Chin augmentation surgery, or “mentoplasty,” is a cosmetic procedure to enhance chin projection, size, and shape, improve definition at the jawline, or create a more elegant line from chin to neck. Every chin augmentation is a custom procedure, as your facial features and balance are unique. The procedure involves placing a specially designed chin implant to create a more attractive facial balance.
Some of the most common reasons clients reach out to us at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery about chin augmentation include:
Your facial profile is a balance between your features, including the forehead, nose, and chin. The ideal facial profile is far different for men than for women.
The most aesthetically pleasing male jaw looks structured and defined, balanced with your other features in shape, volume, and projection. To create a masculine, structured jawline for men with a receding or smaller jaw, a custom chin implant will be designed and surgically placed to create a more ideal look.
Women who inherited a smaller chin, receding chin, or a slope from the chin to upper neck can enjoy an enhanced profile with a custom chin implant. The goal is to create a more ideal facial balance and create a new jawline that is beautiful from every angle. Generally, a soft V-shaped jawline is universally recognized as the ideal.
How much does the surgery cost?
What type of anesthesia is used to perform the procedure?
Is the implant placed from an incision outside or inside the mouth?
How is the implant secured?
Which type of chin implant will be used?
What complications are possible from the surgery?
The cost of a chin augmentation involves several fees, including surgeon fees, anesthesiologist fees, medications, and the cost of the implant. Chin augmentation performed by Dr. George Moynihan typically costs in the range of $6,500 to $8,000 for all expenses in the chin augmentation. A more specific quote may be provided prior to the consultation when photos are submitted, and a final, all-inclusive quote is provided during the consultation.
Chin augmentation surgery is performed under sedation (or “twilight” anesthesia). The medicine is delivered through an IV which allows you to breathe naturally while comfortable and basically unaware of what’s happening during the procedure.
At Gold Coast Plastic Surgery, the implant is placed through the outside of the mouth rather than the inside for two vital reasons:
The implant is placed under the lining of the bone-periosteum. The periosteum is a dense layer of tissue that is tightly adhered to the bone. Once the implant is placed, the implant is secured with a 6-month dissolving stitch that allows the periosteum to ‘shrink-wrap’ around the implant. After several weeks, the implant becomes completely secured and extremely difficult to dislodge.
The most common chin implant for women used by Dr. Moynihan is a Mittleman prejowl extended implant. Using a silastic implant (a safe, silicone rubber) has two advantages:
For males, who typically want a squarer, more structured jawline, a Terrino implant can create a more dramatic masculinization.
Complications are extremely rare with chin implant surgery. Infection is a possibility, and if it occurs, it requires removal of the implant. Chances of infection are significantly reduced by the use of an operating room and various OR techniques that can be explained in the office. One risk is numbness of the lower lip and chin region. Another risk is the marginal mandibular nerve being stretched during the procedure which results in a temporary asymmetric smile. Both of these postsurgical inconveniences resolve within 1-4 weeks and are extremely rare.
