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.  Chin Augmentation compliments Rhinoplasty Surgery.  Overall nose reshaping does not always yield a balanced outcome without the addition of Chin augmentation.  Chin Augmentation is also done to rejuvenate the aging face.  As we age, the chin can droop or become bony – also referred to as “witchy chin.” Chin Augmentation, in combination with Face and Necklift surgery, can achieve an even more complete balanced outcome.

Benefits of Chin Augmentation – Chin Implant:

• Chin augmentation using chin implants is safe and effective
• Chin implant surgery can add definition to the jaw line
• Chin implant surgery can improve the balance of facial features
• Chin implant surgery can re-adjust overall facial & neck proportions
• Chin implant surgery is customized to meet your particular needs
• Chin implant surgery can restore a more youthful appearance
• Chin implant surgery can be done along with other neck/face procedures

Chin Augmentation/Chin Implant frequently asked questions:

Why would I choose a chin implant along with neck liposuction/necklift and a facelift or nose reshaping (rhinoplasty)?   Let’s review each:

• Neck liposuction will remove excess fat deposits that contribute to loss of definition in the neck
• Necklift will tighten the loose, sagging muscles of the neck
• Facelift will accomplish the same for the face

A chin implant is the “icing on the cake” –it replaces that definition to the chin that has been lost or what was never there.  Rhinoplasty surgery is also very important to consider having done – because if the chin is too small – the nose often appears too large – if the nose is too large – the chin can look small. 

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

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

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

Where will my chin implant surgery take place?  Dr. Choe will perform your surgery in our accredited office surgical suite as an outpatient procedure. 

When will I be able to return to work? You should be able to return to work within 5-7 days.  If you are combining this with other restorative procedures for the most effective outcome you will need to plan on 7-10 days.

Will the incisions be visible?  No.  Dr. Choe is able to make very small incisions just under the chin. These heal very well and often times 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 is 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 of pillows to keep your head elevated – the first night especially.  You should sleep with your head elevated using 2-3 pillows for 2-3 weeks after your surgery. 

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 1 week you should start looking normal again as swelling diminishes. Complete healing and outcome results occur gradually over a few months.

Chin Implant preoperative instructions:

• Do not take aspirin or aspirin containing products, ibuprofen or herbal medicines for 2 weeks prior to your surgery.
• You must stop using any/all nicotine products for 4 weeks prior to your surgery and for 10 days after your surgery.
• You must stop using alcohol 1 week prior to 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 for 24 hours following your surgery.

Dr. Choe is an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who uses only the safest, most effective techniques and instruments to ensure the very best outcomes for his patients.  We’re confident you will be very pleased too. 

Dr. Choe is certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery