The chin doesn’t always draw the same attention for cosmetic treatments as other areas like the lips or cheeks, but it is important for the appearance of the lower face. A chin that is slightly recessed or underdeveloped can change facial proportions and affect the way the jawline looks. Small adjustments to the chin’s size or projection can bring the entire face into better balance. At South Bay Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center in Torrance, CA, we offer both surgical and non-surgical chin augmentation options. These treatments can help increase chin projection, refine contours, and improve symmetry.
What Is Chin Augmentation?
Chin augmentation focuses on increasing the size or projection of the chin to improve facial balance. This can be done using an implant, dermal fillers, or a combination of methods, depending on your goals. The treatment can create a stronger profile, sharpen the jawline, or correct asymmetry in the lower face. It’s often considered when the chin appears too small compared to the nose or forehead.
What Chin Augmentation Can Address
- Weak or Recessed Chin: A chin that sits too far back can make the neck appear fuller and the nose look more prominent. In many cases, small changes through chin reshaping can bring more structure to the lower face.
- Poor Jawline Definition: When the transition between the chin and neck lacks distinction, it can lead to a soft or blended appearance. Augmentation can sharpen the jawline and improve the chin’s profile without requiring extensive surgery. Even subtle volume adjustments can make the jawline appear clearer and more structured.
- Facial Asymmetry: A chin that tilts to one side or lacks alignment with other facial features can contribute to overall asymmetry. Depending on the cause, surgical or non-surgical methods may be used to bring the chin into better balance with the rest of the face.
- Excess Neck Fat or Double Chin: In some patients, a short or under-projected chin can exaggerate the appearance of fat beneath the jaw. Adding structure with a chin implant can help create a sharper angle between the jaw and neck. This change can reduce the look of fullness in the lower face even without removing fat.
- More Masculine or Feminine Chin Shape: The shape of the chin plays a part in how masculine or feminine a face appears. A wider, more square chin may be preferred in masculinization procedures, while a narrower and tapered shape is often chosen for facial feminization. We can adjust both projection and width to match your desired aesthetic.
- Signs of Aging in the Lower Face: With age, the chin can lose definition, and the lower face may appear softer or less contoured. Volume loss, skin laxity, and bone resorption all contribute to these changes. Chin augmentation can restore some of that structure and allow the lower face to appear more supported and refined.
Chin Implant Surgery
Surgical chin augmentation using an implant adds permanent volume and projection to the chin. This approach is often selected when the bone structure needs more noticeable and long-lasting enhancement than fillers can provide. Dr. Verbin places the implant directly on the bony chin, sometimes making additional adjustments to the bone if needed to refine the shape. The implant sits securely beneath the soft tissue and is selected to match your facial proportions.
External Approach
With this method, Dr. Verbin places the implant through a small incision beneath the chin. The incision is hidden in a natural crease and becomes difficult to see as it heals. This approach provides direct access to the bone and allows for precise positioning of the implant. It’s often preferred when greater visibility is needed during placement.
Internal Approach
An internal technique involves making the incision inside the lower lip. There’s no visible scar, but this method may have a slightly longer healing period due to the location of the incision. Dr. Verbin uses this option when appropriate for the patient’s anatomy and goals. Both techniques are effective and selected based on the individual.
Implant Material
The implants used in chin augmentation are made from solid silicone, which is both durable and well-tolerated. These implants come in a range of shapes and sizes to fit various facial structures. Once placed, they feel firm and natural and blend with the contours of the chin. Dr. Verbin selects the implant that will best support the desired shape and projection.
What to Expect From Your Chin Augmentation Surgery
Before surgery begins, we’ll review your facial structure, goals, and imaging to finalize the implant size and approach. The procedure is performed under anesthesia and typically takes about an hour. Once the implant is in place, it is secured to prevent shifting, and the incision is closed with fine sutures. A compression garment and bandages may be applied to minimize movement and support the chin during the initial healing phase. You’ll be able to go home the same day once we determine that you are in a stable condition.
Chin Augmentation With Liposuction and Fat Grafting
In some cases, we can enhance the chin without placing an implant by using a combination of liposuction and fat grafting. We start by using liposuction to remove excess fat from the neck, lower face, abdomen, or thighs. Then, we take a small amount of this fat and inject it into the chin to build volume and improve projection. This method works well if you are looking for a moderate increase in chin size along with overall refinement in the lower face.
