Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery
973 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: (585) 244-1000
Fax: (585) 271-4786
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Chin Augmentation
Benefits of a Chin Augmentation
The chin augmentation procedure is a low-risk procedure that can create dramatic but natural-looking results. It is often performed with other facial plastic surgery procedures for deep neck contouring as a way to maintain facial balance or to improve the overall facial aesthetic. Chin augmentation is most often paired with rhinoplasty to achieve a balanced profile. A chin implant can be added to a facelift to achieve a smooth, aesthetically contoured, youthful jawline as well.
Stronger, more prominent chins are viewed in our society as the mark of good character, personal strength, and even perseverance. With so many fine qualities associated with the chin, it’s easy to see what makes chin augmentation a popular facial surgery. As a result, many chin augmentation patients experience an increase in their confidence and self-image.
The Chin Augmentation Consultation
During a chin augmentation consultation, you will meet one-on-one with one of our facial plastic surgeons. Your surgeon will answer your questions about the procedure and discuss your aesthetic goals. The chin augmentation procedure and recovery will be discussed as well as what can and cannot be achieved with a chin implant. Your medical history, previous surgeries, current medical conditions, and medications will be discussed to ensure your safety. Before and after photos of patients who have had chin augmentation surgery are also available for you to view.
Dr. Vito C. Quatela is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing facial rejuvenation procedures. Dr. Quatela is a past president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and is highly respected by his peers as a recognized expert in all areas of facial plastic surgery, including rhinoplasty, facelift, and other facial procedures.
Dr. Heather Lee is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist who has trained extensively with Dr. Quatela. She specializes in both aesthetic and functional procedures and is known for her meticulous surgical results and compassionate care.
Dr. Alex Montague is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist who trained under Dr. Quatela for a facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship. He has exemplary skills in both technique and patient care and specializes in aesthetic and functional procedures.
Ideal Candidates for Chin Augmentation
All prospective chin augmentation patients must be in good physical health, not smoke, and have realistic expectations for their potential results in order to be considered a candidate for the procedure. Prospective patients should also be aware of the balance of their facial structure, the appearance of sunken chins, or the effects of aging on their chin and jaw contour. Through your consultation, your surgeon will determine the best methods to achieve your desired results.
The Chin Augmentation Procedure
Chin augmentation surgeries are typically performed under local anesthetics with IV sedation. During the procedure, your surgeon will place one small incision in the skin just beneath the chin. The implant will then be inserted through this incision and secured to the bone for stability and long-lasting results. The incision will be closed to complete the procedure. If you are having a chin augmentation performed along with another facial plastic surgery, the order of your surgical steps may vary. Your surgeon can provide you with a more detailed description of the procedure and methods that will be used to create your final surgical results.
Recovery From Chin Augmentation Surgery
The recovery from chin augmentation is very straightforward, lasting only a few days to a week in most cases. Patients should expect some swelling, mild discomfort, and bruising around the chin and lower face. Following your surgeon’s instructions for proper aftercare methods is the key to your successful and quick recovery. Take your pain medication, apply cold compresses, and get as much rest as you need. Most patients are able to return to work within one week following surgery. If you have any specific concerns or experience unexpected side effects, contact our office for assistance.
Pre- and Post-operative Chin Augmentation Instructions
It is our goal at the Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery to ensure a safe surgical procedure and recovery. That begins with meeting our nursing team before your operation. Our team reviews your medical health history and any medications you use, performs a physical exam, and reviews and issues prescriptions for post-operative medications. We also educate you about what to expect both before and after surgery and provide you with written information for your reference.
It is important to know what to expect during all phases of the chin augmentation procedure. For proper healing and to achieve satisfactory results, you must closely follow our pre and post-operative instructions, which include details about caring for your incisions.
Choosing the Right Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Quatela, Dr. Lee, and Dr. Montague are double board-certified facial plastic surgeons and otolaryngologists. They all specialize in facial plastic surgery procedures and have extensive experience with chin augmentation and facial contouring surgeries. Their mission is to improve people’s lives by aesthetically enhancing their appearance and increasing their personal confidence.
Our plastic surgeons review a variety of factors to ensure plastic surgery is a safe choice for you.
Chin Augmentation FAQ
How do I know if I need a chin implant, neck liposuction, or facelift?
Chin implants add definition to the jawline and improve balance between facial features. Balance is typically viewed as one of the fundamental components of beauty. Chin implants are considered a structural improvement more than rejuvenation provided by a facelift. Neck liposuction removes fat but not a turkey wattle, neck wrinkles, or face lines in the skin.
Can a chin implant be done at the same time as neck liposuction or facelift?
Yes. Combining these procedures often gives the best final result. By performing them at the same time, patients save on anesthesia and facility fees.
Why is a chin implant sometimes recommended with rhinoplasty?
It’s all about balance. Facial features in good proportion are perceived as beautiful. Adding a chin implant readjusts overall facial proportions. In some cases, the nose can look smaller when a chin implant is added for balance.
How long does a chin augmentation procedure take?
The duration of your chin augmentation procedure can last up to one hour but may vary. If you are adding chin augmentation to another procedure, it will add time to that surgery as well. Discuss your surgical schedule with your surgeon for more specific information.
Where will there be scarring after my chin augmentation?
Chin implant surgery will result in some scarring at the incision site. In most cases, this will be a natural crease of the skin beneath the chin. As the scar tissue forms and matures, any exterior scar will fade and become nearly undetectable.
How long does it take to recover from chin augmentation?
Recovery from chin augmentation surgery generally lasts a few days up to one week. Talk to your surgeon about your personal recovery timeline before making plans to return to work or resume any high-impact activities.
How long do bruising and swelling last after chin augmentation?
Postoperative bruising and swelling begin to resolve at the end of the first week. Full resolution of bruising or swelling may take 2 to 6 weeks. However, you may camouflage bruises fairly easily at 7 to 10 days with a concealer stick.
The Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery in Rochester is proud to serve patients from throughout Upstate NY. We are honored to be the area’s premier plastic surgery center, and give every patient our undivided attention and the quality of care they deserve. Learn more about how we support our New York patients on their surgical journeys:
What type of implant is used for chin augmentation?
Chin implants are made of biocompatible, synthetic materials that are safe to insert under the skin to achieve enhancement results that last indefinitely. A chin implant can also be easily removed in the future if a patient chooses to reverse the effects.
How can I be sure my chin augmentation results will look natural?
To achieve optimal results, find a facial plastic surgeon with experience in facial augmentation procedures. Our surgeons are known for achieving natural-looking results with facial plastic surgery procedures.
How much is chin augmentation?
The cost of chin augmentation varies, depending on your specific needs and goals. All prices quoted from the Quatela Center are all-inclusive and include pre and postoperative appointments, surgeon’s fees, surgery center fees, and anesthesia costs. For more information, see our page on Plastic Surgery Costs.
For males, does a chin implant affect shaving?
Not really. For about three days a dressing covers the incision. Men may shave around the incision until the dressing comes off on the fourth day. Then they may shave the entire face and chin area with a straight edge blade for one week. It is best to resume shaving at about 10 days postoperatively using an electric razor.
People who live in Buffalo, Syracuse, and other areas of New York travel to the Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery for chin augmentation surgery and other facial rejuvenation procedures. Request your consultation using the online form to meet personally with one of our facial plastic surgeons or give our office a call at (585) 244-1000 to schedule an appointment.