Chin Augmentation in Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, Dr. James Fernau, offers chin augmentation surgery to improve the appearance of the lower face and jaw structure. The procedure uses a flexible solid silicone implant that is placed through an incision inside the mouth – along the crease that joins the lower lip and gums. The procedure aims to correct asymmetries, create a stronger projection of the chin and a better overall shape to the chin, cheeks, and lower face. Chin implants come in different sizes and shapes that can be matched to the patient’s preferences and aesthetic goals. For men, a chin implant may help provide a more masculine jaw line; for women, it helps create a more elegant appearance to the neck and jaw.

During chin augmentation, the implant is positioned over the bone below the lips. A pocket is created, which will hold the prosthesis in place. Sometimes the bone is shaved to create a groove for the implant. Incisions are commonly placed in two areas that can easily conceal scars – on the underside of the chin or inside the lip, just between where the lower lip meets the gum. The results after this procedure are almost always positive for patients. An experience surgeon will create subtle results, yet dramatic enough to make a significant improvement to a person’s self esteem.

Chin implant surgery may use either a local anesthesia or general anesthesia depending on the surgical case. The procedure is performed in an accredited surgical facility. It may last up to 2 hours. A liquid diet is usually recommended in the first 3 days to avoid any pressure around the chin as the sutures are sensitive until healed. The patient is allowed only light activities until the second week. There will be numbness on the area surrounding the implant. While this is normal, the sensation will gradually improve as weeks pass. As with any implant surgery, it generally takes up to a full year for the implant to settle into position and create a final outcome that is soft, natural and normal in feeling.

According to www.realself.com, the average price of a chin augmentation is $4,550. Factors that affect cost are the type of implants used or if there are other cosmetic procedures done in conjunction with the augmentation.

Chin augmentation is designed to emphasize the jaw line and create a balanced overall facial appearance. If there are excess fat deposits under the chin, which creates an impression of a double chin, liposuction may be performed. Before any cosmetic surgery, it is advised that the patient is close or already at their goal weight so it doesn’t compromise the positive results of surgery. Sometimes, liposuction is sufficient as it already defines the chin without ever needing an implant.

Yes. With the implant and surrounding tissues adjusting to its new position, there will be a loss of sensation around the chin area and the skin around it will feel tighter than usual. This is an expected reaction post-surgery and shouldn’t be a cause of anxiety. Eventually, sensitivity will return to normal, but it may take several months before the patient can regain sensation. The improvement will be gradual during the course of a year.

The incisions made during a chin augmentation procedure are placed inconspicuously within the inside of the lip or under the chin, therefore, there is limited to no scarring that occurs with this procedure.

Mentoplasty is a procedure that adds fullness and shape to the chin. Genioplasty, on the other hand, is a surgical procedure that reconstructs the chin bone. Both procedures may be done at the same time as a combination surgery or as a single procedure depending on the patient’s chin condition and aesthetic goals. Genioplasty is not always cosmetic in nature as there are conditions in which the procedure resolves a patient’s bite or other medical concern.