Chin Procedures to Reshape Your Profile

A chin is usually a subtle element of your facial profile, adding balance to your features without drawing much attention. Most of us are born with chins that, on a scale of Don Knotts to Jay Leno, are somewhere in a comfortable middle range.

Even at the extremes, we may become fond of a chin that is way too prominent, or a chin that appears to be hiding in the jawline. But we do have alternatives to living with a chin that detracts from our appearance and confidence, thanks to the skill of leading-edge doctors such as San Diego-area plastic surgeon Dr. Carlos Chacon of Divino Plastic Surgery.

Once we have decided to make a change, we also have several different techniques available to us — procedures that vary in permanence and invasiveness.

Facial Implants

The most popular procedure is a chin implant, or genioplasty. Implants are typically made of silicone or a composite material, and can be surgically inserted either through an incision under the chin or one made inside the lower lip. The latter technique hides the scar, but also will require a diet of soft foods during healing. Some implants are attached to the bone, while others are precisely fitted so that they will be firmly held in place by facial muscles and skin.

A related technique uses your own bone as the “implant.” In this so-called sliding genioplasty, part of the jawbone is cut and moved forward to erase a weak chin, or moved back to reduce the prominence of a projecting chin. The bone is locked into place with titanium screws.

Fillers

Implants offer immediate, permanent results. The procedure can often be done within an hour, and does not always require general anesthesia. But for patients who prefer a less invasive approach, fillers are a popular choice.

Just as there are a variety of implants, there are several types of dermal fillers available. Most are hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxyapatite preparations, and have product names like Juvéderm Voluma and Radiesse. The fillers last from several months to two years, and the results are more subtle than an implant. The process is also simpler, with no time lost to healing and a topical anesthetic as the preferred pain management option.

To learn more about plastic surgery procedures to reshape the chin, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Carlos Chacon at his San Diego-area office in Bonita by contacting Divino Plastic Surgery today.