One way to make the face appear more balanced and symmetrical is through chin augmentation surgery. Mentoplasty is the surgical term for the addition of an implant to the chin. This procedure utilizes the implant in order to give more projection to the face. In my practice, I prefer to use a silastic implant that is made of flexible but firm material which fits naturally over the mandible. It is incredible to see the difference a chin implant can make to the overall appearance and attractiveness of the face. The procedure is fairly uncomplicated and does not have a great amount of patient downtime.
Sometimes, patients undergoing rhinoplasty or revision rhinoplasty will elect to have mentoplasty surgery performed at the same time. The reason for this is to enhance the balance of the face in general by positioning the tip of the nose and the chin at ideal projection points. The results of both surgeries are enhanced by augmenting the nose and chin together to create better balance for the face.
Other patients may simply wish to enhance their chin without simultaneously undergoing other procedures. For patients with a “weak” or under-prominent chin or jaw line, chin augmentation surgery can be a great solution. I look at every patient individually and use the projection of the lower lip to determine the ideal placement of the chin implant. Chin augmentation surgery truly has the ability to change the entire appearance of the facial structure in a very attractive way.
If you are interested in finding out if you are a candidate for chin augmentation surgery, it is best to consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon. It is also important to find a surgeon who is experienced in performing this type of surgery, and who will examine your unique facial features and give you a result that will ultimately add to the overall balance of your face.
