It is not unusual that during a consultation for a rhinoplasty, the surgeon may recommend improvement of a receding chin. This occurs because the facial surgeon does not think of the nose as an isolated feature, but rather as an integral component of the entire face. In evaluating the aesthetic proportions of the face, plastic surgeons think in terms of the best possible profile obtainable for the individual. 

Generally speaking, when seen in profile, the chin should nearly touch a vertical line drawn from the lower lip. If only a rhinoplasty is completed, while the chin is too weak and the forehead slanted, the facial profile will come to a "point" at the nose. In this case, you may be advised against rhinoplasty unless chin projection is increased at the same time. 

Of course, there are also individuals who desire and would benefit from chin augmentation who do not need rhinoplasty. Occasionally, a consultation with an oral surgeon who is trained to align the entire jaw and teeth will be recommended. This recommendation is guided by the anatomy of the patient's bite, the chin's projection and the patient's concerns. 

Surgery

The material used for augmentation is a medical-grade synthetic implant. It is used to support the soft tissues overlying the chin and jaw bone, thereby increasing the chin's projection. This type of material has been widely accepted by surgeons for many uses such as heart valves and blood vessel grafts. Within a short period of time following the surgery, this material becomes integrated with the surrounding tissues. Usually, the implant is placed from inside the mouth. However, when a procedure to remove fat from under the chin is done at the same time, the implant is sometimes placed through this same incision hidden nicely under the chin. 

After Surgery

After the procedure, an adhesive dressing is left on the chin for support, and an overlying wrap is placed until the following morning. The wrap is removed the following morning and the adhesive dressing after one week. 

In chin augmentation, as in any surgery, the patient must be willing to take on certain calculated risks. Infection, rejection of the implant, asymmetries, paresthesia (tingling or prickling sensation) and swelling can occur. The procedure, however, carries a high success rate and adds the finishing touch in producing facial harmony.