Chin Implant

Dr Scott J Turner is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) practising in Sydney & Brisbane with over a decade of experience specialising in facial aesthetic surgery. At his clinic, Dr Turner performs chin augmentation using medical-grade silicone implants for patients seeking to address concerns about chin projection and lower facial proportions.

Chin augmentation through implant placement is a surgical procedure designed to enhance chin projection and improve facial balance. The procedure involves placing medical-grade silicone implants over the chin bone to create improved forward projection of the lower face. This surgical intervention addresses concerns about chin position and facial proportions in profile view, and can be performed as a standalone procedure or combined with other facial surgical procedures.

Understanding Chin Implant Surgery

Chin implant surgery is an established approach to modifying lower facial contours by placing medical-grade silicone devices. Understanding the anatomical relationships involved and the surgical options available provides a foundation for informed decision-making about this procedure.

The Chin’s Influence on Facial Proportions

The position and projection of the chin interact with other facial features to create overall facial proportions. In profile view, the relationship between chin projection and nasal prominence becomes particularly evident. The mandible provides the skeletal foundation for the lower face, with the mental protuberance (the bony prominence forming the chin) influencing lower facial contours. When the chin demonstrates reduced forward projection relative to the midface, this positional relationship can affect the proportions of facial features and may be perceived as altering facial balance.

Surgical Options for Chin Modification

Two primary surgical approaches exist for altering chin projection and position:

Silicone Implant Placement

Medical-grade silicone chin augmentation devices are the most commonly used method. These implants are produced in standardised sizes and configurations, though they can be modified during surgery to accommodate individual anatomical requirements. The device is inserted through a small incision—either in the submental region beneath the chin or via an intraoral approach inside the mouth—and positioned anterior to the mandibular bone.

Silicone implants offer several characteristics that make them suitable for many patients. The material demonstrates biocompatibility with human tissue, allows for revision or removal if circumstances require, and provides immediate augmentation results without altering the underlying skeletal structure.

Genioplasty (Osseous Chin Advancement)

This alternative surgical approach involves cutting and repositioning the patient’s own chin bone. A horizontal osteotomy is performed in the anterior mandible, allowing the bone segment containing the chin to be advanced. The repositioned bone is secured using titanium plates and screws. This technique may be recommended for patients requiring more substantial modification of chin position, those with dental occlusal abnormalities requiring simultaneous correction, or individuals who prefer modification of their own bone structure rather than implant placement.

Am I a Suitable Candidate for Chin Implant Surgery?

Chin implant surgery may be appropriate for individuals seeking to enhance chin projection and improve facial balance. Suitability depends on your anatomical presentation, overall health, and treatment goals. During your consultation, Dr Turner will conduct a thorough assessment to determine whether this procedure is correct for you.

Anatomical Indications

You may be considered for chin implant surgery if you present with:

• Reduced anterior chin projection relative to other facial structures
• Desire for increased definition along the jawline and lower facial contours
• Perception that chin position affects the appearance of other facial features
• Normal dental occlusion or minor alignment variations not requiring orthognathic correction
• Adequate soft tissue quality to accommodate implant placement

Medical and Health Requirements

Suitable candidates demonstrate:

• Good overall health without medical conditions compromising healing capacity
• Realistic comprehension of surgical outcomes and recovery requirements
• Psychological readiness for surgical intervention (mandatory psychological evaluation required as of July 1, 2023, under Australian regulations)
• Stable body weight maintained for at least six months
• Non-smoking status or willingness to completely cease all nicotine products for a minimum of six weeks before and after surgery

Who May Not Be Suitable

Chin implant surgery may not be appropriate for individuals with:

• Minimal chin recession, where results may not justify surgical intervention
• Significant skeletal abnormalities requiring orthognathic surgery
• Active dental disease or periodontal issues
• Medical conditions contraindicated for elective surgery under general anaesthesia
• Inability to comply with post-operative activity restrictions
• Unrealistic expectations about procedural outcomes

During your consultation at Dr Turner’s Sydney practice, a comprehensive evaluation will determine whether chin implant surgery represents an appropriate treatment option for your specific anatomical presentation and stated objectives.

How is Chin Implant Surgery Performed?

Chin implant surgery is performed under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited private hospital facility in Sydney, with continuous monitoring by a qualified anaesthetist throughout the procedure. The surgical duration typically ranges from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the specific technique employed and whether additional procedures are performed concurrently.

Incision Placement

Access to the mandibular bone requires a small surgical incision. The location is selected based on several factors, including anatomical considerations, skin quality, and whether complementary procedures will be performed. Two standard approaches are available:

Submental Incision

A horizontal incision approximately 2 centimetres in length is placed in the natural skin fold beneath the chin. This external approach provides direct visualisation of the surgical field and may be preferred when:

• Combining chin augmentation with neck liposuction or other neck procedures
• Patient anatomy makes intraoral access more challenging
• Direct visualisation of implant positioning is advantageous

The submental incision typically heals to a fine scar concealed within the natural chin crease.

