Will a chin implant correct my cleft chin? (photo)

Question

I have had two consultations regarding a chin implant, and I’m finally ready to make the decision, but I want to ask other doctors; will a chin implant completely smooth out my chin contour? My cleft is quite shallow and pliable, and when I press lightly on either side of my chin, it disappears. But my mind can’t wrap around the idea that the mentalis muscle will be smoothed out so drastically. Will a larger implant conceal the cleft better than a smaller one? Please help!

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

The bony aspect of the chin can contribute to a cleft of the chin so a CT of the mandible would be helpful. In some cases, subcision and fat injection. can make the contour smooth.  A smaller implant would be recommended to maintain a feminine appearance of the chin.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

A chin implant will increase your anterior projection and should conceal the cleft. The larger the implant the more tension will be placed and should smooth it out more. The chin implant is placed through an intra-oral approach and hides the incision inside your mouth so it is not visible.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

In our experience, microdroplet Silikon-1000 injections may be considered for softening the appearance of a deep chin cleft, permanently. Since chin implants are placed on the phone, they do not affect the skin dimpling. Thank you for this question, and I hope it helps. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

I do a lot of these. We need a side view.
In general a large chin implant will not necessarily resolve this. It tis likely a soft tissue deficiency that I can correct with a tissue graft and repositioning the chin muscles.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. Generally speaking, the additional of an implant usually corrects or decreases the appearance of the cleft. There are many different shapes and sizes of implants and you can work with your surgeon to pick the one that is right for you. If I have a patient with a cleft chin we are trying to correct in surgery with an implant, I usually recommend having a "plan B" in place prior to surgery just in case the implant does not completely correct the defect. Usually this would include soft tissue release of the cleft and some amount of additional backfilling of the cleft itself. If you are already asleep for surgery, my preferred method is fat grafting, but there are other options as well. Discuss options with your surgeon ahead of time as to what to do if the implant doesn't get you the shape you want.
Best of luck!
Dallas Buchanan, MD
VIVIFY plastic surgery
Tampa, FL

Will a chin implant correct my cleft chin? (photo)

Answers (5)