Choosing Chin Implant Size and Shape

Choosing chin implant size and shape is important but first, you need to know what the surgery even does! Chin augmentation is a surgery used to enhance the central jawbone. This can be done by making bony cuts (genioplasty) or by inserting an implant (silicone or porous polyethylene). This article will discuss various silicone implants and the decision-making process in choosing the right one for you. To read more about the surgery and the recovery read this article.

Choosing chin implant size is something that can be very confusing. Goals should be set using computer imaging. The “name” of the size is the first thing that a patient should ignore. In one style, a small can be LARGER than a large in another size. A small doesn’t necessarily mean small and therefore the approach should be done mathematically rather than based on the name of the size. The surgery can be performed awake so that a patient can visualize each tested size prior to selecting the final implant. In general, it will take about 3 months to get used to the size difference.

Far too often, surgeons discuss which implant is their favorite style. This is a classic statement manifesting a lack of knowledge on implants. The shape of one’s jaw bone in its entirety along with the goals of a patient needs to be discussed in choosing the style. There are many anatomical factors that should be addressed in selecting the right implant

This is the classic implant style that mainly augments the central chin. From the front view, it won’t widen the chin but will add a good amount of projection. The first thing to know about this implant is the large jump in size from a small (6mm) to medium (9mm). Given that there is no middle ground between those two, selection must be carefully made. In addition, patients with heavier lower cheeks may want to avoid this implant.

This implant adds a small about of width to the front view while adding a small about of projection. There are varying styles of this “winged” chin implant. The amount of projection and curve is going to be the biggest variables. A mandibular pre-jowl chin will have a more square curve and provide more projection. A Terino style extended chin implant will provide even less projection and more of a square shape. As seen, there are many different types that require a surgeon with knowledge of each variable to get the best results for his or her patients.

This chin implant can be used to create a masculine square shape. There are two separate widths (Style I and II) and they are differentiated by the width of the central square component. Type 2 Terino square chin is typically slightly exaggerated but not everyone wants a perfectly natural look. This should really be reserved for an extra masculine goal.

A cleft chin implant attempts to create a “butt chin.” A cleft chin surgery typically CAN NOT be done in this manner. as the results lie in the soft tissue rather than the bone. When one wants to know how to get rid of a cleft chin, this is a simpler treatment that can be done with filler INTO the soft tissue to get rid of a butt chin

Females can look too masculine with an over projected chin. The key factor involved in this is the mentolabial sulcus or the groove just above the chin. While on profile view the position of the chin can fall behind the lip line, if this is too deep, from the front the patient will look overly masculine. In the end, psychological adaptation is a factor in every surgery. Typically women have a higher threshold for getting used to the new look hence the saying: in women go one size larger than expected while in males you should go one size smaller.

In general, we are limited by the comfort level of a male’s perception of how different he is willing to look. As much as people are scared of the “Jay Leno” chin, with most implants, it is difficult to achieve that even if it is the goal. Choosing a chin implant should include a discussion on how long it will take to simply get used to the difference and what level of a difference the patient is looking for.

Many surgeons are trained and advertise the ability to perform this simple surgery. Getting results that fit you and your face are critical. Far too often surgeons select implants based on their comfort level rather than experience and mathematical calculations. The best chin implant surgeon will have all the above options available and will be prepared to discuss each.