Chin Augmentation Surgery
in Houston & Sugar Land, TX

Women model smiling in the sun

What is Chin Augmentation?

Placement of a chin implant is a simple and relatively inexpensive way to create ideal facial proportions. For patients with a small chin or weak jawline, Dr. Altamira can choose from a number of chin implant shapes, sizes, and materials to best suit the individual’s facial features and structure. Chin augmentation can be performed right in our Houston office saving you the cost of hospital fees.

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Who are the Candidates for a Chin Augmentation?

Ideal candidates for chin augmentation are healthy adults who do not smoke. Chin augmentation is often sought to correct cosmetic concerns such as:

  • Weak jawline and chin
  • General facial aging that has affected chin definition
  • Large nose

The chin and the nose both project forward, so changing one will naturally affect the appearance of the other. By strengthening the projection of the chin, the nose is more “at home” among other facial features

The Benefits of the Chin Augmentation Procedure

A picture of a female model with a great chinWhile we can’t all have a chin like a Hollywood icon such as Kirk Douglas, we all deserve a proportioned face. By most standards, this includes a strong chin. Dr. Altamira’s chin augmentation patients often talk of the increased sense of confidence they feel after these procedures. The benefits vary with the person, but if you’ve never liked what you perceive to be a weak chin, this can change the way you see your overall face. Chin implants simply enhance your natural features.

Chin augmentation with a chin implant can resolve various concerns, including a weak chin and chin dimpling. The enhancement of the chin also increases the aesthetic appearance of the nose due to the relationship between these two projecting facial features.
Unlike chin enhancement with dermal fillers, chin augmentation with a chin implant is a one-time procedure that can achieve permanent results.

How do I Know if I Need Chin Augmentation Surgery?

Dr. Altamira’s patients who come to him for chin augmentation often complain that they feel their chin is weak, even recessed. They feel their chin lacks proportion and doesn’t appropriately add definition to their lower face.

There’s no set standard for wanting chin augmentation, but if you want to improve the definition of your neck and jawline, this could be a good option. Also, double chins often result from a somewhat recessed chin; this surgery can eliminate that.


What Our Patients Have to Say

I highly recommend board-certified Dr. David Altamira for your plastic surgery needs and wants. He listens attentively during the consult, recommends procedures to meet your needs, and provides a seamless on point surgery. I also recommend any post-op treatments offered by his staff for quicker recovery time. All of his staff are efficient, professional, and friendly.” -Lee C.

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How Should I Prepare for my Chin Augmentation Surgery?

Chin augmentation surgery can be a highly beneficial procedure that should only be conducted by a U.S. board-certified plastic surgeon. Choosing an experienced and highly-trained physician, you can expect to receive detailed preoperative guidelines that enhance your surgical experience.

The preparations for these surgeries with Dr. Altamira are the same as for any surgery. You’ll need to stop taking any blood-thinning medications, any anti-inflammatory medications, and various supplements for a week prior to your surgery. If you smoke, you’ll need to stop for one month before and after your surgery, as smoking inhibits the wound healing process.

We will give you more detailed preparation instructions during your consultation.

How Chin Augmentation Surgery is Performed

Plastic surgeons performing chin augmentation surgeryChin augmentation is an outpatient procedure with the patient under local anesthesia. Dr. Altamira makes a small incision either underneath the chin or inside the mouth. You’ll discuss these options during your consultation. Through this incision, Dr. Altamira first creates a pocket to hold the implant and it is then fit around your chin bone. To keep the implant stable and in place, it may be anchored with titanium screws. The body fully accepts titanium (it is used for all joint replacements) and the bone will grow around the screws. Once in place and when healing is complete, these implants will feel just like your natural chin bone. They are not discernable as implants by others —  all they see is a stronger chin and sharper profile.

How Long Does A Chin Implant Procedure Take?

Chin augmentation is usually completed in about an hour. A little more time is spent in the office for anesthesia to be administered and also for the sedative effects to begin wearing off. When planning, you’ll need to include time for prep and limited recovery afterward.

