Balance and definition for the lower face.
Chin augmentation improves the definition, contour, and projection of the lower face. Patients often notice their jawline appears flattened or short relative to the rest of the face, or that a recessed chin makes the profile look unbalanced. Because chin projection influences how the nose and neck are perceived in profile, correcting an underdeveloped chin can meaningfully improve overall facial harmony — sometimes more than any other single change.
The ideal aesthetic of a face's profile is perceived through the balance — or imbalance — between the projection of the chin, nose, and neck relative to one another.
An underdeveloped or recessed chin (sometimes called microgenia) can make a normal-sized nose appear larger than it is, and can create an obtuse, undefined angle where the chin meets the neck. Because these three structures are visually linked, correcting chin projection alone can improve how balanced the whole profile looks — without touching the nose or neck at all.
Some patients consider non-surgical chin filler as an option, but because the chin is fundamentally a bony structure, the changes achievable with filler alone are often not as visible or long-lasting as what a properly sized implant can accomplish. Filler can be a reasonable way to preview a subtle change, but for patients seeking a definitive, permanent correction to bony chin projection, an implant is generally the more effective option.
Chin implants are made of a safe, inert, soft silastic (solid silicone) material shaped to hug the natural contour of the chin bone — a material that has been used extensively and reliably in facial plastic surgery for decades. The size, shape, and orientation of the implant are selected specifically to achieve the contour change each patient is seeking, whether that's a more oval shape or a stronger, squared-off chin.
A small curvilinear incision is typically made under the chin, most often following an existing natural crease line, and the implant is positioned snugly against the bone at the planned site.
Chin implant surgery can be performed as a stand-alone procedure under local anesthesia alone, or with twilight sedation, depending on patient preference and whether it's being combined with other surgery. The procedure typically takes under one hour and is performed at Natural Face Clinic's accredited, AAAHC-certified office-based surgery facility. After the procedure, a tight pressure tape is placed around the chin, and sutures are removed at a one-week follow-up visit.
Particularly from the profile view, the shape and projection of the chin affects the perceived shape of the nose and the appearance of the neck. Patients who want a more defined neck angle sometimes elect chin implant surgery alongside a face/neck lift or neck liposculpt — often through the same incision site, allowing both to be performed in a single surgery.
Patients with a prominently over-projected nose or a large nasal hump sometimes don't realize that an underdeveloped chin is further amplifying how large their nose appears. While an overprojected nasal tip or hump would be improved with rhinoplasty, correcting an under-developed or recessed chin at the same time synergistically improves the overall balance and proportion of the face.
Most patients experience only mild discomfort. There's an on-call physician during off-hours, and every surgical patient has direct access to the surgeon's personal cell phone for surgery-related questions.
The pressure tape dressing should remain dry to stay in place for the full week; if it's removed early, an elastic bandage should be applied to maintain pressure as instructed. Some numbness around the chin or lower lip is normal and resolves over time. Sutures are removed at the one-week follow-up.
Initial results are visible immediately, though swelling continues to resolve over the following weeks, revealing a more defined and natural appearance.
The body forms a fibrous capsule around the implant that integrates it securely with surrounding tissue, making displacement unlikely once healed. Until this healing process completes — typically 6 to 8 weeks — patients should avoid activities that risk physical trauma or pressure to the implant site.
Yes, when properly selected and placed. The size and shape of the implant are customized to match your facial proportions, creating a balanced, harmonious look. Over time, the implant integrates with surrounding tissue, providing a natural and long-lasting enhancement.
Initial results are visible immediately, but swelling in the chin area may take several weeks to fully subside. Most patients see a more defined appearance within a few weeks, with final results settling over the following months as the implant conforms to the underlying bone.
The incision is typically placed in an existing crease under the chin, making it well-hidden once healed. With proper scar care, the incision tends to fade and become minimally noticeable in daily interactions.
Chin implants are designed for long-term placement and, once the body's fibrous capsule forms around them, are very securely positioned. If a patient's goals change over time, implants can be exchanged or removed — this is a conversation Dr. Kim can walk you through at consultation.
Shown with patient consent. Individual results vary by anatomy, technique, and healing.
"I was very fortunate that I chose Dr. Kim to perform a rhinoplasty and chin implant on me, I loved my results already... Dr. Kim and staff are professional, he explained everything to me before the surgery."
"My chin adds balance to my face in a way I didn't even think it could. It especially makes my profile look incredible! Dr. Kim is an artist."
"Absolutely love Natural Face Clinics — Dr. Kim is amazing. He is professional, knowledgeable and the staff are fabulous! I would never go anywhere else."