Toronto’s Dr. Philip Solomon, MD, FRCSC, Otolarynology, Head and Neck Surgeon, talked to us about a surgery that can provide both balance, harmony and profound changes to the face.
By Dr. Philip Solomon, MD, FRCSC
What is chin implant surgery?
Chin implant surgery, also known as chin augmentation surgery, may not be as well-known as rhinoplasty surgery (nose job surgery), but the results can be equally as impactful. Chin implants can provide more balance to the face, while also significantly improving the jawline and facial contour. This surgery is an ideal procedure for patients with a recessed or weak chin, or for those who are looking for a stronger jawline. Typically, candidates for chin implant surgery have also completed orthodontic and orthognathic (jaw surgery) and are not planning on future ortho work.
I have many patients who are looking to improve the aesthetics of their face — people who have a slight, moderate or significantly recessed chin. It’s also not uncommon for patients looking to have rhinoplasty surgery learn in our consultation that their facial harmony includes both the nose and the chin. Often, the combination of reducing the size of the nose and increasing the projection of the chin is what will provide the most impactful and profound results.
What are the implants made of?
I offer both silicone and Medpore implants, depending on patients’ needs. We are now starting to offer custom implants, as we are seeing a greater demand for this specialty. A CT scan is used as part of the planning process to help design the implant, a process that can be a bit more costly than silicone implants.
Silicone implants are easily inserted under the chin through a small incision and placed into a pocket where it sits securely and indefinitely; it can also be easily removed from this pocket, if needed. Medpore implants are a bit more expensive and are secured with screws into the bone. There are some advantages to Medpore, especially for patients who have had prior jaw surgery. These days, patients often come to our clinic well educated, as they have researched this procedure and have an understanding about their options for Chin Augmentation and what to expect from the surgical process. My team and I are very helpful and accessible, answering all patient inquires and questions through our office and various social media platforms.
What are other chin and jaw procedures?
Some patients require more than just chin implants to optimize the shape of their jaw. Patients with a deficiency or flat jaw angle can greatly benefit from jaw angle implants, which can be performed inconjunction with chin implants or as a stand-alone procedure. Jaw angle implants are also offered in both silicone and Medpore.
Silicone implants are placed through a small incision beneath the chin, about three-quarters-of-an-inch long. Medpore implants can be placed through the same incision or intra-orally, inside the mouth. Jaw angle implants are also inserted inside the mouth. Sutures from chin implant surgery remain in place for about seven to 10 days, and then it’s just about healing while swelling subsides.
I do about 200 of these procedures a year and it’s often combined with other surgeries such as rhinoplasty, facelift surgery, neck liposuction and FaceTite. I see patients for chin augmentation from across the country. Chin implants can offer a more balanced and stronger profile, a more youthful appearance, an improved jawline contour and can help alleviate the appearance of submental fullness. It’s for this reason that chin implant surgery is one of the most rewarding surgeries that I offer.
May 17th 2021