What Is Chin Implant Surgery or Genioplasty?

Throughout history, a strong chin has been equated with beauty. When the chin is weak and receding, a large nose appears even larger, and the jaw and neckline appear out of place. In many men and women, chin projection is lost due to aging.

Chin Augmentation or Genioplasty with Chin Implants help to build out a recessive chin by inserting an implant over the chin bone. This improves the overall harmony of your facial features.Chin implants can also correct jaw asymmetry or irregularity for people with traumatic or genetic defects.

What Are Chin Implants Made From?

Generally, they are made of silicone, or another synthetic material. Those made of silicone are known as "Silastic" implants.

There are two types, solid, the type made of silicone, or porous – generally made of polyethylene. In some cases, the use of a bone graft – usually taken from the hip — may be advisable.

Is the Silicone in Chin Implants Dangerous?

No implantation procedure is risk-free. However, silicone breast implants are made of a silicone gel, and have been implicated as the cause of autoimmune diseases. Unlike breast implants, silastic chin implants are made of a vulcanized solid silicone rubber, and have never been implicated as the cause of any disease. Smooth, solid silicone is an inert substance and has been used for implantation in numerous medical devices for decades.

How Is Chin Implant Surgery Performed?

A pocket will be created in the chin, into which an implant will be placed.

Your cosmetic surgeon will make an incision, either inside the lower portion of your mouth, or under the chin. In incision inside the mouth will be made with removable stitches. Those below the chin will later need removal.

Once the incision is made, your surgeon will place an implant of the right size and shape for your face inside the pocket that was created. When the implant is inserted inside the mouth, there is no visible scar.

What Kind of Anesthesia is Used for Chin Implants?

As a rule, Chin Implant Surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

Can Chin Implant Surgery be Performed With Other Procedures?

Sometimes, your cosmetic surgeon will perform Chin Implant Surgery with other procedures that improve your facial profile – such as Rhinoplasty (a "nose job"). It is also commonly performed with liposuction of the chin and neck.

What Is Genioplasty?

The terms Genioplasty and Mentoplasty are used interchangeably to refer to the reshaping of the jaw. (Many also include Chin Implant Surgery, i.e. Chin Augmentation under the rubric of "Genioplasty."

In some men and women, the bones of their face and jaws are not proportional. In these cases, a cosmetic surgeon can correct the profile of the chin. Surgery to change the position of your chin is called Genioplasty. Often, this surgery is performed at the same time as corrective surgery on your jaw.

How Is Genioplasty Performed?

Your cosmetic surgeon will make an incision through the gum on the inside of your lower lip to reach the lower jawbone and chin. Your chin will then be cut with a small saw, and broken. It will then be moved into a new position and held into place with small metal plates and screws. Your plastic surgeon will then stitch your gum back into place with dissolvable sutures.

What is "Sliding Genioplasty?"

This procedure is also known as "Chin Advancement." It involves removal of a horseshoe-shaped piece of the chin bone, and then sliding it backwards or forwards. When it is in the desired position, it is fixed into place with titanium screws. Sometimes Bone Grafts are added.

Are There Differences in The Risks of Chin Augmentation versus Genioplasty?

Genioplasty has a higher incidence of nerve damage than does Chin Augmentation through implants.

What Kind of Anesthesia is Used for Genioplasty?

As a rule, it is performed under general anesthesia.

How Long Does Genioplasty Surgery Take?

Generally, it requires between one to two hours.

Dr. Younai is a Board Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon with experience in all aspects of Facial Cosmetic Surgery including Facial Augmentation with Facial Implants, Facelift or Rhytidectomy, eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty, neck lift, forehead or brow lift, rhinoplasty, etc. He is skilled and experienced in all techniques of Facial Augmentation and Implant Surgery and strives to create a face that is harmonious and natural looking. During your consultation he will discuss all details including: if you are a good candidate, surgical options and techniques, potential risks and complications of surgery, pre- and post-operative instructions, recovery course, as well as what to expect after surgery. You will also have an opportunity of seeing and trying on different types of facial implants. At that time Dr. Younai will also show you before-and-after pictures of other patients with Facial Implants, such as Cheek, Chin, Jaw, and Nasal Implants.

Dr. Younai performs Facial Cosmetic Surgery for patients who come to the California Center for Plastic Surgery from the Northern as well as the Southern California region. Some of these cities include Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Burbank, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Pasadena, Glendale, Valencia, Palmdale, Fresno, and Oxnard.

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