Chin Augmentation Surgery

General Information

A well-proportioned chin helps give definition and balance to the face and contributes significantly to one's profile. When people evaluate their face in the mirror, most focus on the condition of their skin, the shape and size of their noses, their ear shape, or their sagging jowls. Few examine their chins with the same discerning eye, but most agree that having a "weak chin" is definitely not an asset. Surgeons, like Dr. Parfitt, who do a lot of rhinoplasties (surgery of the nose), are often the first to suggest that changes in chin shape or size might enhance a profile just as much as their rhinoplasty. Often, Dr. Parfitt recommends chin surgery in addition to nose surgery when he sees that chin augmentation is desirable in achieving facial balance and harmony. Fortunately, this is a relatively undemanding procedure that can make a significant difference in overall facial appearance.

If you are wondering how chin surgery, or chin augmentation, can improve your appearance or the appearance of someone you know, then you’ll be interested in knowing how this procedure is performed and what you can be expect as a result from having it done. This information page, brought to you courtesy of Dr. Richard C. Parfitt, can address many of your questions and concerns.
Good rapport between patient and surgeon is important in achieving successful results in facial cosmetic surgery. Trust develops in the consulting stages prior to surgery. This trust is based on realistic expectations and exacting medical proficiency. If you have specific questions or specific needs, please ask Dr. Parfitt, as he should be able to answer them and accommodate your needs.

Is it for You?

As with any elective surgical procedure, realistic expectations and good health are prerequisites. Understanding some of the details of chin surgery is also critical.  A balanced, pleasing profile can be obtained by inserting an implant. The result can be better facial harmony and a greater self-confidence.

Another procedure that improves the chin area is submental liposuction, in which excess fatty tissue is removed to better define the chin and neckline. 

Making the Decision

Your consultation with Dr. Parfitt can help you decide on the type of surgery that best addresses your concerns. He can also provide information on new medical techniques for chin augmentation and offer his recommendations for complementary surgery that can ensure the best improvement.

Whether you’re interested in chin surgery for cosmetic or functional reasons, your choice of a board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon is extremely important. During the consultation, Dr. Parfitt will thoroughly examine your chin and jaw, sometimes using computer imaging, to pinpoint problems. In some cases, he will suggest rhinoplasty in addition to chin surgery because a small or weak chin can make the nose appear proportionately larger. Dr. Parfitt will weigh other factors that could influence the results of surgery such as skin type, age, and your attitude toward surgery. The surgical procedure will be described in detail along with reasonable expectations. During the decision to have the surgery, he will also describe the technique indicated, the surgical facility, the type of anesthesia used, any additional surgery, and costs and risks.

Procedure Details

To augment your chin, Dr. Parfitt begins by making an incision in the natural crease line just under the chin. By gently stretching the tissue in this area, he then creates a space where the implant can be inserted. This implant, made of a synthetic material that feels very much like the natural tissue found in the chin, is sized and carved during surgery, allowing custom fitting of the implant to the unique proportions of your face. After implantation, Dr. Parfitt then uses fine sutures to close the incision, which usually becomes imperceptible.

Immediately following surgery, Dr. Parfitt applies a dressing that will remain in place for one to three days. You will experience some tenderness in the area. However, any discomfort can be controlled with prescribed pain medications. Chewing is limited, and a soft food or liquid diet is required for one week following surgery. Most patients feel a tight or stretched sensation after the surgery, but this will usually subside within a week.

Recovery

Although swelling is present during the first few weeks following surgery, there is so much variation in the shape and size of chins that it is rarely perceived as swelling. After about five to six weeks, most of the swelling will be gone, and you can then enjoy the final results of your procedure. Contact sport and strenuous activity may be limited or prohibited for about one month following surgery. However, normal social and work activities can be resumed after approximately seven to ten days.

Facial cosmetic surgery makes it possible to enhance and improve your appearance and eliminate signs of premature aging that often undermine self-confidence. By changing how you appear to yourself and others, facial cosmetic surgery can improve your self-image and self-esteem.