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Chin Augmentation Overview

Chin augmentation with implants is a cosmetic procedure that helps strengthen the lower jaw features. Individuals who decide to have this surgery often do so because they feel their chin is too small or doesn’t fit with the natural angles of their face and neck. Others go this route to help define and build up an otherwise unprojected or underdeveloped chin. Surgical chin augmentations can improve the chin and jawline’s appearance, helping to balance out facial features and create a more desirable look.

  • Review from P.2.
  • Source: Realself
  • Nov 08, 2017
"Chin augmentation satisfaction - Dr Lapuerta is a great Dr I had a chin augmentation procedure by him, it was a dramatic change now I actually have a chin to show off.I would definitely recommend him to anyone, the staff are very caring and nice very satisfied, Ana"

What is Chin Augmentation Surgery?

Dr. Leo Lapuerta, an experienced, triple-board-certified plastic surgeon, performs this surgical procedure in Houston, Pearland, and Katy, Texas. He uses a biocompatible, synthetically-produced flexible silicone implant, which comes in various shapes and sizes. With the help of chin implants, Dr. Lapuerta can construct a more prominent, stronger jawline and wider, proportionate chin. The surgeon will assess the patient’s facial structure and discuss aesthetic goals to determine which implants and surgical techniques are best to create the desired chin aesthetic.

What is Chin Lipo?

Sometimes, a patient may want to get rid of a double chin or excess fat in the area. Even if they aren’t overweight, they may have a full face or a chin that is wider than the rest of their features.  There may be some drooping skin due to significant weight loss, which makes their face appear older and saggy.

The patient may choose to combine chin liposuction with chin augmentation to reach their desired results. Chin lipo is a surgical procedure where excess fat is removed from under the chin and along the jawline. Combining this procedure with chin augmentation adds only minimal time to the surgery and can provide more dramatic results.

Chin lipo is minimally invasive with little downtime, using a local anesthetic as an outpatient procedure. You can see the results right away once any swelling and bruising is gone. Even people who are at an ideal weight can carry extra fullness under their chin, making this the preferred procedure to get a more toned look to the face.

With the skin retracted, the chin and jawline have a more defined profile. Fortunately, these results can be long-term with attention to maintaining weight and protecting skin from environmental stressors. The natural aging process will gradually alter your appearance even with a successful procedure.

Chin Augmentation Surgery Technique

During chin augmentation surgery, Dr. Lapuerta will use a silicone implant and move it through an incision that he makes under the patient’s chin. The surgeon then places the implant directly over the bone along the lower jaw. Dr. Lapuerta will construct a pocket to hold it, which may involve shaving the jawbone to help fit the implant in place. He then uses surgical sutures to attach the implant to the chin bone. In some cases, he will make the incision on the inside of the mouth, depending on the patient’s needs.  

What to Expect During Chin Augmentation Surgery

Before scheduling the chin augmentation surgery, the patient will first attend several meetings with Dr. Lapuerta, including a consultation meeting and a pre-operative appointment. During the initial consultation, the surgeon will assess the patient’s health, review the patient’s concerns and aesthetic goals, and determine if the patient is a good candidate for chin augmentation surgery. If the patient and surgeon decide to move forward with the procedure, the surgeon will discuss additional details and expectations during the pre-operative appointment. Then they can schedule a date for the chin augmentation surgery.

The chin augmentation surgery is an outpatient procedure that Dr. Lapuerta performs under general anesthesia at an accredited surgical facility in Texas. The entire surgery typically takes about an hour to complete, but it sometimes takes longer depending on the chosen technique.

What to Expect After a Chin Augmentation Procedure

Immediately after surgery, Dr. Lapuerta will apply medical tape or a compression dressing to help protect the implant while the jaw recovers. The patient will want to keep their head elevated to minimize swelling and encourage proper healing. Dr. Lapuerta will provide the patient with post-op instructions for a speedy recovery. He may suggest a liquid-only diet for a few days until the area begins to heal. 

The patient will also meet with Dr. Lapuerta for several follow-up appointments. During these sessions the surgeon will evaluate the patient’s chin augmentation recovery, remove sutures, and address any questions and concerns.

Chin Augmentation Recovery

As for chin augmentation recovery time, it can take four to six weeks to heal fully. However, many patients can begin normal activities within a week or so and resume strenuous activity within three to four weeks. During this time, the swelling, discomfort, and numbness that occurs in the chin and lower lip will gradually improve. The patient can use pain medication and cold compresses to help manage any discomfort. 

Once the swelling subsides, patients can expect to see the final results of the surgical chin augmentation within three to four months. The majority of these implants last a lifetime. 

Most patients are pleased with their results and feel that they have a stronger, more defined profile because of the surgery. This procedure not only enhances their outward appearance, but it can boost their self-confidence and self-esteem, too.

Chin Augmentation Cost

What’s the typical chin implant cost? Most patients can expect to pay around $2,000 – $4,000 for a chin augmentation procedure. The exact and final chin augmentation costs will vary depending on the extent of the surgery. Dr. Lapuerta will provide a cost estimate during the initial meetings, after assessing the patient and determining a treatment plan, 

Interested in learning more about surgical chin augmentations? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Lapuerta today. Dr. Lapuerta has more than two decades of experience in the plastic surgery industry and has performed more than 20,000 procedures. As a trusted surgeon, he will evaluate your health and concerns and help you decide if chin augmentation surgery is the right option for you.

Chin Lipo Cost

Because chin liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that uses local anesthetic, it carries a lower cost than other procedures. Pricing can range from around $1,000 to about $1,500, more if chin lipo is performed along with chin augmentation. The exact cost will depend on the extent of the procedure. For more details about chin lipo and chin implant cost, you can contact Dr. Lapuerta’s team.

PLAN YOUR PROCEDURE

  • Recovery Time
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • Average Procedure Time
  • 1-2 Hours
  • Post-op Follow-up
  • 1 Week
  • Procedure Recovery Location
  • Outpatient

CHIN AUGMENTATION FAQS

WHAT ABOUT A DOUBLE CHIN?
Chin implants are designed to offer patients a sharper, stronger look to their jaw line. Those who have a “double chin” may be better candidates for a liposuction procedure where the fat within the chin and neck is removed. Sometimes this technique alone can create a new profile and look without needing to have an implant procedure.
WILL SENSATION RETURN?
It will be very normal to feel numbness and a change in skin sensation following chin augmentation surgery. As the implant gets used to its new habitat, nearby tissue and jaw line structures will also get used to having it there. Several weeks after surgery, this heightened sensation will begin to subside and, over time, normal sensitivity will gradually reappear. It may take up to a full year for patients to regain full sensitivity.
VISIBLE SCARS?
Scarring is minimal with chin augmentation surgery because the incision is placed either on the inside of the mouth, where it is hidden, or it is made under the chin. Even the incision done under the chin will be concealed or hard to see during social situations.
WHAT ABOUT GENIOPLASTY?
In addition to chin augmentation with implants, some individuals may be suitable candidates for genioplasty. This is a procedure that reshapes the chin by surgically repositioning the chin bone. This procedure is more complex than implants alone and is sometimes considered a reconstructive surgery. In some cases, genioplasty will be done in combination with neck liposuction and chin implants.
Leo Lapuerta Plastic Surgery