A common procedure in facial plastic surgery is chin implants. These can add definition to the chin and jawline, creating a more balanced appearance. If you are considering chin surgery, you might be wondering how much it will cost. The price of a chin implant varies depending on different elements like the type of implant, the surgeon’s reputation, etc.
In this blog post, we explain the different types of chin implants, who is a good candidate for a chin implant, and the benefits and risks of this procedure. Additionally, we offer advice on how to get ready for surgery and what to anticipate after the procedure. If you are interested in learning more about chin implants, you should book a discovery meeting with a head and neck surgeon practicing in facial plastic surgery.
What is a chin implant?
Chin implants are artificial bone substitutes that can be used in place of missing chin bones. They are usually made of silicone or microporous high-density polyethylene (Medpor). They help create a more balanced appearance of the profile, filling the prejowl area, slowing down neck aging, and supporting the chin in the context of a face and neck lift.
Oftentimes, this intervention is often combined with another type of facial surgery, such as a rhinoplasty or facelift. The decision to have chin surgery is one that should not be taken lightly and should be carefully considered. Before undergoing any surgical procedure like this one, be sure to research the matter and speak with a board-certified head and neck surgeon practicing in facial plastic surgery.
Frequently asked questions for cosmetic chin implant surgery
Different types of chin implants
There are different types of chin implants that your surgeon may recommend, depending on your unique goals and facial anatomy. The most common type of chin implant is made from a solid silicone material, which has the advantage of being long-lasting, durable, having a low infection profile, and feeling natural.
Other types of chin implants are made from materials that are absorbed by the body over time. These types of implants may be a good option for people who are not interested in having a permanent implant, but who still want to achieve the chin augmentation results they desire.
Other types of chin implants are made from materials such as microporous high-density polyethylene (Medpore). Although less expensive, Medpore is much harder to the touch and feels less natural. The safety profile of Medpore and silicone are similar. Your facial cosmetic surgeon will help you decide which type of chin implant is right for you, based on your specific goals and needs.
How much do chin implants cost in Canada?
The price of a chin implant in Canada generally ranges between $4,000 to $7,000. However, if you combine chin surgery with rhinoplasty, it can be more expensive. The price of this surgical procedure varies from person to person so it’s best to consult a cosmetic surgeon to get an exact price.
What affects the cost of chin surgery?
The cost of chin surgery can vary depending on different factors such as:
- Your geographic location
- The experience of the facial surgeon
- The type of chin implant
- The material of the chin implant
- The type of anesthesia used (general or local)
- Whether chin surgery is combined with another facial cosmetic procedure
Health insurance plans do not cover chin implants but many cosmetic surgeons offer financing plans.
Who is a good chin implant candidate?
Chin implants are typically recommended for people who have a small or underdeveloped jaw bone or a weak chin. This is usually due to genetics.
A chin implant is also a good option for people who have suffered trauma to the chin area or who have lost volume in this area due to aging. It can also be helpful for people with a double chin who are not happy about their looks, or for patients with a chin bone with a variety of shapes they’d like to change.
In general, most healthy adults who are seeking chin augmentation surgery are good candidates for this procedure. The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for this surgery is to schedule a consultation with an experienced surgeon. Your surgeon will evaluate your particular facial anatomy and go over your surgical objectives.
Chin augmentation before and after photos
What are the benefits of a chin implant?
Increased definition in the jawline
As you age, it’s natural to lose volume in the jawline, around the prejowl sulcus. This can cause your jowls to appear more prominent and can make you look older than you actually are. A chin implant can help give the area a more youthful appearance by replacing lost volume. This can also help create more definition in your lower face, which can give you a more balanced and harmonious look. In patients that need a face and neck lift, if the chin is weak, a chin implant is often the first step in rejuvenating the lower face.
