Chin Augmentation

Considering chin implant surgery or genioplasty in San Antonio? A well-defined chin can do wonders for one’s overall facial appearance. For example, a straight jawline makes the lower face more distinguishable from the neck, and typically makes the nose look smaller. Chin augmentation with an implant, fat grafting or bone positioning (also called sliding genioplasty) helps achieve an improved chin and jawline. Following chin augmentation, most patients find that their face looks more balanced and thus, more attractive.

Dr. Jose Barrera, MD is a leading board-certified facial plastic surgeon with years of experience performing chin augmentation. He combines superb training and skill with his artistic eye to produce long-lasting and natural-looking results.

Why Consider Chin Augmentation?

There are several factors that cause a weak or receding chin. A smaller or asymmetric chin may be due to genetics or growth abnormalities while others may see their jawline lose its shape and definition slowly as they age. Over time, the body produces less collagen and elastin, two proteins responsible for skin elasticity. This can make the skin sag or hang below the jawline (i.e., cause jowls to form) and lead to small indentations on the area of the jawline that is directly below the outside corners of the mouth (known as pre-jowl sulcus). Both of these elements interrupt a smooth and well-defined jawline.

Your Chin Augmentation Options

There are several ways to augment the chin; Dr. Barrera will choose the method that best addresses your personal cosmetic needs and goals. Your chin augmentation procedure may involve one or more of the following:

Chin implants come in different shapes and sizes to cater to various needs. An extended anatomical chin implant has extended wings to provide additional enhancement of the jawline and minimize the appearance of jowls. A Mittleman pre-jowl chin implant adds volume in the pre-jowl sulcus with no additional anterior chin augmentation. The Terino extended implant creates a square-looking (wider) chin. Dr. Barrera can use a custom chin implant to address certain facial asymmetries or deformities. For this procedure, a customized three-dimensional implant is created using a patient’s CT scan.

Chin implants can be made of silicone or PTFE material. Silicone is flexible, long-lasting and widely used in medicine for reconstruction surgeries. When a silicone implant is placed, the soft tissues form a tight capsule around the implant, which will hold the implant securely in place. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) are made of a carbon and fluorine based synthetic polymer that is non-biodegradable. In contrast to silicone, PTFE and ePTFE materials allow for tissue ingrowth into the implant itself. While this can result in the implant staying more securely in place, it can make removal more difficult. Dr. Barrera will go over the benefits and limitations of each implant type in more detail with you during a personal consultation.

This method involves using the patient’s own body fat from another body area to add volume to the chin. During the procedure, Dr. Barrera will remove excess body fat from an area like the abdomen, thighs, or back. This fat is prepared in a sterile fashion before being injected into the chin.

In genioplasty, a portion of the lower jawbone is permanently moved forward to lengthen the chin or correct asymmetry. This procedure is ideal for patients who have a receding chin that contributes to a weak jawline.

Cheek (Malar) Implants

Similarly, Dr. Barrera may also suggest cheek (malar) implants to restore facial harmony and a youthful appearance when the cheeks are flat or saggy due to genetics or the natural aging process. The type of incision pattern used varies depending on the desired look. Cheek implants can be made of solid silicone or other similar material including solid porous polyethylene.

To learn more about chin augmentation and other facial rejuvenation procedures Dr. Barrera offers, schedule a personal consultation. Please contact Dr. Barrera’s San Antonio plastic surgery practice by calling (210) 468-5426 today.