Chin augmentation: Why use a silicone implant?

Before and after photograph of chin augmentation surgery with silicone implant and neck liposuction for submental fullness (i.e. double chin) treatment.

Chin augmentation is requested by all types of patients: young/old, male/female, etc. Patients describe wanting a more defined chin, neck, or jawline. Chin augmentation not only improves a weak chin, but secondarily can enhance the appearance of other facial areas such as the nose, neck, and cheeks.

Chin augmentation can be performed by three methods and various materials:

• facial filler – hyaluronic acid gel (ex. Juvederm®, Voluma®), calcium hydroxyapatite (Radiesse®)
• implant – silicone, porous polyethylene (Medpor®), polyethylene terephthalate (Mersilene®)
• bone surgery – titanium with sliding genioplasty or orthognathic surgery

Plastic surgeons generally perform all types of chin augmentations procedures, but chin implant surgery is the most popular technique for permanent chin augmentation with minimal recovery.

Implants for chin augmentation also come in a variety of sizes (ex. small to extra-large) and shapes (ex. extended, square, and curvilinear). We’ve previously reviewed methods of choosing the size of a silicone chin implant. While different materials are used in chin augmentation (ex. silicone, porous polyethylene, Medpor®), silicone implants are the most commonly used in plastic surgery offices.

Before and after photograph of chin augmentation surgery with silicone implant for more defined jawline.

Plastic surgeons generally prefer silicone implants for a many reasons. First, these implants are available more broadly in a larger variety of shapes and sizes. Secondly, silicone implants are easier to place, to exchange, or to remove as compared to the other chin augmentation materials. In addition, silicone implants can be modified during surgery as needed without much difficulty, even in revision procedures. Lastly, patients tend to develop less scar tissue with silicone too.

For patients who aren’t yet ready for chin surgery, then facial filler with a hyaluronic acid gel is often used as part of a “liquid lift”. Results with chin augmentation with filler last about six months. Not only are results temporary, the degree of change tends to be more subtle with fillers.

Have you considered chin augmentation? Speak with a plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon to review options with you.