Chin Augmentation / Reduction
IN SYDNEY
Profile & Jawline Balance
Measured adjustment of chin projection, height, and contour to harmonise the lower face and profile.
My approach is considered, curated, and grounded in a deep understanding of facial anatomy. Planning weighs chin projection (pogonion), vertical height, labiomental angle, prejowl contour, neck–chin relationship, dental occlusion, and soft‑tissue behaviour (mentalis function, soft‑tissue pad). I work to refine proportion without overstatement, and I coordinate with dental/orthognathic colleagues where bite or jaw position is driving the appearance.
What is Chin Augmentation / Reduction?
Chin surgery addresses projection (forward/back), vertical height (long/short chin), width/shape, and the transition into the prejowl sulcus and cervico‑mental angle. Depending on anatomy and goals, this may involve a chin implant, a sliding genioplasty (moving the patient’s own bone), or bony contouring/reduction, with soft‑tissue support (mentalis resuspension) as needed.
What Are the Different Types of Chin Augmentation?
Chin Implant (Alloplastic Augmentation)
What it does: Adds forward projection and/or width with a shaped implant placed in the subperiosteal plane over the chin.
Best for: Adequate dental occlusion and bone height with mild–moderate deficiency in projection or width; contouring of the prejowl region with extended styles.
Materials: Common options include silicone, porous polyethylene (Medpor), and custom (e.g., PEEK) in select cases.
Pros: Shorter operative time, reversible/removable, predictable augmentation.
Considerations: Small risk of malposition, visibility in very thin tissues, infection, or pressure‑related bone remodeling over time; requires precise pocket creation and fixation.
Bony Reduction / Shave Contouring
What it does: Burring/osteoplasty to slim a bulky or asymmetric chin, soften a square edge, or reduce vertical height (often combined with genioplasty for precision).
Best for: Prominent or long chins where reduction (not just setback) improves balance.
Considerations: Requires meticulous mentalis resuspension to prevent chin ptosis.
Sliding Genioplasty (Osseous Advancement/Setback/Height Change)
What it does: An intraoral osteotomy moves your chin bone forward, back, up, or down, with plate/screw fixation; can correct vertical excess/deficiency and modest asymmetry.
Best for: Need for vertical height change, desire to avoid an implant, or when bony movement gives a more natural contour for the soft tissue.
Pros: Uses your own bone; powerful control over projection and height; natural feel.
Considerations: Longer operation, more swelling; risks include tooth‑root injury (avoided by safe osteotomy levels), neuropraxia of the mental nerve, step‑off/irregularity if poorly planned.
Soft‑Tissue Refinements (Adjuncts)
Mentális resuspension after intraoral approaches to prevent “witch’s chin.”
Submental liposculpture for isolated fullness.
Fat grafting (micro/nanofat) for contour and fine transitions.
Neck procedures (e.g., deep cervical work) where neck anatomy contributes to a blunted angle.
COMBINE YOUR CHIN PROCEDURE
Balanced Planning
Rhinoplasty: Classic profile balancing - subtle changes in chin and nose are planned together.
Neck lift / Deep cervical contouring: Improves the cervico-mental angle where soft‑tissue bulk or platysmal bands coexist.
Lower facelift / Prejowl contouring: Extended chin implants or osseous moves can smooth the prejowl sulcus as part of a lower‑face plan.
Skin quality: Laser or chemical peels (usually staged) to refine texture around the lower face.
Same‑session vs staged is planned to streamline recovery and scar care.
WHY CONSIDER CHIN AUGMENTATION?
Who Is the Ideal Candidate?
Microgenia (under‑projected chin) or a prominent/long chin.
A noticeable prejowl hollow or weak transition to the jawline.
Stable dental occlusion (or willingness to address bite issues first).
Realistic goals and good general health.
When another approach may be better
Significant skeletal malocclusion (e.g., Class II/III) - consider orthognathic planning first.
Concerns driven primarily by neck fat/skin - neck‑focused procedures may take priority.
Very thin soft tissues with implant‑edge visibility risk - osseous options may be preferable.
WHAT TO EXPECT
From Consultation to Recovery - Chin Augmentation Surgery
Undergoing facelift surgery is a detailed and personalised process. From your first consultation to your final review, every stage is carefully planned to support your comfort, safety, and optimal healing.
