Chin and Jaw
The shape and size of the chin frames the lower face and can convey strength or vulnerability. A weak and deficient chin, or a strong and overpowering chin, can distract attention from an otherwise attractive face. In 2007 a study found that the chins and jawlines of 90% of CEOs of Fortune 500 companies were strong as compared with only 40% in the general population. Chin implants (also known as a chin augmentation) and chin reductions are both niche procedures designed to provide better balance to facial shape.
A chin implant is a procedure designed to strengthen the jaw line by securing an implant to the chin bone in order to increase its projection and shape the lower face. On the other hand, a chin reduction involves removing a wedge of bone from the chin bone in order to reduce its size and projection. These two procedures can each reshape the chin and jaw, but they do so in opposite ways.
Candidates
The ideal candidate for the chin implant is an adult whose lower face is disproportionately a bit smaller than the rest of their face. A chin reduction is less common, but helpful to restore facial balance by softening the chin and jaw appropriately.
Chin reshaping, which can be either an implant or reduction, is generally not about aging but restoring facial balance by either adding or removing from the jaw. Many patients who are having a rhinoplasty may see improved results by combining their nose surgery with a chin reshaping.
If the rest of the jawbone is thin and weak, thus making the chin appear large, then augmentation of the jawbone can be done with Injectable Dermal Fillers or with implants.
Dr. Rad’s Approach
Dr. Rad places an incision on the inside of the lip or on the underside of the chin. For chin implants, a biocompatible Medpor implant is customized to match the ideal result of the patient and secured to the chin bone with screws. This implant is designed to be permanent.
For chin reduction, controlled cutting (osteotomy) is initiated to remove excess bone from the chin and jaw and the chin bone is held in place with plates and screws. This process should reduce the degree of projection and bring about a more balanced look.
Surgery involves minor swelling and discomfort for several days. Most patients require about two weeks to recover.
“The beauty in a face should be noticed, not the work that went into it.”