Is it Best to Have Chin Implants Before A Rhinoplasty?

Chin implant and rhinoplasty are two procedures which are commonly performed at the same operation in order to restore facial balance. The profile of the nose and chin are altered with these procedures and it has been shown that if one is left undone the perceived result of the operation is compromised. I would always discuss this with my rhinoplasty patients after the review of their photos. A chin implant is usually a silicone and I usually place this through a small incision under the chin. This procedure adds about an hour to the rhinoplasty surgery, but really does not contribute to prolonging the recovery after the surgery. I would consider doing both the chin implant and rhinoplasty at the same time if your surgeon does do these operations.

The decision of chin implant and rhinplasty is highly dependant on both your nasal and chin anatomy.  Whether or not a chin implant, a rhinoplasty, or both would give the best cosmetic result can best be determined in consultation with your plastic surgeon while viewing and discussing your images.  If you are unsure, I would recommend consultation with several physicians.

There is no question that the chin and the nose are interrelated and are best addresses together. Performing the chin operation separately or ahead of time, does not provide you any specific advantage, other than cost savings. When balancing the nose and chin, you must decide, along with your surgeon, what might be the right chin operation for you; a chin implant, a sliding genioplasty, or a chin reduction. There are advantages to an implant (easier recovery and sometimes less costly) and disadvantages (external scar under chin, possible bone loss under the implant over the years). The main advantage of a sliding genioplasty (moving the chin bone forward) is that it tends to be good for life when healed and the incision is hidden inside the mouth. From a surgeon's stand point, and when possible, genioplasty and rhinoplasty are best performed together.