Weak chin. Will a chin implant make my face look longer?

Question

I have a weak chin and loose skin under it (despite being only 20). I considered getting a chin implant but i don't want to make my chin look longer from the front because I already have a thin, long face. Will a chin implant make my face look a lot longer than it already is?

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

A properly placed chin implant will improve and balance your proportions and profile. The implant is designed to add projection to the chin as well as influence width and height. Placement alone of the implant can lengthen the face as well if it is placed along the edge of the bony chin. Other additional procedures to address a weak chin would be the use of facial fillers and/or liposuction. I would advise having a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial aesthetics.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

"A formal evaluation would be needed to determine what's best. Many of my patients try to avoid surgery, so we perform a non-surgical chin augmentation treatment with injectable fillers. Fillers like Radiesse, Voluma, BellaFill as well as Sculptra are injected into the area, improving the overall appearance of the lower face and balancing the jaw and lip harmony. We use cannula injections to meticulously contour and project the chin, soften the chin along the jawline and improve the chin crease.

Implants are still a great option once you are 100% positive that you are ready for a permanent enhancement. I suggest getting a consultation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist and facial sculpting expert; our practice is located right here in Los Angeles. Best, Dr. Emer"

Implants are still a great option once you are 100% positive that you are ready for a permanent enhancement.​ I suggest getting a consultation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist and facial sculpting expert; our practice is located right here in Los Angeles. Best, Dr. Emer"

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Without an exam your question cannot be answered.  You will need to see an Oral/Maxillofacial surgeon to see if othognathic surgery, genioplasty or using an implant is best for your specific case. It should be noted that patients with severely weak jaws or abnormally functioning jaws may be better treated with other facial surgery (orthognathic surgery), although a chin augmentation may be an option at a later time. These patients should seek the advice of a plastic surgeon to determine which course is right for them. Here is some information to help you make this decision: Candidates for Chin Augmentation - Patients whose chin profiles are weak but have normally functioning jaws are candidates for Chin Augmentation. Many of these candidates have used injectable fillers in the past to strengthen the protrusion of their chins, but are looking for a permanent solution. If you are one of these patients, then you are a likely candidate for chin augmentation
#weakchin #chinimplant

Raymond E. Lee, MD · Answer

A chin implant is a great procedure to add projection to your side view.  Your front view will not really show much change in length if at all.  It may add some subtle width with an extended type implant.  An implant is not placed where it elongates the chin.  It site in front of the chin bone.  It adds more definition to a sloping chin and in this manner may have an indirect subtle lengthening.

Miguel Mascaro, MD · Answer

Without pictures, its hard to give you specific answers.  That being said, the goal when augmenting any part of your face is ensuring even proportion.  So you are correct, that doing things to one part of your face may change other parts of your face - thats why it is so important to get a good facial analysis during your consultation.  That being said, what a chin implant can help do when done appropriately is highlight your jawline, and improve the relationship between the lower face and upper face.  I know this is very broad, but like I said, without pictures its hard to be more specific.  Best of luck! I hope some of this helps.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is hard to give you good answer without in-person evaluation. Selection of the size and shape of implant will determine what kind of change you may expect whit chin augmentation. Consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with good reputation in chin implants should be your next step. Good luck.

Jeffrey Watson, MD · Answer

Great
question! I've posted a video below so that you can see how to determine
whether you are a chin implant candidate. The key question is whether you proceed with a chin
implant, which is a cosmetic surgery that is quite straightforward for
an experienced surgeon or pursue the alternative, a sliding genioplasty, addresses your bite
while changing your chin position. The alternative, a sliding
genioplasty, addresses your bite while changing your chin position. If you
wish to have your teeth realigned you are best served by seeing an oral surgeon
in consultation. If your concerns are cosmetic and enhancing your chin to bring
it in to balance with your other features--then a chin implant is the way to
go. You will find that rhinoplasty surgeons tend to have extensive experience
with chin implantation because it is such a frequently performed procedure in
conjunction with rhinoplasty. The incision can be made through the skin or
through the mouth but i prefer to do it inside the mouth because it has minimal
discomfort and is invisible without any external evidence of scar. My patients
tend to be very happy with this approach. I hope that information is helpful!
I
hope that helps!
Jeffrey
Watson, MD
Fellowship
Trained Facial Plastic Surgeon and Rhinoplasty Specialist
Board Certified Ear, Nose, and Throat Surgery
Graduate, Harvard
Medical School

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

The effect of vertical length on the face by a chin implant depends where on the bone it is placed. If you think your face is already too long, consider a siding genioplasty which can bring the chin forward and make the face vertically shorter at the same time.

Todd Christopher Hobgood, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! In the right patient, when sized and placed correctly, a chin implant will help with the projection of the chin, and not necessarily the length of the face. Chin implants are a very natural tool that help patients achieve harmonious facial angles as well as creating  appropriate balance and proportions with the patient's other facial structures. I would recommend meeting with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon to be assessed and discuss your goals in person. All the best to you!Dr. Todd Hobgood, MD

Steven Schuster, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question Areti.  A properly done chin implant or genioplasty will add projection to the chin, not length in a downward direction.  Very often it is performed with a nose job or facelift to give more "balance " to the face.  See a plastic surgeon in your area to be evaluated for the surgery and see if you are a candidate.