A "weak" chin can make the nose look larger or give the appearance of a fleshy neck. Chin augmentation allows patients to create a profile they find more pleasing, whether by creating a more defined chin, or a smaller one. Using chin augmentation surgery, a cosmetic surgeon can create more balanced relationship between the various facial structures.

Chin augmentation uses synthetics or biologicals to augment the bone structure, making the chin more or less prominent. It is very common for a chin augmentation to be performed in conjunction with a rhinoplasty, allowing the surgeon to create an ideal profile for the candidate in one procedure. There are two main types of chin augmentation procedures: surgery and injectables.

Like almost any type of surgery, the procedure used in a chin augmentation requires the use of a surgical facility, an anesthesiologist, and may involve an inpatient stay in a hospital. Chin augmentation surgery is usually performed in order to insert an implant into the tissue just on top of the jaw. After surgery for chin augmentation, patients may wear a support brace to allow the tissues and implant to heal properly. There is typically bruising and swelling for the first 5 to 7 days after chin augmentation surgery, and the swelling may not fully subside until months later.

Injectables that are used to perform a chin augmentation usually don't require a surgical team, general anesthesia or operating room, which means that the cost for this form of chin augmentation can be significantly lower than the expense of surgery. However, the cost of the products used in injectable chin augmentation can be higher. Discuss the relative costs of both types of chin augmentation procedures with your doctor, and be sure to ask about the need for touchups.

Regardless of the type of chin augmentation procedure, the opportunity to create a more appealing appearance is the same.