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Do you ever feel that your facial features are not harmonized? Chin and cheek augmentation, could be the right procedure for you. Both implants have the ability to enhance the contours of your face while balancing your facial proportions. Haute Beauty Expert Dr. Oliver Chang dives into each procedure, what they entail, and if there are any risks involved.

What is chin augmentation?

Chin augmentation, also known as genioplasty or mentoplasty, is a procedure designed to strengthen the appearance of a receding chin by increasing its projection. This procedure improves your facial profile by creating an improved balance between the chin and other facial features. The actual implant used for chin augmentation are made in various shapes and sizes, and are made out of both solid and semi-solid materials.

What is cheek augmentation?

Cheek augmentation, known as malar augmentation, is another surgical procedure designed to enhance the contours of the face. The augmentation of the cheekbones is achieved by placing a specially designed implant over them, which results in a full, more sculpted look. These facial implants are permanent and provide predictable results.

What makes you a candidate for cheek or chin augmentation?

The best candidates for cheek and chin augmentation are those in good physical and psychological condition, informed about the limitations of the surgery, free of known allergies to the implant material, and realistic in their expectations for the outcome.

Chin implants are often recommended to patients undergoing nose surgery to achieve better facial balance. In patients 20-50 years old, cheek implants can improve the mid-facial contour and restore sagging mid-facial soft tissues, thus postponing the need for a facelift.

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When will you see the results?

You may not be able to accurately evaluate your appearance for weeks, or perhaps even months. Give yourself plenty of time to get used to your new look. Because Dr. Chang specializes in natural-looking surgical results, you will find that most of the time you won’t recognize that you’ve had facial implant surgery – only that you look better!

What is the recovery time?

You can expect to experience some discomfort and swelling in the affected area for several days after your chin surgery. It is normal to experience some temporary difficulty with smiling and talking. Black and blue marks may be visible around the chin and neck. Dr. Chang will instruct you about dental hygiene, eating and any restrictions to your activities after surgery. There will be dietary restrictions as well as limitations to your activities following your cheek surgery. You should be aware that your ability to move your mouth and lips may be diminished temporarily. Stitches used to close the incisions inside your mouth usually dissolve within about 10 days.

Are there any risks?

A facial implant can shift slightly out of alignment and a second operation may be necessary to replace it in its proper position. Infection can occur with any operation. If infection were to occur around a facial implant and did not clear up after treatment with antibiotics, the implant might have to be temporarily removed and replaced at a later time. Other, less-frequent risks may be associated with certain implants. Our surgeons will review all risks specific to your procedure with you during your surgical consultation.