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Your Initial Consultation
Profile and three‑quarter analysis; pogonion and labiomental angle measurements; prejowl and neck assessment.
Bite review; dental imaging or 3D/cephalometry if needed for osseous moveImplant vs genioplasty discussion; incision choices (intraoral vs small submental for implants), fixation, and recovery.
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Preoperative Planning
Medication/supplement review; smoking cessation; oral hygiene optimisation for intraoral approaches.
If combining rhinoplasty/neck work, confirm sequencing.
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Surgery Day
Setting: Accredited day surgery or private hospital.
Anaesthesia: Usually general anaesthesia.
Duration: Implant ~60–90 min; genioplasty 90–150 min (scope‑dependent).
Technique: Implant - subperiosteal pocket via intraoral or small submental incision; precise midline positioning; fixation with one/two screws; layered closure. Genioplasty - intraoral incision; osteotomy below tooth roots and mental foramina; planned movement (advance/setback/vertical change); plate and screw fixation; mentalis resuspension.
Light dressing/tape; external chin support as advised.
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Week 1 Post-Op
Head elevation; cold compress as advised; soft diet and chlorhexidine rinses for intraoral wounds.
Bruising/swelling peak 48–72 h; sutures (if external) typically day 5–7.
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Week 2–3 Post-Op
Back to desk work/social settings ~7–14 days (implant) and 10–14+ days (genioplasty).
Gradual return to exercise as cleared; residual firmness settles over weeks.
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6 Weeks+ Post-Op
Soft‑tissue drape continues to refine; osseous remodeling stabilises.
Review for any fine‑tuning (e.g., minor fat grafting).
YOUR RECOVERY
Postoperative Care & Follow-up
Oral care: Saltwater or chlorhexidine rinses (intraoral incisions); avoid smoking/vaping.
Wound care: Keep external tapes/incisions clean and dry; short course of antibiotics is common for intraoral/implant cases.
Activity: Walk daily; avoid contact sports/pressure on the chin until cleared.
Diet: Softer foods for ~1 week after genioplasty/intraoral approaches.
Follow‑up: 1 week, 6 weeks, then 3–6 months.
SURGICAL RISKS
What Are the Risks of Chin Surgery?
Bruising, swelling, temporary numbness of the lower lip/teeth (mental nerve).
Malposition: asymmetry, contour irregularity.
Infection: (higher risk with intraoral or implant cases), seroma/haematoma.
Implants: visibility/edge in thin tissues, capsular contracture, rare pressure bone remodeling, extrusion (uncommon).
Genioplasty: tooth‑root injury (avoided with safe levels), step‑off/irregularity, plate/screw awareness, temporary weakness/tightness of mentalis.
Adverse scarring: (if submental incision used).
General anaesthetic risks.
Why Choose Dr Karagiannis for your Chin Augmentation?
1. Expertise & Experience
Multiple facial aesthetic fellowships across Europe and Australia with focused experience in profile harmonisation.
2. Nerve‑aware Planning
Nerve‑aware planning and mentalis resuspension to protect sensation and chin support.
5. Implant & non-impant options
Facility with both implant‑based augmentation and sliding genioplasty, chosen for the anatomy and goals at hand.
3. Integrated Approach
Integrated approach with rhinoplasty, neck lift, and lower‑face procedures, sequenced to streamline recovery.
4. Excellence & Professionalism
Clear, guideline‑compliant counselling and continuity of care in accredited settings.
Chin Augmentation FAQs
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It depends on goals and anatomy. Implants are ideal for mild–moderate augmentation with shorter downtime. Genioplasty is preferred when vertical change, larger movement, or a tissue‑only solution is best.
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Temporary tightness is common. With mentalis resuspension and careful nerve protection, long‑term changes are uncommon.
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Implants can be placed intraorally (no external scar) or via a small submental incision. Genioplasty uses intraoral access.
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Cosmetic chin surgery is generally not eligible unless specific reconstructive criteria are met. Eligibility is discussed individually.
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Most people feel comfortable for low‑key settings by 7–14 days (implant) and 10–14+ days (genioplasty). Residual swelling refines over weeks.
Request a Consultation
If you're considering chin augmentation surgery, I invite you to schedule a private consultation. Together we’ll explore your goals, assess your anatomy, and tailor a plan to suit your needs.