Benefits of Chin Augmentation With Liposuction
Using fat from your own body gives us more control over subtle changes in shape and symmetry. Liposuction helps define the border between the chin and neck or contour other areas of unwanted fat, while fat grafting adds soft volume where needed. We can also adjust the volume more gradually until we achieve the look that you want.
What to Expect From the Procedure
We perform this procedure using local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the situation. First, we collect fat from an area like the abdomen or flanks. The fat is cleansed to remove blood or other substances and is prepared for reinjection. After liposuction is complete, we inject the purified fat into precise areas of the chin using small cannulas. You will leave with some swelling and soreness in both the donor and chin areas, but you can return home the same day, and recovery is faster than with implant surgery.
Chin Enhancement With Dermal Fillers
We use non-surgical chin augmentation to improve projection and refine the contours of the chin without surgery. This option works well for patients who want visible improvement with little to no downtime. Dermal fillers can build structure in the lower face, balance facial proportions, and even correct minor asymmetry. Results appear quickly and can last several months to over a year, depending on the product used.
How Do We Augment the Chin With Dermal Fillers?
We start by assessing the angles and structure of your face while at rest and in motion. Then we mark the treatment zones where the filler can provide the most impact, often focusing on the center of the chin and the lower jawline. Using a fine needle or cannula, we inject small amounts of filler in layers, building volume gradually to avoid overfilling. After the injections, we may gently mold the filler to shape the area. The entire process takes around 15 to 30 minutes.
The Best Dermal Fillers for Chin Augmentation
For the chin area, we prefer using firmer fillers that hold their shape well and offer good structural support. From the JUVÉDERM® family, we often use JUVÉDERM VOLUMA® because of its thickness and long-lasting results. From the Restylane line, Restylane Defyne is often the filler of choice, as it is indicated for the correction of chin retrusion. These fillers give us control over the amount of projection and blend well with the natural tissue.
What Dermal Filler Treatments Are Like
Filler appointments are quick and typically require no anesthesia beyond a topical numbing cream. Most patients feel only mild pressure during the injections. You can expect some swelling or firmness right after the appointment that settles within a few days. We recommend avoiding intense activity or heavy pressure on the chin area for 24 hours. You can return to normal activities immediately, and results are visible right away.
Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Chin Augmentation
Longevity
Surgical chin augmentation offers permanent results, especially when using a chin implant. Once placed, the implant remains in position unless removed or revised. Non-surgical chin augmentation with dermal fillers provides temporary results that usually last around 12 months, depending on the product used and how your body metabolizes it.
Customization
Both surgical and non-surgical options allow for customization, but in different ways. Implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and we can also adjust the bone when needed during surgery. With fillers, we can fine-tune the shape in real time during the injection process and make adjustments over time, adding or dissolving the material as needed. Surgery provides a structural change, while fillers allow for more gradual, flexible contouring.
Downtime
Surgical procedures usually require a week or more of downtime due to swelling, bruising, and the need for rest. Most patients return to light activities within a few days. Non-surgical treatments have little to no downtime, with most patients going back to their day right after the appointment. Some temporary swelling or bruising can still occur with either option.
Time Until Results
Results from filler injections appear immediately, though some swelling may mask the final outcome for a day or two. Surgical results take longer to fully settle, as the initial swelling can last for several weeks. Final results from surgery are typically visible within a few months after the tissue has healed and the implant has fully integrated.
Reversibility
Non-surgical fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme if the results are not as expected or if changes are desired. This gives patients more flexibility early on. Surgical implants require another procedure to revise or remove, so adjustments take more planning and recovery. Each option has different levels of commitment depending on the changes you are looking to make.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Chin Augmentation
- Physically Healthy Individuals: Patients in good overall health typically recover more smoothly and respond better to both surgical and non-surgical chin enhancement treatments. Before recommending any option, we review your medical history to confirm you are a safe candidate.
- Patients With Realistic Expectations: Chin augmentation can improve facial balance, but it cannot create a completely different facial structure. It is important to understand what each treatment can and cannot accomplish so that the results align with your goals.
- Non-Smokers: Smoking can interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications, especially after surgery. We will recommend stopping smoking before and after any treatment to support better outcomes and long-term results.
What to Expect After Chin Augmentation Surgery
Swelling and bruising are common for the first several days, especially around the chin and lower face. You may find that eating and talking feel limited or uncomfortable at first, particularly if your genioplasty involved internal incisions. Most patients take about a week off from work or school, depending on the demands of their daily routine. Final results begin to settle within a few weeks, though it may take several months for all swelling to fully resolve.
