Recessed Chin, Is a Chin Implant the Right Way to Go? (Asian Male 18 Y.o.) (photo)

                         If your bite is correct, then a chin implant is probably reasonable.  Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of chin implants and facial procedures each year.  Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results. 

Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Your facial profile shows that you would clearly benefit by chin augmentation. The question in your case is whether it should be done by an implant or a sliding genioplasty. The sliding genioplasty consideration is very relevant for you given your your young age and the magnitude of your chin deficiency. That decision must take into account other issues such as how your chin currently looks from the front and what amount of augmentation you desire. These factors can be determined by preoperative computer imaging. 

 A Silastic  chin implant is an excellent way to augment the chin area, and in experienced hands, has a very low complication rate.  Its also important to make sure during the consultation that you and your surgeon pick the right size and shape based on your needs at time of examination. A Silastic  chin implant is usually inserted through a submental approach, placed directly over the bone, and underneath the periosteum. The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, if patients are able to tolerate the local  anesthetic injection. 

Based on the photos that you've submitted, your profile could benefit from a chin implant. Complications can occur with any procedure. However, facial implants placed by an experienced plastic surgeon have a low risk of complications. Seek a consultation and ensure that you like and trust the surgeon and appreciate the results of numerous before and after photos. I hope this information is helpful.

Stephen Weber, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Lone Tree Facial Plastic Surgeon

Chin implants will cause the bone to erode with time - which will cause your chin to recede and/or the implant to start to move.  Chin implants are good options, but for younger patients I tend to recommend a genioplasty (actually moving the chin bone forward itself).  Find a surgeon in your area who is trained in craniofacial surgery and discuss the options with him/her.

You are doing the right thing by doing you research.  The best thing is to have an in-person consultation so that a proper recommendation can be made.  Also, 3-D computer imaging where your photo is morphed during your consultation will help you visualize what you will look like with a chin implant.  Please consult with a board certified specialist in Asian faces who can assist you with achieving the result you seek.

Chin implants are more common than chin advancement and therefore is the way to go for your need. Like any surgery, there are risks which you will have to be aware of. These risks are not common but they happen once in a while. Most removal is as the result of lack of communication between patient and surgeon with regard to the size and shape of the implant. Expectations should be clear from the onset and here computer imaging will help. Patience with postoperative swelling and discomfort is of utmost importance.

 From the photos provided, your chin is quite weak.  I have performed Chin Augmentation, with a Chin Implant, many times in similar situations and find it highly effective.  There are aesthetics to facial beauty that are outlined in my book on the subject.  As long as these are followed in selecting the proper size/shaped chin implant...the appearance should definitely be improved.

A chin implant will significantly improve definition and facial proportion. It has been many, many years since I've had to rerevise a chin implant after the operation. Look at a surgeon's results in patients like you.  

You need an in-person exam to determine what is best for you.  Assuming your bite is normal, a chin implant is a safe and effective way to build up your chin.  In my experience, removal is very rare.  Best wishes.