If you feel your chin is out of balance with the other features of your face, chin surgery could remedy your concerns. For those seeking augmentation, they usually feel their chin is either too small or recedes. For those seeking reduction, the feeling is that the chin is too large or protrudes too much.

As with all cosmetic procedures, successful candidates are in good overall health and free of medical conditions. Also, satisfied patients usually will have done some research on their own prior to their consultation with Dr. Saltz, bringing questions to the appointment. When discussing the procedure, Dr. Saltz will make sure your expectations are realistic.

When inserting a chin implant, Dr. Saltz can opt to make the incision under the chin (submental) or inside the mouth (intraoral). He makes a pocket in the connective tissue inside the chin, careful to avoid the major nerve. A solid silicone or polyethylene implant is then placed into the pocket. The procedure typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.

During your consultation with Dr. Saltz, the two of you will discuss your various implant options. You can also opt to have more than one implant — this is more typical for men.

Most chin implants are designed to last for a patient’s lifetime, so the results from chin implants are typically permanent. Unlike other implants in other areas of the body, such as breast implants, implants on the chin are not constantly pulled down by the weight of gravity, allowing them to last longer. If your implants are made from tissue from other parts of your body, there is a chance it may be reabsorbed. If that’s the case, patients are always welcome back to Saltz Plastic Surgery for a follow-up procedure.

Like any other cosmetic implant procedure, chin implants have a few risks. They include the following:

• Erosion of the chin bone
• Hair loss in the chin area
• Implant extrusion
• Swelling
• Burning or prickling
• Redness
• Infection
• Bleeding

Some side effects, such as swelling, are common after most chin implant procedures. Because some patients experience swelling after their implants are placed, they may not see the final results of their chin and jaw for up to three to four months. After that time, however, their results can last a lifetime.

Most notice improvements within a few weeks as swelling decreases. However, final results typically become visible within three to six months once all residual swelling has subsided and the implant has fully settled into place.

While rare, chin implants can potentially shift due to trauma, improper placement, or inadequate healing. To minimize this risk, choose a skilled, board-certified surgeon like Dr. Saltz and follow all post-surgical care instructions closely.

In most cases, the incision is made either inside the mouth or under the chin in a well-concealed location. When properly cared for, external scars are typically minimal and fade significantly over time.