Recovering from Chin Augmentation: What to Expect

Of course, you should love yourself, flaws and all, but most people feel self-conscious about a perceived flaw. If you think a weak chin or an undefined jawline means you’re meek or have a weak character, you may end up creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Fortunately, plastic surgeons have developed and perfected the technique of chin augmentation. Genioplasty, as it’s medically known, restructures the chin, neck, and jawline contours. An implant placed over and around your small chin bone augments its size and shape and helps to produce a more naturally attractive balance between facial features.

At 817 Surgical Arts, triple-board-certified facial and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Emily Johnson offers chin augmentation in Fort Worth, Texas, to help you resculpt your features and become more comfortable in your skin. If you’re opting for a change, here’s what you can expect during recovery.

Goals of chin augmentation

The primary goal of chin augmentation is to create facial harmony. However, one of the main reasons people undergo the procedure is the size of their noses. Small chins can make large noses look even bigger, while large chins can make small noses look even smaller.

The solution? Perform genioplasty and rhinoplasty (a “nose job”) simultaneously. In fact, many people choose any of several “add-ons” to their chin augmentation, such as a face-lift, a neck lift, blepharoplasty (eye lift), and/or a brow lift. When you address all the areas of your face, all your features fall into balance.

Of course, chin augmentation won’t change your entire life, but it can enhance your appearance in ways where your reflection in the mirror better meets your expectations.

The chin augmentation procedure

Dr. Johnson can perform a chin augmentation by moving the jaw to a more forward position or using an implant. An implant is a small, solid device made from a biocompatible material (usually silicone, with or without additional fat) and shaped to fit around your chin bone.

The augmentation itself usually lasts about 1-2 hours, but if you’re adding on a rhinoplasty or other procedures at the same time, you can expect the amount of time in the OR to increase.

Recovery and results: What to expect

You’ve just had surgery, so you can expect to have some effects from that. Common side effects are temporary bruising, redness, swelling, tenderness, and numbness in your chin. You can manage the pain and swelling with OTC pain relievers and ice packs. You should also keep the treatment area clean, stay well hydrated, and get plenty of rest.

Chin augmentations don’t require a lot of downtime compared with more invasive plastic surgeries, though the length of recovery also depends on how many add-ons you include. Dr. Johnson gives you detailed aftercare instructions; follow them exactly as directed.

You can expect to return to office work within about a week and to strenuous activity after 3-4 weeks but clear it first with Dr. Johnson.

You’ll need to sleep face-up, with your head elevated, for at least 1-2 weeks after surgery to reduce swelling and allow the incisions to heal properly. Dr. Johnson may also recommend a liquid-only diet for 1-2 days post-surgery so you don’t shift the implant with chewing.

The swelling around the implant takes a while to recede, so while you may see some results after one month, the final results typically appear about 3-4 months after the procedure. Many chin implants last a lifetime.

Ready to balance your features and/or chisel your jawline? 817 Surgical Arts offers chin augmentation to help in both cases. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Johnson, call our office at 817-241-5375 or book online today.