A small or recessed chin can make your face look unbalanced or affect your confidence. A chin implant is a straightforward way to add definition, improve your profile, and create a more balanced, natural look. At his Richmond, VA practice, Dr. Travis Shaw offers personalized chin augmentation to help you feel more confident and comfortable in your appearance.
Am I a Good Candidate for Chin Augmentation?
You may benefit from a chin implant if you:
- Have a recessed or underdeveloped chin that affects facial balance
- Feel your chin lacks definition, making your nose or forehead appear more prominent
- Have a mild or moderate overbite contributing to a weak chin appearance
- Want to improve jawline definition or enhance the neck profile
- Are in good overall health, a nonsmoker, and have realistic expectations for surgery
For some patients, chin augmentation is performed alongside other procedures such as rhinoplasty or neck liposuction to achieve a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
How Is a Chin Implant Procedure Performed?
Chin augmentation surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. The procedure takes about one hour to complete.
Here’s what to expect:
- A small incision is made either under the chin (submental approach) or inside the lower lip (intraoral approach) to minimize visible scarring.
- A pocket is carefully created over the chin bone to securely hold the implant.
- The implant is inserted and positioned to achieve the desired contour and projection.
- The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures, and a dressing or tape may be applied to protect the area.
The choice of incision placement and implant type will be discussed in detail during your consultation.
Expected Chin Implant Results
Chin implant procedures typically last about 1 hour. Following the operation, some soreness, swelling, and bruising can be expected for up to a week. Recovery time after the surgery takes about 3-5 days. After this time, you can resume your normal daily routine. In some cases, Dr. Shaw may prescribe antibiotic medication to reduce the risk of infection.
Before and After Photos
Chin Implant FAQs:
Chin implants are designed to be permanent. Unlike fillers or non-surgical options, an implant maintains its shape and position long-term unless removed or revised. With proper placement and care, most patients enjoy lifelong improvements without the need for future maintenance procedures.
While a chin implant improves the projection of the chin and definition of the jawline, it does not directly remove excess fat under the chin. In some cases, patients benefit from combining chin augmentation with submental liposuction or neck lift surgery to address a “double chin” caused by fat deposits or skin laxity. Dr. Shaw will evaluate whether adding liposuction or other treatments would enhance your outcome.
No. When the incision is placed under the chin, the scar is small and discreet, typically hidden in the natural crease. If the incision is made inside the lower lip, no external scar is visible. Over time, scars fade and become less noticeable.
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Weak Chin Treatments in Richmond and Midlothian, Virginia
Living with a weak chin can cause both physical and emotional discomfort. Our chin implant procedure is geared toward improving your confidence and promoting your health. To discuss our chin implant procedure with Dr. Shaw, make an appointment by calling/texting (804) 775‑4559 or submitting your information via the form below.