The Different Types of Chin Implants to Choose From

There are many different sizes and shapes of chin implants. These are made from three materials: silicone, polyethylene, and Gore-Tex. Dr. Altamira will discuss the pros and cons of each of these options. The most common implants are made of silicone, but they can sometimes shift position. By the same token, silicone implants are also easily removed if a problem arises.

Polyethylene and Gore-Tex implants both allow the surrounding tissues and bone to grow into the implants. This fixes them in place and provides a blood supply to help prevent any infection.

Does a Chin Augmentation Require Anesthesia?

Dr. Altamira performs chin augmentation right here in the office when no adjunct procedures are included. Patients comfortably undergo in-office treatment with the use of a local anesthetic and mild sedative. If chin augmentation is combined with other procedures such as a facelift or rhinoplasty, surgery may be conducted in an accredited surgical center using general anesthesia.

How Long Do Chin Implants Last?

Chin implants are made from durable silicone or other biocompatible materials that are expected to last indefinitely. Patients should also be aware that they can choose to have their chin implant removed if they wish.

Removing Chin Implants

Silicone implants can easily be removed. Polyethylene and Gore-Tex implants can be removed but doing so are more involved because tissues and bone can grow into the implants. This anchors them effectively but also makes them much more difficult to remove.

What is the Recovery Process Like for Chin Augmentation?

Woman model with a beautiful chinThese are not overly difficult recoveries. Most patients at desk jobs can return to work within 7 days after their surgery. Because the size of your chin bone has increased the area will swell and will feel tight. This tightness will last about 2 weeks until the surrounding tissues adapt. You can mitigate swelling with the diligent use of a cold compress.

You’ll need to sleep with your head elevated and with your face up for a minimum of 1 to 2 weeks. This helps to control swelling and it protects your incisions (unless your implants were placed in the mouth). If you have mouth incisions, you’ll only be able to have a liquid diet for the first day or two after surgery. You’ll need to keep your sutures and the incision clean for the first few days, as well.

Strenuous exercise or jobs requiring physical labor can be resumed in 3 to 4 weeks depending on your healing. Dr. Altamira will see you during your recovery and will green light return to this type of work or activity.

When you will see the results Chin Implant Surgery

While initial swelling will mask your new chin to a degree, your results should be fully noticeable within three to four weeks after chin augmentation surgery. Chin implants are created to last a lifetime, especially when they are screwed into place in the jawbone.

What Will the Scars from the Incision Look Like After a Chin Augmentation?

The chin augmentation procedure is performed through a very discreet incision made just under the chin. Alternatively, an incision may be made inside the mouth. Both types of incisions result in minimal scarring that is not noticeable.

How Long After a Chin Augmentation Can I Start to Exercise Again?

All exercise aside from walking should be limited for 2 weeks after chin augmentation surgery. Sports, especially contact sports, must be avoided for at least 4 weeks to allow the implant to fully integrate into its pocket.

The risks of a Chin Augmentation

Chin augmentation is a straightforward procedure that can be conducted right in our office using a local anesthetic and sedative. This approach to surgery eliminates the risks associated with general anesthesia. With chin augmentation, there can be a chance of blood pooling, fluid build-up, nerve damage that may cause numbness, skin discoloration, shifting of implants, and asymmetry in the treated site. Also, there is a risk of dissatisfaction with the final outcomes. These can be addressed with revision surgery, if necessary.

Additional risks that are discussed during the consultation for chin augmentation include:

  • Malposition of the implant
  • Nerve damage
  • Infection
  • Bone degradation beneath the implant
  • Poor incision healing
  • Muscle dysfunction

Is Chin Augmentation Painful?

Woman experiencing jaw pain from chin augmentation surgery
Dr. Altamira goes to great lengths to reduce the risks of complications from chin augmentation, ensuring patients have an optimal surgical experience. As far as pain goes, this is not an overly painful procedure to recover from. Pain is easily managed with the prescription pain medication Dr. Altamira prescribes, although many patients feel that over-the-counter options handle the discomfort.


Schedule a Consultation

To schedule a consultation or to learn more about our Chin Augmentation procedure, contact us today at 713.271.9000. Our practice serves Houston, TX and the surrounding areas.