Face Lift

Chin Augmentation and Chin Implants

A beautiful or handsome face is one that is in proportion throughout. A weak or receding chin can throw an otherwise wonderful face out of balance. It can make a normal nose appear large and an already prominent nose seem even larger. For some people, a weak chin can even make the neck look fleshy and double-chinned even when it is not.

Many people who see a plastic surgeon to ask about a nose job (a rhinoplasty) actually find out that part or all of their problem is that their chin is week.

Courtesy of AAFPRS

Many chin augmentations are done in conjunction with rhinoplasties. Adding to the chin can bring a certain harmony or balance throughout the facial structure.

What Is Chin Augmentation?

Chin augmentation is surgery to add prominence to the chin or to bring the chin section of the lower jaw (mandible) forward. In chin augmentation a surgeon will insert an implant of synthetic or biological material to make the chin more prominent. In some cases, rather than use an implant, the surgeon will cut the piece of bone from the lower jaw at the chin and move it forward and reattach it.

Some people also need mandibular (jaw) augmentation or cheek augmentation to balance out their features, either in addition to or instead of chin augmentation. An experience plastic surgeon can help determine your needs by examining your facial structure and photographs. Some surgeons use computer programs or photographs to show you what is needed and how you are expected to look after surgery.

Chin augmentation, when done well, can be very subtle and beneficial to the features. However, when it is not done well, the results can be a bit unnatural looking and unflattering.

We have a complete explanation of chin augmentation, descriptions of the types of implants available, and details about the surgery and recovery period at our sister site, ChinAugmentation.com.


  • Halaas 58x57

    Yael Halaas, MD, FACS

    60 E. 56th Street
    3rd Floor
    New York, NY 10022
    (332) 239-6439


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    Mune Gowda, MD

    3270 West Big Beaver
    Suite 415
    Troy, MI 48084
    248-305-8400


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    Sean Maguire, MD

    Physician's Center for Beauty
    24 Chenoweth Lane
    Louisville, KY 40207
    (866) 774-9105