Chin Augmentation Surgery
Kyle S. Choe, MD Facial Plastic Surgeon, Virginia Beach, VA

It’s all about balance! If the chin is out of balance with the face and neck – the overall picture can be distorted. Men and women alike are coming to us for chin augmentations to achieve a more attractive - more balanced look that will match their energy level and perception of a more youthful body. In today’s anti-aging society, it is important to be your best – part of that is looking your best.

Benefits of Chin Augmentation – Chin Implant:

• Chin augmentation using chin implants is safe and effective
• Chin implants add definition to the jaw line
• Chin implants improve the balance of facial features
• Chin implants readjust overall facial & neck proportions
• Chin implants are customized to meet your particular needs
• Chin implants can restore a more youthful appearance
• Chin implants are commonly done with Rhinoplasty Surgery

Chin Augmentation-Chin Implant frequently asked questions:

Why would I choose a chin implant along with other facial plastic surgery procedures? Chin implants are commonly done for balance - whether to achieve what was never their or restore what age has taken away.

Creating Balance - Many times patients will come in to discuss Rhinoplasty surgery and often will need a chin augmentation to achieve overall balance and facial harmony. Reshaping a nose - making it smaller, reducing the hump, rotating the tip up - is all about proportion and the nose only appears that much better when the chin is brought into balance. Leaving the chin recessed can make the nose still appear too large.

Restoring Balance - As we age, we can loose what definition we had in youth and the lower face and neck area show it well. Many times a facelift will have a better result with the addition of a small chin implant. The skin and fat in the chin can drop or "fall off" the shelf. With the addition of a small chin implant, neck liposuction and muscle tightening (platysmaplasty) we can make a good facelift great!

How long does chin implant surgery take? Usually about half an hour. It will take longer if combining this with other restorative procedures.

Will I be awake during my chin implant surgery? Dr. Choe will use an IV solution sedation and a local anesthetic – so you will be asleep – and completely comfortable during your surgery.

Is chin implant surgery painful? There is some discomfort experienced with any procedure – any discomfort you experience can be managed with pain medication. The discomfort is usually minimal, diminishes each day following your surgery, and is easily managed with Extra Strength Tylenol within 2-3 days.

When will I be able to return to work? Our patients normally return to work within 1 week following their chin implant surgery. If you are combining this with other restorative procedures for the most effective outcome – then plan on 1-3 weeks.

Will the incisions be visible? No. Using only the latest state-of-the-art instruments and procedures, Dr. Choe is able to make very small incisions just under the chin –these heal very well and become unnoticeable within a few short weeks.

Will I have much swelling and bruising? There will be swelling and bruising, however, Dr. Choe will have you take Vitamin C and Arnica to minimize this and to help speed healing and recovery. Arnica is a natural herb that helps to prevent bruising. Vitamin C helps the body heal and recover quicker.

When will I be able to eat? When it’s comfortable for you to do so. A dull ache is what our patients report to us. This is managed very well with oral pain medication for the first 2-3 days then we switch you to Extra Strength Tylenol.

Will the pain and surgical dressings interfere with my being able to sleep? You will need to sleep with the head of your bed elevated or use a couple pillows to keep your head elevated – the first night especially. You should sleep with your head elevated for at least 1 week. The pain medications will help keep you comfortable and the dressings will help keep the chin implant in place while applying pressure to help minimize swelling. Your sleep pattern will be disturbed for a couple nights at the most before you return to normal sleep.

What about my daily activities following my chin implant surgery? You need to stay in bed for the first day and get plenty of rest to allow the healing process to begin. Remember to sleep with your head elevated. You must avoid all strenuous activities – including bending, lifting, stretching or straining until Dr. Choe tells you otherwise.

How long will healing take – and before I will look normal again? In about two weeks you should start looking normal again as swelling diminishes. Within 2-3 months your results become very “visible” and pleasing to look at. Complete healing and outcome results gradually take place over a few months.

Chin Implant preoperative instructions:  

• Do not take aspirin or aspirin containing products or ibuprofen for 1 week prior to your surgery.
• If you smoke-use tobacco or alcohol – please refrain from use for at least one week prior to your surgery. Use of tobacco and alcohol is proven to slow healing and can cause or contribute to infections and other complications.
• You must tell us about the medications, vitamins and herbs you are now taking and Dr. Choe will tell you what to continue and what to stop taking before your surgery.
• We will prescribe certain medications including an oral antibiotic that you must take in preparation for your surgery.
• Start taking the Vitamin C and Arnica the day before your surgery and continue taking it for at least 1 week following your surgery.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight – the night before your surgery.
• A responsible adult must drive you to the office on your surgery day, drive you home and stay with you that night if possible.

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When considering any facial plastic surgical procedure – remember that Board Certified surgeons are the most skilled and qualified. Dr. Choe is a board certified facial plastic surgeon, certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.