Intraoral Incision

The incision is placed inside the mouth at the junction between the lower lip mucosa and the gingival tissue. This approach avoids any external facial scarring and may be selected when:

• No complementary neck procedures are planned
• Patient specifically desires to avoid external incisions
• Anatomical factors make this approach suitable

The intraoral approach requires meticulous attention to sterile technique and post-operative oral hygiene to prevent infection.

Implant Pocket Development

Following the incision, Dr Turner creates a precise pocket to accommodate the selected implant. This space is made anterior to the mandibular bone, typically in the subperiosteal plane—between the periosteum (the membrane covering the bone) and the bone surface itself.

The pocket dimensions are carefully controlled to match the implant size, providing stability through close tissue-implant contact. During pocket creation, particular attention is paid to identifying and protecting the mental nerves, which emerge from small foramina in the mandible on each side and provide sensation to the lower lip and chin. Injury to these nerves can result in temporary or, rarely, permanent numbness.

Implant Selection and Positioning

The sterile silicone implant is prepared by immersion in an antibiotic solution immediately before insertion. This reduces the risk of bacterial contamination that could lead to post-operative infection. The implant is then carefully inserted into the prepared pocket.

Dr Turner positions the device to achieve:

• Symmetrical placement relative to the facial midline
• Appropriate anterior projection based on pre-operative planning
• Smooth contour matching the underlying mandibular bone
• Secure positioning without excessive mobility

While the precisely developed pocket and subsequent tissue healing provide significant implant stability, internal fixation using sutures may occasionally be employed to secure the device during the initial healing period.

Wound Closure and Dressing Application

Following optimal implant positioning, the incision is closed in layers:

For Intraoral Incisions: Absorbable sutures are typically used, eliminating the need for suture removal. The multi-layer closure includes the deeper tissues and the mucosal surface.

For Submental Incisions: Fine sutures are placed in the deeper tissues and skin. These may be absorbable or require removal at your one-week follow-up appointment.

A light sterile dressing is applied, and a supportive compression garment may be provided. This garment serves multiple functions:

• Providing gentle compression to reduce swelling
• Offering support to healing tissues
• Maintaining implant position during early healing
• Reducing haematoma formation risk

Recovery and Aftercare

Chin implant surgery is typically performed as day surgery, and you must arrange for someone to drive you home and remain with you for at least 24 hours post-operatively. The initial week represents the most intensive recovery phase with moderate swelling peaking at 48-72 hours before gradually improving, mild to moderate discomfort manageable with prescribed pain medication, and a sensation of tightness in the chin region. Complete rest is required for the first 48 hours, maintaining head elevation above heart level at all times, including during sleep, and following a liquid or soft-food diet for 3-5 days. For intraoral incisions, meticulous oral hygiene and the use of prescribed antimicrobial mouth rinses are essential.

Most patients return to office-based work by weeks 1-2, with social activities resuming around weeks 2-3. Bruising typically resolves by week three, and compression garment use may be discontinued by week two. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and high-impact activities must be avoided for 6-8 weeks post-operatively. Complete healing extends over several months, with residual swelling resolving by three to six months and final aesthetic results becoming apparent as tissues settle.

Risks and Complications

All surgical procedures carry inherent risks that must be understood before proceeding with treatment. General surgical risks include bleeding and haematoma formation, infection requiring antibiotic treatment or temporary implant removal, wound healing complications, including unfavourable scarring, anaesthetic complications, and blood clot formation. Complications specific to chin implant surgery include implant displacement or migration requiring revision surgery, asymmetry in final results, temporary or rarely permanent altered sensation in the lower lip and chin region, bone resorption beneath the implant over time, dental complications with the intraoral approach, implant palpability or visibility in patients with thin soft tissue, and dissatisfaction with aesthetic outcomes. Dr Turner provides comprehensive information about these risks during consultation to ensure informed decision-making.

Dr Turner employs multiple strategies to minimise complication risks, including comprehensive pre-operative medical assessment, meticulous surgical technique with attention to anatomical preservation, use of prophylactic antibiotics, precise implant sizing and positioning, and surgery performed exclusively in accredited hospital facilities with qualified anaesthetic support. Patients play a crucial role in reducing risk by following all pre-operative instructions, including smoking cessation, adhering strictly to post-operative care guidelines, attending all scheduled follow-up appointments, and promptly reporting concerning symptoms. These combined measures support optimal surgical outcomes and appropriate management of any complications that may arise.