Small Chin Implant Worth It?

If you would like to improve the balance and contours of your face with a chin implant, even a small size implant, if appropriate for you, is worth it.

The placement of the implant is a simple, straightforward procedure which a high success rate from a facial plastic surgeon's perspective. Because of its simplicity, if you are unhappy with your resulting appearance, the implant can be easily removed by your surgeon.

My preferred surgical approach is an incision made adjacent to the natural skin crease under the skin, rather than through the mouth. I believe the benefits of this approach to be:


more precise implant placement,

minimized risk of infection, and

avoidance of any healing problems inside the mouth.


Contrary to what you have heard, the scar under the chin from this procedure is very difficult to see because of its well-hidden location. In fact, 7 of 10 adults have a scar under their chin for various different reasons (i.e.- tripping and falling as a toddler, adolescent sports injuries, etc.), but you probably don't notice this on most people because of the inconspicuous location of these scars.

Finally, if a small implant seems to be the best choice for you (I'd have to see you to fully assess most appropriate implant size and shape), even such a subtle change often makes a great deal of improvement in the balance of your facial features. It's just this sort of subtle, natural-looking improvement that is generally most appealing in any cosmetic surgery.

Chin implants can really balance out a profile.  I prefer the intra-oral incision to the submental one - there's no visible scar, and the technique works well.  The size of the implant depends on your facial analysis:  without seeing you, I can't tell you what size chin implant would be best.  The recovery is not difficult for most people - so yes, I would say "it's worth it" for the right person.

Chin implants come in many different sizes and shapes.  For practical purposes, a small, medium, large, and extras large are the traditional sizes used.  The best material for chin implantation is silastic and the best approach is to place them through a very small ½ inch submental incision.  Most of the time the procedure is performed under local anesthesia but general anesthesia can be used if a patient prefers it.  There is an additional cost for the general anesthesia.  The scar in the submental area is minimally detectible and settles down within the first 2 months after the procedure.