Chin Augmentation

Create a More Balanced Nose by Improving Your Chin Projection with a Chin Implant or Sliding Genioplasty

An important component of nasal aesthetics and facial balance is the position of the chin. An under-projected, or weak, chin can create the appearance of a larger nose than is actually present. This visual effect can be seen in the patient below who desired a rhinoplasty to reduce the size of his over-projected nose:

In the after photo on the right you can see how the concurrent placement of a chin implant achieved better balance to his face. Dr. Lamperti reduced the size of the patient's nose, but maintained a strong, masculine appearance that was further accentuated by the stronger appearing chin and jawline.

What you need to know about chin augmentation:

• How to perform chin augmentation
• Learn about chin implantation
• See combined chin implant and rhinoplasty photographs
• How sliding genioplasty is performed
• See combined sliding genioplasty and rhinoplasty photographs

How to perform chin augmentation

In those who would benefit from increasing the projection of the chin there are two approaches to performing chin augmentation: Chin implantation or Sliding Genioplasty. The most common technique is to use a chin implant.

Chin Implants

Chin implants can come in a variety of materials, but typically are composed of solid silicone (silastic), medpore, gortex, or mersilene mesh. Dr. Lamperti often uses a silicone implant. The implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The photograph below shows a few implant styles:

This shows the same implant variety from above:

An "anatomic style" is most often used as its gently curved U-shape naturally augments the jawline without creating any unnatural transitions. This photograph shows a variety of sizes (small, medium, large, extra large) of the extended anatomic style sizers:

These sizers are used during chin implant surgery to check the surgical pocket for the proper sizing and to ensure that the chosen implant size create the proper chin projection.

Chin implants can be inserted using either an incision placed under the chin or using an incision inside the mouth just in front of the gum line. The approach used usually comes down to surgeon preference; Dr. Lamperti most often uses an external incision as it has a lower infection rate. This incision is closed using deep dissolvable sutures and an outer layer of sutures that are removed about one week after surgery. If an oral incision is used, reabsorbing sutures are used that dissolve on their own.

Chin implant surgery can be done using just local numbing medicine (and oral sedation) in an office procedure room or under deeper anesthesia in an operating room. Obviously, if a concurrent rhinoplasty is performed then deeper anesthesia will be needed.

Combined Chin Implantation and Rhinoplasty Before and After Photos

Here are a few profile photos of Dr. Lamperti's patients who had a combined rhinoplasty and chin implantation. You can see additional patient views of each patient by clicking on their photo. You can also see more photos in our Chin Implantation Gallery here.

Sliding Genioplasty

Sliding genioplasty is a very powerful method of achieving chin augmentation that involves making a controlled cut (osteotomy) in the bone of the chin itself. This schematic illustrates where this osteotomy is placed.

The chin bone is then advanced forward (and downward if increased vertical length of the face is wanted) and secured into position using a small titanium metal plate and screws. This photograph shows what this prebent plate looks like:

This approach must be done using an incision inside the mouth. There is typically a bit longer recovery time as compared with chin implantation, but the versatility and ability to create changes to the chin in a vertical dimension can be invaluable.

Interested in learning more? You can read even more about sliding genioplasty surgery here.

Combined Sliding Genioplasty and Rhinoplasty Before and After Photos

Here are a few profile photos of Dr. Lamperti's patients who had a combined rhinoplasty and sliding genioplasty. You can see additional photographic views by clicking on their photos.

Meet Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Lamperti

Dr. Lamperti, a Seattle rhinoplasty super-specialist, has devoted his career to treatments of the head, face and neck. He feels that by focusing his plastic surgery endeavors solely to the face he is best able to provide the excellent results his patients desire.

More about Dr. Lamperti ›