Chin Implant vs Jaw Implant

Chin Implant vs Jaw Implant

What is the Difference between a Chin Implant and a Jaw Implant?

We all want to have a prominent chin and a sharp jawline. Unfortunately, not all of us are blessed with that exact facial structure. Even when some of us are born with it, factors like ageing, skin laxity and weight can completely alter the look of our face. Cosmetic surgery comes to the rescue and can offer implant solutions for a defined jaw line and a prominent looking chin.

Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt has completed many chin procedures in Australia. Dr Hunt is a Sydney plastic surgeon who practices in Sydney and Wollongong.

Plastic Surgeon Dr Maryam Seyedabadi consults at the Woollahra Clinic in East Sydney and is available now for consultations on a range of plastic surgery & cosmetic surgery.

 

What is a Chin Implant and Jaw Implant ?

· Chin Implant

A Chin Implant surgery or chin augmentation is a surgical procedure that transforms the appearance of your chin. During the surgery, a silicon chin implant will be inserted into your chin to make it look more prominent and well-defined.

· Jaw Implant

A jaw implant is a surgical procedure that involves adding an implant into the jaw to give your jaw and chin a more prominent and sharp appearance. The goal of this treatment is to balance out the proportions of the face and give you a better facial contour.

How are the Chin & Jaw Procedures Performed?

chin implant jaw implant - how procedures are performed - Dr Jeremy Hunt Leading Plastic Surgeon Sydney NSW

Jaw Implant Surgery

  • The surgery will begin with general anaesthesia
  • Then, your surgeon will make an incision on the inside of the mouth
  • Once the incision is made, the implant will be placed in the space made along the jawbone
  • The surgeon will close the incisions with the sutures and apply a bandage over the chin and jaw area
  • The procedure generally takes an hour to complete and you will most likely be allowed to go home on the same day of the surgery

Chin Implant Surgery

  • The surgery will begin with general or local anaesthesia
  • Then, your surgeon will create a small incision. The placement of the incision can be made under the chin or on the inside of the mouth
  • Through this incision, the surgeon will create the required space for an implant
  • The implant will be placed inside and fitted along the chin bone
  • The incisions will be closed with sutures, followed by dressings and bandages

Preparing for Jaw Implant or Chin Implant Surgery

The preparation process for both jaw and chin implants are quite similar. Here are a few suggestions that will help you prepare for the surgery:

  • It is important to quit smoking a few weeks prior to the surgery as it can hinder the healing process
  • Avoid blood-thinning medications and herbal supplements as they can worsen bruising and lead to excess bleeding
  • Make sure to arrange for someone to drive you home on the day of the surgery as you will still be under the effects of anaesthesia and it is deemed unsafe
  • Get all the medical tests done required by your surgeon to ensure this procedure is right for you

Guide to Facial Rejuvenation

Facial Rejuvenation

Recovery after Chin Implant and Jaw Implant Surgery

Chin Implant

Most patients who undergo chin implants require only a week time off work and can go back to their regular activities within a week or two. The discomfort associated with the surgery is minimal and can be alleviated with the pain medications prescribed. Your surgeon might ask you to use a cold compress for a few days post the surgery.

Make sure to sleep on your back with your head in an elevated position for the first 2 weeks post-surgery. It will minimise the swelling and help protect your incisions. You will be asked to consume a liquid diet for the initial day or two. Make sure to follow all the instructions given by your surgeon.

Take care of your incisions and keep them clean and dry at all times. Make sure to go to your follow up appointment to ensure you are healing well. You will be able to see the results of the surgery in about one-month post-surgery. Final results will be seen in about 3 to four months’ time frame.

Jaw Implant

You will be able to see the results in about one week of the surgery. Expect to have a lot of bruising during the first two weeks post-surgery. You can use a cold compress along with the prescribed medications to minimise swelling and discomfort.

You will be required to sleep with your head elevated. Most patients will be able to return back to work in about a week or two post the surgery. You will be asked to come in for a follow-up appointment, a week after the surgery to get the stitches removed and ensure you are healing at the right pace.

Potential Risks and Complications of Jaw and Chin Implants

chin implant jaw implant - risk and complications - Dr Jeremy Hunt Leading Plastic Surgeon Sydney NSW

The risks and side effects associated with chin and jaw implants are quite similar. They can include swelling, infection leading to the removal of the implant, complications from anaesthesia, prolonged scarring, excessive bleeding, a shifted implant which can result in the need for corrective surgery, allergic reaction to an implant, scarring, bruising, numbness, and nerve damage.

It is important to follow all the pre and post-treatment care instructions given by your surgeon and choose the right surgeon in the first place to reduce the risks and complications associated with the surgery.

Results of Chin and Jaw Implant Surgery

Chin Implant

Most people will see the final results of the chin implant surgery in about three to four months. By this time, all the swelling will subside down and you will be able to enjoy the results to the fullest.

Jaw Implant

You will be able to see the results in about one week’s time frame. However, the swelling will take a few months to subside down until you can see the final outcome of the surgery.

Which Procedure is Right for Me?

