When one considers the substantial impact a chin implant has on overall appearance, it is surprising how few people seek information on this minimally invasive cosmetic surgery. Both balance and proportion are recognized as essential fundamentals of beauty. With the exception of rhinoplasty, perhaps no single plastic surgery contributes more to balance and proportion than a chin implant.

Chin implants add definition to the jaw line and improve overall balance of the face. When patients come to our office seeking facial plastic surgery, it's not uncommon for them to focus on a single aspect of their appearance rather than the overall picture. For example, a patient dissatisfied with the size of their nose seeking rhinoplasty (nasal surgery) may actually be talking about a nose that is out of proportion to the face. Patients who perceive their nose as being too big for their face might be surprised when correcting the chin proportion enters into the equation. Because a chin implant can improve overall balance and restore loss of a clearly outlined profile, chin implant surgery can be a most rewarding facial plastic surgery.

"What is the chin implant made out of?" "Is cheek implant painful?" In our Chin Implant FAQs you will find answers to many questions about chin augmentation.

When discussing facial plastic surgery procedures, the best place to start is by looking at before and after photos to see just what can be accomplished. As you will see in our photographs, many patients combine the contouring of a chin implant with a facial rejuvenation procedure such as a facelift to eliminate a "saggy neck" or "turkey wattle" to tightening of the jowl area. Others come to discuss neck liposuction and fat injections, which can easily be combined with chin implant. Fat injections can be used in many areas of the face including the smile lines and for lip augmentation.

Sometimes men ask for a stronger looking chin. Once thought a beauty procedure sought by only wealthy women, men in today's competitive corporate workplace are increasingly seeking facelift procedures to restore a younger look that more typifies their energy level. Men also frequently ask about brow lifts for correction of frown lines between the eyes or blepharoplasty for improvements in bags under the eyes.

Patients also learn about chin implants when they seek information about improving superficial skin wrinkles in the chin area with a chemical peel, laser surgery or similar skin resurfacing procedure. Lip augmentation surgery can also be performed in conjunction with chin implants.

A board certified facial plastic surgeon, trained to perform plastic surgery exclusively on faces and necks, knows that his responsibility is to evaluate not only the areas of concern but also the motivation behind the requests. It goes without saying, plastic surgery won't save a failing marriage. Similarly some patients not ready for cosmetic surgery are better served with conservative measures, such as Botox for fine lines and wrinkles or Restylane for crows feet. Patients who educate themselves about facial plastic surgery know when and if the time is right to proceed.

An important first step toward any plastic surgery is to have a facial plastic surgeon assess the entire picture before making specific recommendations. At an initial consultation, we will evaluate the bony and soft tissue architecture of the face, including the proportion and balance of the face, nose and chin. We evaluate the amount of fat in the neck area, the elasticity of the skin and the textural qualities of the skin. Skin type, ethnic background and age are important factors influencing the outcome of chin implant surgery. Together we may discuss many alternatives before determining if a chin implant is right for you.

Chin implant surgery is a safe, effective procedure performed to restore balance, proportion and a younger appearance. As with all facial plastic surgery, a thorough health assessment and realistic expectations are prerequisites. Your understanding of instructions and routines is essential to a successful final result.

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For more information about this procedure, call 585.244.1000 or send us a message.

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