Is 16 too young to get a chin implant?

Question

I am a 16 year old girl, and I have an extremely saggy chin/ neckline, with lots of loose skin. I would really like to have a defined chin and jawline, my problem runs in the family my mother also had a chin implant done and she is quite happy. Would there be benefits/better results if I was to get it later on?

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. There's no age limit or ideal age for Chin Implant. However, patients must be over 18 years of age.

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

The growth of face, nose, and jaw has essentially matured by about age 16 for girls and age 17 for boys. Plastic surgeons may start considering surgery for teenagers around this age. A chin implant is a good option to augment the chin, which is performed via twilight anesthesia and has a quick recovery. Some patients would better benefit from jaw bone surgery to help align the teeth, but this surgery is much more extensive with much longer recovery. Computer simulation with a surgeon can help you visualize potential results. Chin augmentation is combined with neck liposuction for appropriate patients to further improve the neck and jawline.Waiting is a good option too, as there is no rush to have chin augmentation. Only after a comprehensive evaluation can a plastic surgeon help determine appropriate options for you.Best,Dr. Chaboki

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Your photo does appear to show that you would be a good candidate for chin augmentation.  At 16, you would require consent of a parent to have this procedure done.  While the operation could be performed at any time, I do not believe there would be any benefit in results if you waited and had it when you were older.

Roger J. Friedman, MD · Answer

On review of your picture, your chin is somewhat set back.  If there is a plastic surgeon in your area with an imaging system, they could show you how a chin implant would look as well as a chin implant and sub mental fat removal.  This would best help you appreciate the goals of this surgery and whether it is right for you.

Joseph Niamtu, III · Answer

As a minor, you parents need to be involved in the process, but you appear to be a good candidate for a chin implant (pending face to face exam).  Your age does not make that much difference as most of your jaw growth is complete and if there was significant later growth, a large implant is easy to replace.Joe Niamtu, III DMDCosmetic Facial Surgery Richmond, Virginia

John Frodel, MD · Answer

While you certainly need to review your concerns with your parents, you would be a good candidate for chin surgery (either implant or genioplasty).  While I place more chin implants than genioplasties, I have had some cases similar to yours where the neck line improves with forward movement of the bone (genioplasty).  Accordingly, I recommend consultation with a surgeon who is comfortable with both procedures.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

You are old enough to have a chin implant; you will need your parent's permission. Liposuction under your chin will also improve the definition of your jawline.

Is 16 too young to get a chin implant?

Answers (7)

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