaggerate the size of your nose or other facial features. A chin augmentation can improve alignment along your chin, lips, and nose, resulting in more balanced facial features.
What to Expect
When you meet with Dr. Thomas, he will have a full discussion with you on what options you have for addressing your concerns. Your photographs will be taken and “morphed” on a computer so that you can better visualize the changes that would be made. It is important that you and Dr. Thomas agree on what changes you should have made.
If you and Dr. Thomas decide that you are a good candidate for a chin augmentation, he will discuss the procedure in detail and what you should expect leading up to, during, and after surgery.
Dr. Thomas performs chin augmentation surgery in downtown Chicago and has operating privileges at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and at 900 North Michigan Surgical Center. The procedure will take between 1-2 hours, and you will be able to go home after surgery as soon as you’ve recovered from anesthesia.
Procedure of Chin-Augmentation
Chin augmentation surgery can be carried out under local or general anesthetic. The surgeon will make a small incision below the chin (or inside the mouth). A chin implant will then be placed underneath the skin around the chin bone.
Pain and bruising are generally minimal after this procedure, but your chin will initially look too large – this is due to swelling and will decrease as you heal from surgery. The initial healing process takes about a week, but the contour of your chin will continue to improve slowly over the next several weeks. After surgery, you can usually return to normal activity in 1 week.
