How can I visualize a chin implant?

24 years ago I thought computer video imaging would be an asset in patient education, and frankly, marketing for certain cosmetic procedures. My partners and I bought the (then very-expensive) software, hardware (the video card alone was $4500 in 1987 dollars!), and training. We found it very useful in chin implant selection, liposuction under the chin (later, submental direct excision as I have discussed elsewhere), rhinoplasty profile, and frontal rhinoplasty views. It was not helpful (and maybe a bit negative for liposuction of the thighs and hips, facelift, and breast surgeries). We used it for years, and updated several times every 4 years or so.

Prior to computer video imaging, we used Polaroid photographs, photocopier, white-out, and penciled-in surgical "guesstimates."

Now we no longer use computer video imaging, and even have a few patients bring in their own Photo-shopped digital photographs! Cue "Circle of life" music!

In reality, it turns out that normal facial harmony is not achieved by any of these modalities, but looking at before and after photographs can aid the patient and the surgeon in determining the degree to which the patient desires additional chin projection. The "button" type chin implants are "out," and depending on the desired result, the choices of implants are numerous enough to achieve nearly any reasonable goal.

I tend to use the Flowers mandibular glove extended anatomic vertical tilt chin implants, as they "fit" the anterior chin like a "glove," and are very well-designed for the anatomy of the chin and mandible region. Occasionally I use a Mittleman pre-jowl chin implant where I want more fill laterally, and little or no additional projection centrally, but that is determined again by the precise anatomy of the patient and what needs correction.

I always recommend a submental (under the chin) incision, since this allow me to remove the submental fat pad and sculpt the anterior neck region, but more importantly, avoids the bacteria-filled, higher infection rate intraoral incision. For examples of my patients with chin implants and in some cases, submental fat excision, click on the link below. Good luck!

Chin implants can improve a patient’s profile and balance a patient’s facial appearance. Unfortunately, for many patients, it is difficult to view fully what their profile looks like and even more difficult to determine what it would look like with a chin implant. Fortunately, with video imaging software, many facial plastic surgeons can show you what you would like with a chin implant from a side view as well as from the front. This is a great tool for helping patients understand what can be achieved as well as making sure both the patient and the surgeon are on the same page. I enjoy using video imaging and consultation to help patients understand the benefits as well as the limitations of chin augmentation. 

Hi there. Most facial plastic surgeons now offer photo-morphing, or photo simulation of the effects of different procedures. While they are not guarantees of results, they are very helpful in education and arriving at realistic expectations. Just as importantly, look at before/after photos of patients about your age and with similar anatomy to get an idea of results- I find photo morphing to look a little "pixelated" compared to the natural results seen in my patients.

good luck!