If you only need to enhance the appearance of your chin, a chin implant is the best option for you. However, if you wish to add more definition to your jaw area along with the chin, jaw implant surgery may help.

With that being said, there is more to getting a surgical procedure than your choice. The best way to determine the suitability of any of these procedures for you is to book an appointment with a plastic surgeon. He/she will have a close look at your face, review your medical history, listen to your aesthetic goals and then create a suitable action plan for you.

While you can educate yourself on different procedures, the final call will be made by the plastic surgeon.

FAQS about Chin Implant and Jaw Implant Surgery

Here is a list of frequently asked questions we get regarding chin and jaw implants:

Do chin implants last forever?

  • Most silicone chin & jaw implants can last for a lifetime. If the implants are taken from bone or fat tissue that is taken from the body, they might get partially reabsorbed.

Does a chin implant change your smile?

  • The chin implant is placed under the chin which is one of the many muscles that impact the movement of lips that can bring a temporary change in your smile.

How painful is a chin implant?

  • Chin implant is typically performed under anaesthesia. You won’t experience any pain during the procedure. Some patients might experience some discomfort post-surgery but is usually countered with pain killers.

What can go wrong with a chin implant?

  • Infections, oral incompetence, displacement of the implant, damage of the mental nerve, and bone resorption are some of the possible complications that may be associated with a chin implant.

Can your body reject a chin implant?

  • Silicone is rather inert in the human body. Rejection typically doesn’t occur in the case of a chin implant. However, it can become infected, in which case it may have to be removed, but that is very rare.

Do chin implants look natural?

  • Chin implants are designed to look fairly natural but requires careful design from a plastic surgeon.

Should I have a chin implant?

People have different reasons to undergo a chin implant surgery. You might want to get a chin implant if:

  • You wish to reduce the appearance of a double chin
  • You want to improve facial harmony by adding balance to your chin and face
  • You want to strengthen the look of a recessed and underdeveloped chin

Does health insurance cover chin implants?

medicare - dr jeremy hunt

  • Australian Medicare and health insurance providers do not usually cover the cost of chin implant surgery as it is considered purely cosmetic.

How often does a chin implant need to be replaced?

  • Most silicone chin implants last a lifetime and do not need to be replaced. However, if your implant has become infected, you will need implant removal or removal and replacement.

Can a chin implant make you sick?

  • Although chin implant surgery is considered to be a fairly safe procedure, infections can occur. Some of the possible signs of chin infection include redness, pain, weeping or draining wound, and fever.

Can a chin implant shift?

  • Yes, the implant could shift and move immediately post-surgery or after some time.

Can chin implant surgery make my face slim?

  • A chin implant can balance out your face, make your nose look smaller, and enhance the look of your neckline. This can give the illusion of a slimmer face.

What celebrities have chin implants?

  • Mickey Rourke and Marilyn Monroe are just two of the celebrities rumoured to have undergone chin augmentation along with plenty of others. However, no one has admitted to getting the implants.

Why don’t I have a defined jawline?

  • You can blame a lot of factors behind the lack of definition of the jawline- ageing, excess fat, genetics and skin laxity. Regardless of the reason, it can be corrected with a bit of cosmetic help.

What qualifies as a weak chin?

  • Click a picture of your facial profile. Have a close look at the position of your chin with respect to the lower lip. If the chin’s forward-most point is forward or on the same vertical plane as your lower lip, you have a strong chin. If your chin lies behind this point, your chin is considered weak or regresssive.

How can I hide my weak chin?

  • Luckily men can hide it with beards. For women, it is quite difficult but with a makeup contouring technique, it can be masked. The only permanent treatment is to get a chin implant.

Mentoplasty vs genioplasty: what is the main difference?

  • There’s actually no difference between genioplasty and mentoplasty. They both are designed to alter the look of your chin in order to meet your aesthetic preferences.

Can I see chin implant before & after pictures during the consultation?

  • Of course, once you come in for a consultation, you will be shown before and after pictures of past chin surgery patients.

Chin augmentation vs chin implant: What’s the difference?

  • They are essentially the same procedure. These two names are used interchangeably and there is no difference between the two.

What is sliding genioplasty?

  • A sliding genioplasty is a surgery where the shape of the chin is changed by moving the chin bone forward, rather than using a chin implant.

Further Reading about Chin Surgery

Medical References

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon

dr jeremy hunt

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breastbodyface and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.

Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is optimal for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and, through his guidance, can achieve good results.

Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has given thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia the aesthetic results they desire.

Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education

Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.

Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

If breast reduction is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.

 

Solutions for a Receding Chin

Solutions for a Receding Chin

How to Treat a Receding Chin – Surgical and Non-Surgical Solutions for a Weak Chin

A receding chin or retrogenia typically happens when your lower jaw is not aligned correctly with the upper jaw. Most of the time, a weak chin is simply a cosmetic issue. However, in some cases, it might indicate underlying health concerns or jaw problems.

Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt has completed many chin procedures in Australia. Dr Hunt is a Sydney plastic surgeon who practices in Sydney and Wollongong NSW.

Plastic Surgeon Dr Maryam Seyedabadi consults at the Woollahra Clinic in East Sydney and is available now for consultations on a range of plastic surgery & cosmetic surgery.

