Chin Augmentation

The chin is one of the main structural components of the face that contributes to face shape, appearance, and profile. A weak or recessed chin can contribute to various concerns that patients have with their facial appearance. Depending on the cause and severity, people with a weaker chin may seek out cosmetic procedures to improve the look of their lower face. One of these options includes a chin augmentation procedure. Dr. Ludwig Allegra at Northwest Face & Body provides the best chin augmentation Bellevue and Kirkland offers.

Overview: What Is A Chin Implant?

A chin implant is a usually silicone device placed in the chin to increase the size and alter the shape of the chin. The procedure that places a chin implant is known as chin augmentation. Though chin augmentation does not exclusively use chin implants and is not always surgical.

The procedure can achieve various cosmetic results based on the anatomy and goals of the patient. It most commonly treats a chin that does not project enough to provide a symmetrical and aesthetic appearance. Some of the concerns and conditions that a chin implant can improve or remedy include:

• Recessed chin
• Undefined or weak jawline
• Disproportionately small chin
• Chin asymmetry
• Unwanted cleft chin or dimples
• Chin deformities
• Double chin (excess fat)
• Changes in facial appearance due to aging
• Weak facial profile
• Dissatisfaction with face shape or overall chin appearance

Chin implants are designed to look and feel just like the natural chin bone. They come in all shapes and sizes to best match individual patients. Every patient will have a different idea of the perfect result and Dr. Allegra will discuss your chin implant options with you during a consultation.

Causes Of Recessed Chin

The most common cause of a recessed or weak chin is genetics. Some people are simply born with or slowly develop a weak chin as they mature. The appearance can run in families. Another frequent cause is aging. As people age, they often naturally lose volume including fat and bone in the face. They may also see the fat in their face descend. This can happen in the chin as well.

The two aforementioned causes account for the majority of chin augmentation cases. However, other factors may influence chin appearance, including medical conditions like Treacher Collins syndrome and Downs syndrome. A child with a pronounced overbite may develop a weak chin or more prone to developing one. Prolonged thumb sucking and a long term soft food diet can also contribute.

Not all of these causes of a weak chin can or should be corrected. Some may be better corrected with other procedures, such as braces for an overbite. Dr. Allegra will examine your chin and medical history to determine the probable cause of your weak chin and whether you are a good candidate for chin augmentation surgery in Bellevue.

Benefits

Chin augmentation carries many benefits for patients. The procedure can go a long way in restoring lost confidence or addressing insecurities. This can relieve stress and worries that may weigh on the patient. Along with the often mental benefits of undergoing facial plastic surgery, chin augmentation also has benefits like:

• Increase the projection of the chin
• Alter the size and shape of the chin
• Create a sharper jawline
• Bring balance to the nose and chin
• Correct unwanted features such as chin dimples or a cleft chin
• Reduce the appearance of a double chin
• Restore facial harmony
• Enhance face shape and facial features
• Improve facial profile
• Results often permanent
• Can be performed under local anesthesia in some cases
• External incisions not always necessary
• Durable chin implants
• Procedure typically less than two hours
• Performed by a Bellevue plastic surgeon with over two decades of experience

Chin Filler vs. Chin Implant

A chin implant is not the only way to augment the chin. Dermal fillers are another popular choice for chin enhancement. The procedure is often referred to as non-surgical chin augmentation or chin filler.

Choosing the right procedure for you may not be straightforward, especially when each procedure comes with unique benefits and drawbacks. The table below details some of the differences between the procedures to help you make an informed decision about which might be best for you.

Chin Filler

• Requires occasional touch-ups to maintain results
• Malleable
• Reversible (when using hyaluronic acid fillers)
• May better correct minor issues like dimples or wrinkles
• Non-surgical
• 15-30 minute procedure
• Only topical anesthetics needed
• No recovery period necessary
• Immediate results (final results in about two weeks)
• Low risk and suitable for most patients
• Not as dramatic results
• Little to no risk of scarring

Chin Implant

• Results often permanent after initial surgery
• Implant is chosen to match your goals and features
• Not easily reversible
• Looks and feels like natural bone
• Larger upfront cost (but may be more cost effective in the long run)
• Surgical and requires local or general anesthesia
• Typically under 2 hours
• Recovery and downtime necessary
• Comes with basic risks of surgery and not suitable for all patients
• Can achieve more dramatic results
• Incisions usually inside the mouth meaning little risk of visible scars

Before And After Chin Augmentation In Bellevue

Plastic Surgery Consultation

Before undergoing chin surgery in Bellevue at Northwest Face & Body, you will meet with Dr. Ludwig Allegra. At the consultation appointment, he will ask about your concerns with your chin and goals for surgery. Next, he will review your medical history and lifestyle to determine you are a fit surgical candidate. Finally, he will physically examine the chin and face. Dr. Allegra can then conclude whether a chin implant surgery is best for you or if another procedure would better meet your goals.

If he believes that chin augmentation will benefit you, he will discuss the procedure and your chin implant options. If he does not think chin surgery is right for you, he may discuss alternatives which may include liposuction, Kybella, facelift, or dermal fillers.

