Just like all features on the face, chins come in all shapes and sizes. The chin is an area that many individuals are self-conscious about, and there are many concerns that can impact this part of the face. When your chin is well-defined, it can help to balance the other features such as the nose, neck, and cheeks.

A weak chin that is recessed can cause the face and neck to lack visual distinction, and a small chin sometimes makes the nose look larger in comparison. Other common complaints include a double chin or an undefined jawline.

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your chin, then you might be considering aesthetic treatments or surgery. There are various options available for balancing and strengthening the chin, and it is critical that you understand the ins and outs of each route before deciding which is right for you.

Ultimately the best treatment for your chin will depend on your desired results and unique facial structure. In this guide, we are looking into all the options for chin augmentation to help you decide which is right for you.

Genioplasty

Genioplasty is chin implant surgery and the traditional option for chin augmentation. It involves a chin implant, made from medical grade silicone which is solid, being placed in the chin area.

A small incision is made under the chin or sometimes inside the mouth, and the implant is carefully positioned around the chin bone. The results from chin implant surgery are designed to be permanent and can last a lifetime. It is possible to reverse the surgery with a second procedure if you change your mind down the line.

The key benefits of Genioplasty are:

• Just one procedure for permanent results
• Dramatic changes to the chin area can be made
• When completed professionally, implants look and feel the same as the natural bones in the chin
• Low-risk surgery.

Some drawbacks of Genioplasty which you must consider are:

• Anaesthetic is required to complete the procedure
• Recovery time can be up to two weeks, and you will need time off work and daily activities
• Scarring under the chin could be a risk, although for most people these are minimal once healed
• Second surgery is required if you decide you want to reverse the results.

Jaw Surgery

Genioplasty isn’t the only surgical option for chin augmentation. Jaw surgery can also be used to reshape the chin and jawline and has often been used to correct a weak or recessed chin. As well as enhancing and defining a weak chin, this surgery can also be used to reduce the size of a large chin and balance the facial features.

Jaw surgery is a long procedure, and many patients are required to wear braces both before and after treatment in order to align the teeth to the new jawline. After surgery, the results will be permanent and often cannot be reversed, so you must be certain this is the right option for you.

Some benefits of jaw surgery are:

• Can be used to alter a poorly defined jawline, weak or recessed chin, or a large chin
• Results are permanent without the need for further treatments
• General anaesthetic is used during surgery, so there is no discomfort during the procedure.

There are also a few other considerations to make with jaw surgery:

• You will be required to take time off work to recover, and depending on your unique surgery, you could need to spend up to 4 nights in hospital
• Jaw surgery can be very expensive and usually costs upwards of £5,000
• Results cannot be reversed
• You may need to wear braces before and after treatment
• Risks and side effects include swelling, infection, scarring, nerve damage and pain.

Dermal Fillers

An extremely common option for chin augmentation is dermal fillers. Fillers can be administered into the chin or surrounding areas such as the jaw, in order to achieve the desired results. Filler is carefully injected into key points on the face in order to add volume under the skin. These are used to effectively enhance the chin area and balance all the facial features.

Results from dermal fillers can look very similar to the results achieved from jaw surgery or Genioplasty. The key difference is that results are not permanent, as with time, the filler is naturally absorbed into the skin. This means you can choose to continue to top up the filler every 12 to 24 months or let it dissolve completely.

Dermal fillers can be used to create extremely subtle and natural results, as well as more significant facial changes. No matter the chin augmentation results you want to achieve, dermal fillers are likely to be able to make this a reality. Other aesthetic treatments can be used alongside fillers, such as Vaser Liposuction. Vaser Lipo can remove excess fat and reshape the neck area, which can enhance the look of chin augmentation.

Benefits of dermal fillers include:

• Immediate results
• No invasive surgery or lengthy recovery times; you can be back at work the same day
• Lower cost than surgical chin augmentation options
• Fillers are naturally absorbed by the skin over time, making them a non-permanent treatment option
• Usually pain-free with very few side effects to consider.
• Can be used alongside other treatments, such as Vaser Lipo.

Some drawbacks to consider with dermal fillers are:

• To maintain results, top-up treatments are required, usually every 12 to 24 months.
• There is a cost for every treatment top-up
• If not administered by a trained and experienced professional, results can look unnatural.

If you are keen to augment your chin and make a change, then it is important you weigh up all the options available to you. Surgery is a big decision, and if you are on the fence about this, we recommend starting with dermal fillers to achieve your results.

As the effects of fillers are not permanent, you can enjoy the impressive results with peace of mind that you have the choice to either top up or let them dissolve with time. Dermal fillers can create the same chin augmentation results as major surgery without the lengthy recovery process, expensive price tag, and permanent results.

For more information on using dermal fillers for chin augmentation, book a free consultation at Hans Place today.