A chin implant is a sculpted piece of material that's inserted under the skin and molded around the chin bone. Chin implants are usually made of silicone, but some include Gore-Tex or Medpor.
Chin implants have come a long way since the "button style" implants that were traditionally used. Most surgeons now use wrap-around implants to add width to the sidewalls of the chin.
Implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes; one manufacturer even offers 57 different types of chin implants. They can even be custom carved, to match your unique anatomy.
Because the procedure is so customizable, how a chin implant looks depends on the patients' desired result (and their surgeon's level of skill). Results can range from a subtle improvement to a dramatic change.
Also called mentoplasty, chin implant surgery can enhance the lower face in a variety of ways. It can:
Some patients opt to combine this procedure with rhinoplasty (a nose job) or jaw implants, reshaping their entire facial profile.
Pros
Cons
The price you pay for a chin implant will depend on the type of implant used, your surgeon’s practice location and level of experience, and a few other key factors.
You can finance your treatment with CareCredit.
The chin implant photos in our gallery have been shared by the surgeon who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.
Good candidates are nonsmokers in good health who want a stronger, more defined chin and jawline.
“Patients whose chin profiles are weak but who have normally functioning jaws are good candidates for chin augmentation,” says Dr. Larry S. Nichter, a plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, California. “Many of these candidates have already used injectable fillers in the past, to strengthen the protrusion of their chins, but are looking for a permanent solution.”
Related: Jawline Sculpting—Why It’s Not All About Filler
Your facial plastic surgeon will assess your facial skeletal and tissue structure at your initial consultation, evaluating not only the shape of your face but also your teeth, for aesthetic and medical reasons. They’ll also ensure that you’re not allergic to any components of the implant.
This procedure isn’t recommended for children under the age of 16 (they’re still growing, so their chin may change) or elderly patients with significant bone loss in the area.
When it’s done by an accredited, board-certified facial plastic surgeon, chin implant surgery is considered safe.
That being said, any surgery carries risks such as hematoma, bruising, scarring, and side effects from anesthesia.
A study from 2013 notes that the most common chin implant risks include infection, swelling, and implant migration (where the implant shifts), while a 2018 study warns of possible bone remodeling and resorption.
Your surgeon should explain these risks during your consultation.
Doctors on RealSelf confirm that there is no evidence of a link between chin implants and cancer.
This type of chin augmentation surgery is an outpatient procedure that can take 30 minutes to an hour.
It's usually performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation, though you may opt for general anesthesia if you're also having a complementary procedure, like rhinoplasty, that will prolong your surgery.
Here's how it works:
The chin implant is placed while you're under anesthesia, so you won't feel any pain during the surgery itself.
It's normal to have pain and soreness in the chin area for several days following a chin augmentation procedure. Your provider will prescribe pain medication to minimize discomfort during the first few days. They can also recommend over-the-counter options.
Swelling and soreness peak 72 hours after any surgical procedure, but the pain should start improving 4–5 days after the surgery.
If the pain persists or gets worse after that, alert your doctor. It could be a sign of a complication, like an infection.
Most patients need a week of recovery time after chin implant surgery.
Here's what to expect during your recovery:
Related: The 5 Best Post-Operative Pillows for the Most Uncomfortable Surgeries
Chin implant results can last a lifetime. "Solid silicone does not reabsorb and, because it is solid, there is no concern with it leaking," says Dr. Ross Clevens, a facial plastic surgeon in Melbourne, Florida.
If placed properly, a chin implant should not migrate or disintegrate, and it will last indefinitely or as long as you want it.
If you no longer want the implant, it can easily be removed. Just be aware that you may be left with some skin laxity.
There are a few other procedures that enhance the chin and jawline.
Learn about a variety of chin enhancement options from Dr. Jennifer Levine, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City, and two RealSelf members who had chin procedures.
Updated February 9, 2022