My Plastic Surgery Group

Chin Augmentation

About Chin Augmentation Surgery

The most common abnormality of facial bone proportion is a weak or retruded chin (microgenia). This is rarely a functional problem, as only the projecting part of the lower jaw (the prominence of the chin) is affected. This is very different from micrognathia, which is a small jaw,and commonly is asociated with poor alignment of the teeth, also known as malocclusion. In our society, a strong jawline is considered a sign of strength, particularly in males.

A retruded chin is often discovered when a patient is concerned about excessive prominence of the nose. A weak chin will give the illusion that the nose has too much projection, or make a slightly large nose look even larger. Chin augmentation is a surgical procedure that enlarges the chin to achieve balance in the facial proportion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Once the pocket is created by the surgeon, he will place several different sizers or temporary implants to determine which implant will produce the desired cosmetic effect.
Yes, the main goal of chin augmentation surgery is to appropriately increase chin projection which is more noticeable when viewed from the side (profile). However, the width and height of the chin can also be increased if necessary to meet the patient’s goals.
As with any surgery, there is a very small chance of infection or numbness. Uncommonly the implant can be displaced if unwanted contact with the chin occurs in the early healing period.
Because the implant is placed underneath the chin muscle, which is one of the many muscles that move the lips, there may be a temporary change in your smile. This is usually very brief and related to the swelling from surgery. Rarely is there permanent changes in your smile.
The scar is on the underside of the chin, and when it fades it is typically barely noticeable.
The most commonly used material is silicone rubber, as it can be easily shaped if necessary and can be placed through a small incision. This type of implant can also be easily exchanged for another implant in the future if needed to correct for aging changes over time. Trial implants or sizers are used during surgery to accurately determine the exact implant that will produce the desired cosmetic effect.

Chin Augmentation Procedure Information

Chin augmentation is often combined with rhinoplasty surgery, which is performed under a general anesthetic. Enlargement of the chin can also be performed under local anesthesia as an office procedure.

A pocket for the implant is created directly overlying the bone, through a small incision on the underside of the chin. There are several different types of materials used for chin enhancement. The most commonly used material is silicone rubber, as it is readily shaped and soft enough to conform to the underlying bony contours, yet firm enough to feel normal. Silicone chin implants come in many different sizes and shapes, to assist the surgeon in achieving the desired shape. Not only can the projection of the chin be increased, but also the chin height and width, depending upon the type of implant that is placed. The implant is secured to the fibrous covering of the bone with permanent sutures to reduce the chance of shifting, and absorbable sutures are placed to close the small incision. A small dressing is applied, and a spandex chin strap may be worn to reduce swelling.
Following surgery there may be bruising and swelling and typically discomfort is minimal to moderate and lasts only a few days. Contact sports should be avoided for one month to reduce the chance of displacement of the implant.

Meet Dr. Aker

Dr. Aker, an Indianapolis plastic surgeon affiliated with several area hospitals, has lectured and is published widely on a variety of plastic surgery topics. Dr. Aker brought several new techniques in cosmetic surgery to Indianapolis and Carmel including the endoscopic breast augmentation (“endo aug”) and Asian eyelid surgery.
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Meet Dr. Beckman

After receiving her medical degree with honors, Dr. Beckman was selected for a highly competitive integrated plastic surgery residency position at Rutgers University, where she rigorously trained in both aesthetic and complex reconstructive plastic surgery for six years. During residency, she developed a strong passion for plastic surgery education and research. She earned several teaching and clinical excellence awards and served as Chief Resident in her final year.

After residency, Dr. Beckman was selected for an aesthetic plastic surgery fellowship position at H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery, one of the nation’s premier aesthetic plastic surgery practices. This additional year gives her the unique opportunity to learn from some of the most recognized names in aesthetic plastic surgery and to train with the most innovative procedures and products available.

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