Chin implants are used as an elective surgery to create an altered profile. Cosmetic surgery procedures like chin implants are intended to enhance the features the patient already has. The popularity of cosmetic surgery in recent years has increased 33 percent from 2002 to 2003, with more than 8.7 million cosmetic procedures performed in 2003 alone. Facial cosmetic surgery procedures are extremely popular, as more focus has been put on achieving a younger, more youthful appearance. Of the facial procedures, chin implants are the least expensive.

Some patients describe having a "weak chin", a feature that is not viewed upon favorably. When taking into account the individual's entire facial features and the proportion of each to the other, chin implants are sometimes able to create a more defined and balanced profile. Some patients sometimes think a nose job will balance out their features, but in some cases a more prominent chin is all that is necessary. A qualified cosmetic surgeon will be able to adequately evaluate the individual patient and recommend if chin implants may be better enhanced with combining it with a nose job as well, since a stronger chin can make the nose appear more obvious in some instants.

Chin implants are performed by inserting an implant to build up an otherwise diminishing chin. A set back chin can become more evident as aging softens up the entire jaw line. The surgeon will completely examine the patient's chin and jaw before it is decided which chin implants may be the appropriate size and shape to meet the goals of the patient.

Advances in cosmetic surgery techniques have allowed surgical methods to be as minimally invasive as possible. If incisions are made, the surgeon will try to do everything possible to make them as small and hidden as the surgery allows. For chin implants, the surgeon will make an incision in the natural crease line under the chin or inside the mouth. The incision made inside the mouth will eliminate the visible sign of any scarring and an incision under the chin will be easily masked.

The custom fit chin implants will be placed inside the tissue and then sutured up. Limited movement will be necessary for a few days following the surgery, so a variation of diet might be necessary, as well as rigorous exercise for a few weeks. Any tenderness and pain management can be helped with prescription medication until the discomfort fades with time. Chin implants will initially create a tight feeling in most patients, but this feeling will usually be gone within a week.

Often, the face is the most noticeable place a person will look and having unsatisfactory feelings because of a facial feature can sometimes be helped with cosmetic surgery. It is important to understand that cosmetic surgery can be a powerful tool when used correctly but should not be used in replacement for a lacking self-esteem. Cosmetic surgery has come a long way and now patients do not have to go through life wishing a certain feature were slightly different. Chin implants are able to enhance other facial features, increase confidence and reverse the signs of aging.