Chin Augmentation (Mentoplasty)
A chin implant or mentoplasty is performed either to increase or decrease the size of the
chin, and frequently accompanies rhinoplasty. The ideal chin projects to a point immediately
below the lower lip.
When evaluating the face, the proportions of all facial features are considered. A large nose may
appear larger because of a weak projection of the chin. It is often recommended that a rhinoplasty
and chin augmentation be performed at the same time to achieve the most desirable effect - Balance.
Recently developed chin implants are capable of eliminating frontal jowls and drool lines.
Cheek Implants (Malarplasty)
The three "landmarks" of the face are the chin, nose, and cheek areas. When one of these three
is out of proportion, the face may appear unbalanced.
Strong cheekbones have always created an illusion of beauty. By increasing the definition of the
face, the overall appearance is enhanced. Shallow cheekbones, resulting from heredity or the
re-absorption of bone tissue occurs naturally as we age, creating a flat, hollow look. Early
facial sagging is corrected with the implants, creating much the same effect as the facelift.
Prominent cheekbones also enhance the appearance of the eyes.
A silastic implant is inserted through an incision in the mouth or under the chin. Occasionally
a suture is needed to hold the implant in place until the body's tissue conforms to the implant in
roughly 3 days.
Results will be apparent immediately following surgery, though swelling and bruising will subside
gradually over the next two to three weeks.
Liposuction
Liposuction is the suction assisted fat removal procedure commonly used in facial re-contouring.
In younger patients, it is a surgical option for the removal of a double chin and jowls. Younger
skin usually has enough elasticity to reshape and re-contour after this neckline procedure.
In older patients, liposuction is an excellent option which enhances the facelift procedure.
How do I know if I am a candidate for a chin or cheek implant?
An individual consultation with one of our Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Maloney or
Dr. Agarwal, is the best way to determine which procedure is best suited to meet your goals. During
this consultation, the surgeon will examine you, and computer imaging will be utilized to demonstrate
proposed changes to you. Aesthetic ideals and facial proportions are analyzed to determine if an
implant would benefit your face.
Can I have this done at any age?
A deficient chin is readily apparent during adolescence. This can be addressed with a simple chin
implant in the teenage years. In fact, it is the most common procedure we perform simultaneous with a
Finesse Rhinoplasty™ on a teenager.
What are the implants made of?
Our Facial Plastic Surgeons use Silastic implants only.
How long is the recovery process?
Generally speaking, it takes one to two weeks for most of the swelling to resolve. This can vary
from individual to individual.
How long do the results last?
These are permanent implants that provide volume to the face for a lifetime. This is one of their greatest advantages.
What kind of anesthesia is utilized during chin/cheek implant placement?
This can be done with local anesthetic or twilight sedation. Twilight sedation is used most commonly.
During this type of anesthesia, you will breathe on your own, but you will not remember anything. It is a
quick acting type of anesthesia that also wears off quickly. Because you are breathing spontaneously, an
endotracheal tube is usually not used.
Where are the incisions made to place these implants?
The cheek implants are placed through an incision under each side of the upper lip. Chin implants may be
placed either through a small incision under the chin or inside the lower lip.
Are there stitches and when are they removed?
Our facial plastic surgeons use fine, delicate sutures to close all incisions. The majority of these are
dissolvable. The remaining sutures are removed about 7 days post-operatively.
Where is the procedure performed?
All procedures are performed at our state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center, Doctors Outpatient Surgery
Center (DOSC). DOSC is fully certified by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).
Do I have to stop any medications before my facial surgery?
Our nurses at the Aesthetic Surgery Center will provide you with a comprehensive list of medications (both
prescription and non-prescription) that are known to increase bleeding and affect wound healing after surgery.
These should be stopped about 10 days pre-operatively.
