Chin Augmentation

The hallmark of facial beauty is often regarded as symmetry between the key facial features like the nose and chin. Some individuals, however, may struggle with a chin that is underdeveloped and may turn to Sacramento facial plastic surgeon Dr. Patrick McMenamin for chin augmentation.

A strong chin signifies self-assurance, virility, and attractiveness in a male. A moderate, proportionate chin signifies beauty in a woman. Silicone chin implants can help achieve those goals in men and women with small, retracted, or asymmetric chins. Making the chin more prominent can greatly enhance the profile of the face and neck and bring balance to the face.

A chin augmentation will strengthen your profile by making a weak chin more prominent. As an added benefit, chin augmentation can have a surprisingly positive impact on the appearance of your nose.

Before and After Chin Augmentation, Sacramento CA
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*actual patient, your results may vary

When to Choose Chin Augmentation

At your initial consultation with Dr. McMenamin, it is important to express your goals in improving your facial profile. He will be able to determine what is possible to achieve and show you pre and post operative results in other patients. He will also discuss the two approaches of this surgery, what the expected recovery will entail, and the cost of the procedure. Dr. McMenamin will recommend which approach will best achieve your goals and he will explain the pros and cons of each approach.

Certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. McMenamin is the ideal cosmetic surgeon to bring harmony to your facial features through chin augmentation. This procedure, which utilizes an implant to correct microgenia (inadequate bone structure) or a relatively small chin, may also have a dramatic positive impact on your self-image, as well.

To undergo chin augmentation, Dr. McMenamin asks that you be a nonsmoker and be otherwise healthy. If your teeth are misaligned or you suffer from severe microgenia, you may not be able to undergo chin augmentation. During your consultation, Dr. McMenamin will determine if you are an ideal candidate for the surgery and if so, will formulate a customized surgical plan. The type of implant will also be chosen at this time and may be silicone rubber, Goretex, Teflon, or acrylic, among other materials.

In the days prior to your procedure, Dr. McMenamin will ask that you cleanse your mouth regularly with an antibacterial, either internally or externally, depending on where the incision will be made in surgery.

What to Expect During Chin Augmentation

The first approach is through an incision made inside the mouth through the soft tissue at the base of the anterior lower teeth. This approach is used most frequently in those patients who have enough skin under their chin to stretch freely over the implant and who do not have excess fat under their chins. The scar is in the inside of the mouth where it is not visible to others. When the chin implant is inserted, it is held into place with a single surgical screw into the chin bone. Absorbable suture is used to close the wound inside the mouth. Mouth rinses with salt water will be used for incisions inside the mouth. This helps to keep the stitches clean and promote healing.

The second approach uses an incision under the chin (submental) area, to gain access to the chin and neck. This incision allows the surgeon to sculpt the area under the chin and to free tissue required to stretch over the implant. This approach does involve an incision on the outside of the mouth under the chin. Over time, this incision becomes nearly invisible as it fades. Again, the chin implant is held into place with a single surgical screw. Sutures are used to close the wound and the skin sutures are removed about eight days after surgery.

Risks of Chin Augmentation

Facial implants can produce some remarkable changes and problems rarely occur, but as with all surgical procedures, there are potential risks. While the following doesn’t cover all risks, it will give you an idea of the more common ones:

1. A facial implant can shift slightly out of alignment and a second operation may be necessary to replace it in its proper position.
2. Infection can occur with any operation. If infection were to occur around a facial implant and did not clear up after treatment with antibiotics, the implant might have to be temporarily removed and replaced at a later time.
3. Any incision on the body can form an unpleasing scar that may require revision or other treatments to improve.
4. Bone resorption under the chin implant over time.
5. No guarantees can be made regarding your satisfaction with this procedure.

However, the thorough explanation of what you can expect for results before undergoing this procedure minimizes dissatisfaction. Dr. McMenamin will review the risks and benefits of this procedure thoroughly at your pre operative consultations.

Silicone Implant Safety

The chin implants used are made of solid silicone manufactured in numerous sizes and shapes. Many studies have been completed over the safety of silicone implants. Currently, there is no scientific evidence that this is a harmful substance. Also, the metal screw used to hold the implant in place has been used safely in the body for many years. Where is the procedure done? This procedure is done in our accredited operating room under local anesthesia and either oral or IV sedation and vital sign monitoring. At the completion of surgery, regardless of the approach, your head will be wrapped with gauze to apply gentle pressure over the chin and neck to help prevent a blood collection (hematoma) under the skin. Your vital signs, pulse, blood pressure, heart tracing, and blood oxygen levels are monitored until it is determined you are stable to go home.

Recovery and Results

Following your chin augmentation, Dr. McMenamin will give you specific instructions for aftercare that must be followed. He will ask you to keep your head elevated, to not touch your chin and to carefully adhere to good oral hygiene, including the use of an antiseptic mouthwash. To manage pain, you may also be prescribed medication. After a week, your sutures will be removed and you will see the impressive results and facial harmony Dr. McMenamin's skills are able to achieve.

To learn more about chin augmentation in the Sacramento and Roseville CA area, we encourage you to contact the personable staff of Sacramento cosmetic surgeon Dr. Patrick McMenamin at (916) 564-8888.