The Many Faces of Chin Surgery
Plastic surgery is becoming more and more commonplace within our society, but one procedure that often gets overlooked is chin surgery. For patients who find themselves thinking, “I’m unhappy with the overall structure of my face, but I don’t know what I can do about it,” chin reshaping can often have a powerful effect. Below are a few of the specific concerns that cosmetic chin surgery can address:
“I want a stronger, more masculine jawline.”
For a man, having a “weak” jawline can be a source of self-consciousness, especially considering that there isn’t much that can be done to improve or conceal the jaw’s appearance without surgery. For these patients, chin augmentation may be the right choice. During this procedure, a biocompatible chin implant (with a unique size and shape based on your individual needs) is placed in the chin using an incision that is either concealed within the mouth or discretely located under the chin.
“I want better balance among my facial features.”
The size and shape of the chin can have a powerful effect on the other facial features. For instance, take a look at these two facial illustrations:
The only difference between the first picture and the second is the man’s chin, but with the weaker chin in the second picture, his nose and forehead look significantly more prominent. Some patients may think that they need rhinoplasty to improve their facial appearance, while chin surgery will actually give them the results they’re looking for. This is why it’s so important to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is skilled in determining the best way to achieve your aesthetic goals.
“I want to look younger.”
As we age, our skin becomes thinner and less firm, often giving it a sagging appearance throughout the jawline and neck. Unfortunately, a weak chin can make this aging look worse than it truly is. For some patients who want to look younger, combining cosmetic chin surgery with a neck lift can provide the right balance of minimizing current signs of aging while also creating a more lasting way to make future aging less prominent.
“I want to look thinner.”
Just as a small chin can make sagging skin look worse, it can also intensify the appearance of excess fat under the chin (or a “double chin,” as it’s often called). Fat in this area can be particularly difficult to eliminate with diet and exercise and can make even those with a healthy weight feel self-conscious. In this case, chin augmentation along with liposuction of the chin may be able to provide a slender, more attractive jawline. However, as with liposuction of any area of the body, this procedure is not a substitute for weight loss or for a healthy lifestyle.
Like any other cosmetic surgery, chin reshaping is tailored to the patient’s individual needs and desired results, whether that involves augmentation with a chin implant or reduction by reshaping the structure of the chin. To discuss whether cosmetic chin surgery may be the right choice for you, schedule a consultation with me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Or, to learn more and to stay up-to-date on the latest plastic surgery news, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.