Kissable full lips together with an elegant jaw line define an alluring facial profile. The chin is a critical element of the aesthetic proportions and symmetry of a face. While plump lips will add fullness and definition to the face. Permanent chin and lip implants can enhance your facial balance and harmony.

Now is a great time to schedule a Lips or Chin Augmentation consultation with Dr. Wang at our plastic surgery offices, serving Southern California including Pasadena, Arcadia and Riverside. You can request a consultation online or call Wang Plastic Surgery at (888) 360-6688 today to schedule your appointment.

Chin enhancement, chin reshaping, or chin augmentation can be surgically achieved by chin implants, often called genioplasty or mentoplasty, which strengthens the appearance of a “weak” or receding chin by increasing its projection. Another possibility for improvement through chin surgery is laser liposuction in which excess fatty tissue is removed to redefine the chin or jawline.

Chin augmentation, or genioplasty, is fast becoming one of the most efficient methods of enhancing one’s look. Changing the contour of the chin can help create a stronger jaw line, balance out facial features, and improve facial symmetry. For those looking to achieve such enhancements, Dr. Wang is highly skilled in performing several chin augmentation procedures. He offers both a non-invasive technique as well as surgical procedures involving either the insertion of a chin implant or the repositioning of the patient’s chin bone. These methods are often performed in combination with other facial procedures. Patients undergoing a nose surgery (rhinoplasty), for example, or a facelift (rhytidectomy) may also opt for genioplasty in achieving a balanced overall aesthetic.

Is there a non-invasive option for Lips and Chin Enhancements?

For patients seeking a non-invasive, in-office procedure, the injection of a soft tissue filler is an excellent option. Dr. Wang uses Radiesse, a semi-permanent injectable filler that stimulates the body’s own collagen production process, to add volume to the chin area. The results are instant and last about a year.

What is chin implantation?

For those seeking a more permanent enhancement, Dr. Wang may perform chin implantation surgery. An implant is placed on top of the chin bone to help enhance a receding chin, make the chin wider, or even lengthen the face somewhat. Implants are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, depending on the desired goal and the technique utilized.

What is chin repositioning (osteotomy)?

Instead of using a chin implant, Dr. Wang may choose to perform osteotomy, which involves repositioning the patient’s own chin bone. This can be done in order to correct a short chin or to shorten or narrow the chin. An incision is made inside the mouth so that the bone can be cut, repositioned, and then wired into place.

How is the incision made?

The incision choice depends on the type of procedure and the surgeon’s preference. This choice also depends on the type of implant selected and the desired effect. With osteotomy, the incision is made inside the mouth between the lower lip and gum. For implant placement, either an internal or external incision can be used in order to create a pocket for the implant to be placed between the bone and the chin tissue. With both approaches, light anesthesia or general anesthesia can be used, depending on the choice made by Dr. Wang and the patient.

What is the typical recovery time?

Recovery time after undergoing genioplasty depends on the particular approach used and also whether or not other procedures were performed simultaneously. Patients who undergo genioplasty alone generally find it easy to return to light activities shortly after the procedure. A chin sling or wrap is usually used for several days following surgery in order to provide support.

With the oral incision option, patients are restricted to a liquid or soft diet for several days in order for the gums to heal. Sutures dissolve on their own after several weeks. If an external incision is made, sutures are removed in office after several weeks.

Patients who opt for chin implantation often experience “tightness” in the chin area due to the newly added implant and because of the body’s own swelling reaction to surgery. This mild discomfort is generally lessened by the use of oral pain-relieving medications, which are usually needed for a few days after surgery. Bruising generally improves within seven to ten days.

What kind of complications can occur?

Scarring – No visible external scars are present when the incision is made inside the mouth. A very small, easily concealable scar will likely be present if the incision is made externally.

Side Effects – Immediately following surgery, patients experience a sense of their chin being “asleep” due to the effect of the anesthesia. This effect usually wears off shortly after the procedure. Those who undergo osteotomy may experience a temporary loss of feeling of the lip and chin that may take several weeks to months to wear off.

This is why it is important to wear the chin support for the fully recommended period and to avoid contact activities until fully healed. In the event that the chin implant somehow becomes infected, removal may be necessary in order to clear the infection.