Our modern obsession with social media, * especially platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram, has made many people hyper-aware of how their faces look from every possible angle. Chin augmentation surgery is becoming increasingly buzzed-about as a cosmetic procedure that makes people’s faces look more proportional, especially from a profile view.
Chin implants help add definition and contour to the chin and jawline. We unconsciously correlate a symmetrical face with good health and sex appeal, which is why chin surgery can improve people’s perception of your appearance and help improve your relationships with others.
As a highly qualified cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Michael Kulick has helped many patients feel more confident about their face shape with chin augmentation surgery. And, as a sought-after expert on this topic, he often gets questions about this procedure from all areas in the United States. Here are some of the most common ones.
Q: What is a chin augmentation?
A: A chin augmentation is a surgical procedure that increases the projection of a weak or ill-defined chin, while also improving the shape and definition of the jawline. It can involve inserting a flexible silicone implant on top of the bone through a small incision. Or, if a patient wants to “see’ what it would look like if the chin projection increased, a skin filler like Juvederm, Restylane or other hyaluronic acid in-office fillers can provide the patient a visualization of how their profile could look like. The good news is that if they do not like their new look, the material will be resorbed and they will return to their previous appearance.
Q: Why do people choose to get a chin augmentation?
A: The size and shape of the chin play a crucial role in facial harmony, especially from a profile view. If you have a receding chin, it can exaggerate the size of your nose. In a front-facing view, a small chin makes other features like your forehead and nose stand out more, which causes your face to look top-heavy. A proportioned / facial balanced chin creates a greater appearance of attractiveness and self-confidence. Its role in balancing the nose and forehead are essential when a patient has concerns about their facial appearance.
Q: Will my health insurance cover my chin enhancement surgery?
A: Most health insurance companies do not cover elective procedures they do not deem medically necessary. However, check with your cosmetic surgeon about financing options.
Q: Are the results of a chin surgery unnatural-looking?
A: If you’re worried you would come out of a chin augmentation looking like Jay Leno or Reese Witherspoon, ** rest assured that the results of a chin implant are quite subtle. Though you can probably think of several celebrities with over-the-top breast implants or lip augmentations, that won’t be the case when you get your chin implant from a talented cosmetic surgeon.
Q: Can I get other cosmetic surgery at the same time as my chin augmentation?
A: Yes! In fact, some patients who eventually decide to get a chin enhancement do not initially come in seeking one. During their consultation, their initial complaint may be that they are dissatisfied with the size of their nose, the appearance of their neck or some other aspect of their face shape. It takes an experienced cosmetic surgeon with an artistic aesthetic philosophy to recognize that these people would benefit from a chin implant surgery, often in addition to other procedures such as a rhinoplasty, or a liposuction to improve the contour of their neck and remove any hint of a double chin. A chin augmentation is a straightforward procedure that adds little additional surgical risk, so a qualified plastic surgeon will be able to perform it alongside nearly any other cosmetic procedure they offer.
Q: If I have sagging skin on my neck, would a chin augmentation benefit me?
A: Increasing the projection of the chin with an implant makes the separation between your chin and your neck more pronounced. Often, people who think they want a neck lift to define and contour their neckline are better candidates for a chin implant instead. Moving your chin forward, even by a small amount, can help reduce jowl fullness, define your jawline and make the skin on your neck appear more youthful.
Q: If I decide I don’t like my chin implant, what are my options?
A: Most patients love the results of their chin surgery, and never want to get their implant removed. However, if you decide you don’t like it for whatever reason, removing a chin implant is a relatively simple procedure.
Q: How long will my chin implant last?
A: Unlike breast implants, a chin implant is solid, so there is no risk of it rupturing or developing a leak.
Most people get a single chin implant that lasts the rest of their lives. As long as the implant remains in place, the results of your chin augmentation will be permanent.
Q: Are there different options for chin implants?
A: Yes, chin implants vary in size and contour. Based on your facial anatomy and your desired degree of enhancement, a practiced cosmetic surgeon will help you choose an implant that will provide you with the most natural-looking option.
Q: What does a chin augmentation surgery entail?
A: A chin augmentation is an outpatient surgery that takes place under anesthesia. A board-certified surgeon such as Dr. Kulick will hide the incision for the implant inside your mouth, near the base of your bottom front teeth. Though you will be able to go home after your surgery, you will need someone you trust to drive you, since the anesthesia will make you feel drowsy.
Q: How long does it take to recover from chin enhancement surgery?
A: Recovery time with a chin implant varies, depending on how well you follow your post-operative instructions and whether you have gotten additional surgeries at the same time as your chin augmentation. The majority of chin enhancement patients can return to non-strenuous jobs and most other daily activities within seven days after surgery. In general, most of the swelling resolves itself within two to three months, while you will notice final results over the next three to six months.
Chin Augmentation Surgery in San Francisco
For more than 20 years, Dr. Kulick has been helping his patients become the best possible version of themselves through cosmetic surgery. Having achieved his board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery – the hallmark of excellence among plastic surgeons – he remains dedicated to his craft and to helping his patients achieve their aesthetic goals. Call 415-956-2550 to schedule a consultation.
* Source: bigthink.com
** Source: youbeauty.com, August 2011
Dr. Michael Kulick, MD is a leading board certified plastic surgeon in San Francisco, California. During an initial consultation, he’ll examine your individual anatomy, discuss all your options, and create a unique treatment plan along with any other necessary procedures. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of plastic surgery and are looking for a qualified cosmetic surgeon, use this online form to request a consultation with Dr. Kulick or call 415-956-2550.