A more balanced profile
Besides increasing definition in the lower part of your face, a chin implant can also help to create a more balanced look for patients with a weaker chin. This is because the chin plays a major role in the overall proportions of your face. For instance, a small chin can give the impression that your nose is bigger than it actually is. Chin implants can be used to correct an imbalance between the upper and lower halves of your face.
Enhanced self-confidence
One of the most important benefits of any facial plastic surgery procedure is the enhancement of self-confidence that comes along with it. Your attitude and confidence levels can both be greatly increased when you feel good about how you look. In carefully selected patients, a chin implant can give you the self-assurance you need to face the world.
Chin implant risks
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks and potential complications involved with chin implants. The good news is that, when performed by a qualified and experienced head and neck surgeon practicing in facial plastic surgery, the risks of side effects are very low.
Here is a list of chin implant risks:
- Pain: Pain is usually minimal after chin implant surgery, but most patients feel tightness in the chin that decreases after a few weeks.
- Infection: One of the most common risks associated with chin implants is infection. This is why it is important to choose a qualified surgeon who takes proper precautions to minimize the risk of infection. Lifetime infection rates of chin implants are 3%.
- Unfavorable scarring: A qualified surgeon can minimize this risk. The majority of chin implant scars heal without a problem.
- Asymmetry: In some rare cases, patients may experience asymmetry after chin implant surgery. This is usually due to factors beyond the control of the surgeon, mainly baseline jaw asymmetry.
- Nerve damage: In very rare cases, patients may experience nerve damage after chin implant surgery. This can lead to numbness or weakness in the chin area. This is an extremely rare side effect of chin surgery.
What does a chin implant feel like?
Chin implants can be made of a variety of materials, such as silicone or Medpor. The type of material used affects the feel of the implant, your skin sensation and your facial appearance.
Because they feel so natural, silicone chin implants are the our favorite kind of implant. Medpor implants are also popular choices but they can feel a bit more firm than silicone implants. Apart from the material of chin implants, their size and the placement recommended by your surgeon also impact the feel of this surgical procedure.
Do chin implants look natural?
Chin implants can look incredibly natural. The secret to getting a result that looks natural is to select a qualified surgeon with experience performing this kind of surgery.
How is chin implant surgery performed?
The procedure to insert a chin implant takes between 15 to 30 minutes and is usually done under local anesthesia. When performed during another procedure such as rhinoplasty or facelift, it can be done under general anesthesia. The first step is to make a small 2 cm incision under the chin or in the lower gum line. The surgeon will then create a pocket for the implant and insert it into place. The implant is secured to the jaw bone with sutures. Once the implant is in place, the incision will be closed with sutures. You should expect at least a week of recovery time, although your surgeon will give you specific instructions based on your individual case.
How to prepare for a chin implant
Prior to surgery, you should schedule a consultation with a certified cosmetic surgeon. In our clinic, Dr. Moubayed, head and neck surgeon practicing in facial plastic surgery, will assess your individual case and determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure. You will also need to get lab work and imaging done prior to surgery so that we can properly plan your procedure. Depending on your particular case, you might also need to stop taking certain medications prior to surgery, such as blood thinners and aspirin.
How long do chin implants last?
A chin augmentation procedure typically lasts forever, although in some cases they may need to be replaced if they become loose or displaced.
What to expect after a chin implant procedure
You can anticipate some swelling and bruising in the chin region following your procedure. This is normal and will usually resolve itself within a few weeks. You will also need to take it easy for the first few days of your chin implant recovery. This means avoiding strenuous activity, and drinking alcohol. You should also sleep with your head elevated to help reduce swelling. Most people can return to work and their normal activities within a week or two. However, you should refrain from strenuous exercise for at least three weeks.
Book a consultation with a head and neck surgeon practicing in facial plastic surgery
If you are considering getting chin implants, chin liposuction or any other facial surgery, you should schedule a consultation. Dr. Moubayed and all our team will be happy to answer any of your questions and help you determine if this is the right procedure for you.