Recovering From Chin Augmentation
During the early healing phase, avoid putting pressure on the chin while sleeping or resting. We may recommend keeping your head elevated and sleeping on your back to prevent shifting. Exercise and strenuous activity should be paused for at least two weeks or until cleared by us. Stick to soft foods if chewing feels difficult, and be cautious with facial movements. Following your post-surgical instructions closely will help reduce discomfort and support a smooth recovery.
Why Choose Dr. Verbin for Chin Augmentation?
Dr. Christopher Verbin combines over 30 years of surgical experience with a background in fine craftsmanship and aesthetics. Trained at institutions like USC and George Washington University, he brings both technical precision and an artistic eye to every procedure. His experience spans more than 10,000 surgeries, including a wide range of facial and reconstructive cases. As a South Bay native, Dr. Verbin has built South Bay Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center in Torrance, CA, into a trusted resource for thoughtful, individualized care. When performing chin augmentation, he focuses on natural-looking results that support facial harmony and long-term satisfaction.
Learn More About Your Chin Augmentation Options in Torrance, CA
Chin augmentation can refine facial proportions, improve jawline definition, and add structure to a recessed or underdeveloped lower face. Whether using implants, fat grafting, or fillers, each option offers a way to reshape the chin with precision. At South Bay Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center, we provide both surgical and non-surgical techniques to match different aesthetic goals for our patients in Torrance, CA. We also serve the surrounding areas such as El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Hawthorne, Gardena, Lawndale, Lomita, Carson, San Pedro, and Long Beach. To schedule a consultation or ask questions about treatment options, contact us online or call (310) 539-6500.
Chin Augmentation
When it comes to chin augmentation, we know that patients have different concerns and goals, which is why we offer surgical and non-surgical treatment options. These treatments and procedures are designed to add projection or length to the chin.
We offer surgical chin implants for those looking for a permanent solution to improve the appearance of their chin. We also offer treatment plans that use dermal fillers to temporarily improve the appearance of the chin and deliver long-lasting results. Finally, we can use liposuction and fat grafting to naturally augment the chin.
Chin Implant
Chin implant surgery is a customizable procedure in which the surgeon helps patients choose the size and shape of a chin implant to improve facial aesthetics. During the procedure, Dr. Verbin will insert the right-sized implant beneath the tissue on the lower border of the mandibular synthesis, also known as the bony chin.
He may also cut, advance, and plate the bone to help patients reach their cosmetic goals. Chin implants are composed of a solid silicone structure and are typically inserted during the procedure through a very small incision hidden beneath the chin in a crease. The surgeon can also insert the chin implant through the inside of the lower lip.
Chin Augmentation With Liposuction and Fat Grafting
We can also enhance the appearance of the chin and create an improved chin profile with liposuction and fat grafting. One of the benefits of this technique is that it can improve two areas of the body during one procedure. The surgeon will work with the patient to determine donor areas from which he will remove the fat cells. The donor site is typically a problem area with stubborn fat cells, like the abdomen, hips, or thighs.
Chin Enhancement With Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are designed to inject natural and long-lasting volume below the skin’s surface to help patients combat the signs of aging or enhance different facial features. We can use dermal fillers for chin augmentation to create new facial contours and help patients achieve their aesthetic ideals.
During the treatment, we will inject hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers into the chin. We will make a series of injections around the treatment area to improve the chin profile and create a more contoured and sculpted appearance.
Choosing the Right Approach to Chin Augmentation
You may benefit from one of our surgical or non-surgical approaches to chin augmentation. If you want to improve the appearance of your chin, we can design the right treatment plan for you. The treatment process begins with an initial consultation at our office. We will explain the available treatment options, evaluate your chin profile, and determine which approach is right for you.
We will ask you some questions about your medical history, answer any questions about the treatments and procedures, and move forward with the treatment process. Depending on which approach you choose to improve your chin profile, we may provide you with pre-treatment or pre-surgical instructions to ensure the best outcome.
Augment Your Chin and Increase Your Confidence
You don’t have to live with a chin profile that you don’t love. There are simple and effective procedures and treatments that can enhance your appearance, create new facial contours, and add proportion and balance to your face. Our chin augmentation treatment plans are custom-tailored for each patient, and we can help you achieve your ideal chin and increase your confidence in your overall appearance.
Do you have questions regarding chin augmentation? Feel free to contact our patient coordinator at 310-359-6500 or by email at info@southbayaesthetics.com.
*Disclaimer: Results may vary based patients’ specific situation.
