Nothing says “Man” like a strong, prominent chin. A receding male chin, on the other hand, has the unfortunate and unintended effect of projecting weakness, lack of male virility, or poor self-confidence. The difference between a man with a strong chin and a man with a small chin (microgenia) is like night and day, sweet and sour, Patrick Swayze and Slim Pickens.

Women love men with strong chins, which is one very good reason why so many men are having surgical chin implants to augment their lack of lower facial prominence. In fact, in 2012 men were having cosmetic chin implants performed at a rate 76 percent higher than in the previous year, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Men who undergo genioplasty, the technical term for a chin implant procedure, benefit from a more balanced and proportional set of facial features. The chin no longer appears to vanish into the neck but projects outward with authority. Genioplasty adds length to the face while making the nose appear smaller – the very opposite of which is true with a recessed chin.

The roughly hour-long procedure is done in an outpatient setting using a silicone or polyethylene implant or implant made from other materials. The implant is inserted through an incision made through the lower lip or under the chin. The recovery period is about 1 to 7 days. As with all surgical procedures there are risks and these may include the risk of infection, sensitivity or uncomfortable feelings afterward with the implant, and uncorrected muscles of the neck.  Despite the downsides, the social benefits outweigh the potential risks. Let’s face it, men with strong chins command attention.

Men with weak chins – we’ll, keep your chin up.

If you are considering a facial implant procedure it’s smart to weigh your options with the help of a qualified plastic surgeon. Dr. Kyle S. Choe is a board certified facial plastic surgeon located in Virginia Beach. He can be reached at The Choe Center for Facial Plastic Surgery at 757.389.5850 for a personal consultation.