Before leaving the Kirkland Northwest Face & Body office, you will receive a personalized price quote and information about our financing options. At this point, patients are usually free to schedule surgery.

Preparing For Surgery

During your consultation, Dr. Allegra may have discussed any necessary medical clearances you need to obtain before surgery. This is an important first step for preparing for your chin augmentation surgery if needed. Otherwise, you will have a pre-operative appointment where your pre-op coordinator will discuss what you need to do to prepare for surgery as your surgery date gets closer. Other steps you can take to prepare or that may be discussed at your pre-op appointment include:

• Get your finances in order
• Procure childcare, time off work, a caregiver, lodging (if needed), and a ride to and from surgery
• Cease medications and supplements as requested by Dr. Allegra
• Fill prescriptions
• Obtain anything needed for your recovery (such as compression garments)
• Get household chores and shopping done before surgery
• Follow your coordinator’s results concerning eating and drinking before surgery
• Continue eating well and exercise regularly

Placing Your Chin Implant

On the day of your chin augmentation surgery, you will come to Northwest Face & Body’s Kirkland surgical facility. A member of the team will take your vitals and instruct you to get change. Dr. Allegra will meet with you briefly to go through the plan for surgery and make surgical markings. After finishing the required tests, a licensed anesthesia provider will place you under either local or general anesthesia.

There are a few techniques used to place chin implants. The most common uses an intraoral incision, which means positioning the chin implant through a small incision inside the mouth. Dr. Allegra will make the incision and create space for the implant. He will then carefully place the chin implant to form with your existing facial structure.

Another technique features the same maneuvers except through an incision under the chin. Dr. Allegra places his incisions discreetly and will recommend the best technique for your chin augmentation in Kirkland. Following the successful placement of the chin implant, Dr. Allegra will close the incision.

Recovery After Chin Augmentation

Immediately after chin augmentation surgery, you will likely feel groggy and tired. After a brief recovery period, your caregiver will drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. You may start to see mild side effects such as swelling, bruising, tenderness, and pain settle in during this time. Dr. Allegra will prescribe medications to help you manage these side effects during your recovery.

Generally, patients can return to work after about a week. Though, this will depend on what your job is and how well you heal. Patients can usually resume all their normal activities, including their full exercise routine after four to six weeks. After the first few days, light activity is usually fine.

In two weeks, most side effects should be gone or imperceptible to most people. Swelling can stick around for several weeks, but is easily covered with makeup after about two weeks. Many patients discontinue the use of their pain medications within the first week. You will continue to see Dr. Allegra for post operative appointments over the next few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Until I See Results?

You will see some immediate results after surgery. However, this will become distorted by swelling and sometimes bruising within a couple of days. Any plastic surgery takes around nine months to one year for the results to be considered final. Your skin and tissues take time to heal and mold around the new chin implant. Many patients are pleased with their results after a few months.

Can A Chin Implant Improve Jawline?

Yes, sometimes when a patient’s chief complaint is an undefined jawline, the culprit is a slightly recessed or weak chin. Augmenting the chin with an implant or filler can enhance the jawline.

Are Chin Implants Dangerous?

Chin implants come with many of the same risks as other bodily implants. Overall, the surgery itself and the implants have a low complication rate when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Allegra. Any surgery comes with risk and Dr. Allegra will discuss these with you and ensure you have a low individual risk. Some of the risks associated with chin implants and chin augmentation surgery can include:

• Infection
• Rejection of the implant
• Complications of anesthesia
• Hematoma
• Shift in implant position
• Raised or visible scarring
• Skin necrosis
• Allergic reactions
• Nerve damage

As previously noted, these risks are rare and unlikely to occur with an experienced provider and with optimal aftercare. Dr. Allegra will monitor you throughout your recovery.

How Long Do Chin Implants Last?

Chin implants are usually considered permanent and designed to last for a lifetime. Patients usually enjoy their chin implant for several years, if not the rest of their life.

What Is The Cost Of Chin Augmentation In Bellevue?

The cost of chin augmentation in Bellevue at Northwest Face & Body starts at $4,995. This price can vary based on several factors including what your procedure involves, financing method, and if you choose to combine it with other procedures. At your consultation, you will receive a price quote customized to meet the needs of your procedure.

The Best Chin Augmentation Bellevue And Kirkland Offers With Dr. Ludwig Allegra

Plastic surgeon, Dr. Ludwig Allegra comes with decades of experience performing cosmetic surgery of the face, body, and breast. As a board certified otolaryngologist in head and neck surgery, Dr. Allegra is especially adept at facial surgery, including chin augmentation. He has a deep and unique understanding of facial anatomy and aesthetics that allows him to provide the best chin augmentation Bellevue and Kirkland offers.

Along with chin implant surgery, Northwest Face & Body also offers all of the top plastic surgery procedures as well as injectables and skincare. Our team includes plastic surgeons, injectors, and master estheticians all with the expertise to help you reach your cosmetic goals.

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 425-576-1700. You can also reach out to us online by submitting an inquiry via our Price Simulator™, chat, or contact form.