Chin reshaping is an umbrella term for a range of procedures. Broadly, these procedures either seek to augment or reduce the size and projection of the chin to address size, shape, position, or symmetry and to enhance facial balance and harmony. Common procedures include: Chin Augmentation; Chin Reduction; Chin Repositioning (Genioplasty).
A chin augmentation involves increasing the projection or size of the chin to create a more youthful facial profile.
In terms of surgical procedures, there are two common techniques to permanently augment the chin. This includes a chin implant or fat grafting. Chin implants are usually made of a molded silicone and surgically placed over the existing chin to augment its size and shape. With fat grafting, fat harvested is from another area of the body and injected into the chin or cheek to add volume and contour. For more details on fat transfer, click here.
Chin implants are generally considered permanent. However, they can be surgically removed. Fat transfer is likewise generally considered permanent; however, if you lose weight or gain weight the fat cells may shrink or expand. For more details on fat transfer, click here.
This is a common issue we see in our office. We generally see “button” chin implants used. This implant augments the center chin. In many people, a button chin implant makes the chin look overly pointed or like a “witch’s chin.” Fortunately, chin implants come in many sizes and shapes, including implants designed to give a more oval or rounded (feminine) or boxy (masculine) appearance.
A chin implant can generally be removed through the same incision that it was placed. Many times, the patient’s appearance returns to how is looked before the implant (plus any natural aging that’s taken place). However, when implants placed are very large and have been in for a long time, it’s possible that the overlying skin or underlying bone has changed.
The underlying bone (mandible) may have changed because of pressure on bone. Pressure on the bone can cause the underlying bone (mandible) to become thinner or flatter. The overlying skin may change with a very large implant because it can stretch the skin. This means when a very large implant is removed, the skin may appear loose.
Patients have a few options when they wish to have a very large chin implant removed. If bone needs to be replaced, bone graft can be harvested from another part of the body, such as a rib. Alternatively, an injectable filler can be used called Radiesse that is made of calcium hydroxyapatite.
Although in younger patients, the skin may retract, other patients may be worried about excess or loose skin after implant removal. For those that may have persistent loose skin, hyaluronic acid filler (Juvederm Voluma / Volux) or fat matrix injections (Leneva/Renuva) are commonly able to help correct this issue. For patients that may be older and already be experiencing the classic signs of aging, removal of the chin implant may be combined with a deep plane face and neck lift.
Yes, non-surgical chin augmentations are possible. Typically, this is performed with hyaluronic acid filler (Juvéderm Voluma / Volux) or fat matrix injections (Leneva/Renuva). Note, hyaluronic acid fillers are FDA cleared to last up to 18 months. This means patients may need a touchup hyaluronic acid fillers. Fat matrix injections are semi-permanent and are reported to last up to 5-7 year.
A chin reduction is also known as mentoplasty. This surgery is performed to reduce the size or prominence of the chin. This procedure involves removing excess bone or soft tissue from the chin to achieve a more proportionate and harmonious facial appearance. Often times, this can be done through scars placed inside the mouth. In some instances, a scar may also be placed under the chin.
Because chin reduction surgery targets bone, it is generally considered permanent.
Chin repositioning surgery is called a genioplasty. This surgery moves the chin forward, backwards, upwards, or downwards in relation to the rest of the face. Genioplasty can also be used to narrow or widen the chin.
When a chin is too far forward it is called prognathia. When a chin is too far backward it is called retrognathia. Often, patients with prognathia or retrognathia may have issues with their bite – i.e., their upper and lower teeth do not align as they should. Having too long, short, wide or narrow of a chin is generally considered a cosmetic concern and often times does not affect bite.
A genioplasty is made by making cuts in the mandible – the chin bone – to move the chin into a new location and improve facial balance.
The scars for a genioplasty are generally placed inside the mouth and/or underneath the chin.
Genioplasty may be performed as a standalone procedure or in conjunction with other facial cosmetic surgeries, such as rhinoplasty or facelift, to achieve overall facial harmony and balance.
To learn more about chin reshaping or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Desrosiers, please contact us at 305-403-2922 or concierge@ArthurMD.com. Let Dr. Desrosiers help you achieve the look you desire.