Causes of Receding Chin

Before diving into the possible solutions, let’s have a look at the possible causes of the receding chin.

Some individuals are born with a severely receded chin, and this often falls into a number of craniofacial conditions. In some cases, children can grow out of it as they age. On the other hand, a pronounced overbite can lead to a weak chin and jawline. With the ongoing ageing process and bone resorption, your jawline becomes less pronounced and can start to recede.

If it is present from birth we call this condition congenital. It can even be dangerous if it begins to affect the ability to breathe or eat.

See how Dr Hunt Performs Craniofacial Surgery in Sydney.

Childhood Disorders impacting the chin can include: 

  • Treacher Collins syndrome
  • Pierre Robin Sequence (Pierre Robin syndrome)
  • Down syndrome

In order to avoid malnutrition, it’s enough to adjust the child’s posture while they eat. While lying on their stomach, putting a pillow under their chest helps. Headgear can help correct the alignment of the jaw. In more serious cases such as Treacher Collins syndrome, surgery might be needed.

 

Surgical Solutions for Receding Chin

To correct the receding chin, you will most likely need surgery. Both implants and genioplasty involve reshaping and cutting of the lower jaw bone. Prior to opting for surgery, keep in mind that it is major surgery and can take you about six weeks or more to recover.

1. Chin Implants

Chin implants or chin augmentation, is a great option for retrogenia, a chin point that is under projected. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis. The surgeon will create an incision along the crease of the chin when the inside of your mouth meets your gum line. Post the incision, the surgeon will insert the implant and close up the stitches. The procedure is done under local and general anaesthesia.

This type of surgery is ideal for mild to moderate cases of the receding chin as your chin will look smaller than the rest of your facial features. There will be a small scar under the chin from the insertion of the implant. There is always a risk of infection and nerve damage. In some cases, patients might be allergic to implants which can create negative reactions.

2. Sliding Genioplasty

Sliding Genioplasty is a better option for severely receding chins and patients looking to not use a chin implant, but prefer to use their own bone. It will involve making a small cut inside the mouth at the base of the gum line which allows the surgeon access to the bone in the chin. This allows the surgeon to bring your bone forward. They will use a small metal plate to reposition your bone in place.

A Sliding genioplasty is performed under general anaesthesia and has the advantage that there is no scar on the outside, as it is usually hidden in the mouth on the gum line.

male chin augmentation surgery - genioplasty before and after dr jeremy hunt

3. Jaw Surgery

In some cases, jaw surgery might be done along with the chin surgery or separately. This option is mostly done when your receding chin is linked with specific health concerns such as sleep apnoea, difficulty swallowing, speech impediment, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ, TMD), difficulty chewing, and trouble closing the lips or jaw, difficulty breathing‌‌.

You might need to undergo upper jaw surgery, lower jaw surgery or a combination of both. The procedures require the surgeon to separate the jaw, move it, and fasten it as it heals.

Other Non-Surgical Treatment Options for a Receding Chin – Using Injectable Fillers

Fillers – such as Hyaluronic acid- that are used for lips, can be used to augment the chin and increase projection. The results are limited though and it is a procedure that works in patients who need minimal augmentation. Dermal fillers will leave you with no scarring and lead to a shorter recovery time than sliding genioplasty and implant surgeries.

The choice of treatment depends on the type of receding chin. You will see different websites advertise exercises and over-the-counter remedies for a receding chin but they typically won’t work.  If the cause of your receding chin is linked to orthodontic issues like an open bite or overbite, you may be able to treat it with dental retainer or braces.

Your orthodontist will have to figure out whether the issue is dental or not, originating in your teeth, or whether it’s skeletal, originating in your bones. If the issue is dental, it can be fixed with orthodontics. Skeletal issues will require a combination of orthodontics combination with surgery.

Recovery after Chin Surgery

Multiple factors influence the recovery time such as the type of procedure, the extent of surgical changes, how quickly will your body heal, and potential complications. Post the implant procedure, you will be able to return back to work within 7 days.

The chin will be healed within a few weeks of the procedure. Complete recovery occurs when there aren’t any signs associated with residual swelling that can last for 3 months. People who have undergone sliding genioplasty or implant surgeries must attend regular follow-up appointments so the surgeon can monitor healing and address complications. Read more about Recovery after Chin Surgery.

Potential Risks and Complications of Receding Chin Surgery

Both sliding genioplasty and chin implantation procedures are safe and effective for enhancing the chin’s appearance. However, all surgical procedures carry some risk of complications and side effects. Genioplasty procedures can lead to temporary side effects, such as redness, bruising, tenderness, pain, swelling, loss of sensation, and numbness.

Other serious complications of genioplasty can include infection, damage to nerves, tooth roots, allergic reaction to filler or implant material, and changes in implant position.

Benefits of Receding Chin Treatments

Genioplasty procedures completely change the appearance of a receding and a misaligned chin. The shape and size of the chin play a very important role in balancing out the other facial features and contribute to overall facial harmony.

FAQ about Receding Chin Surgery

Here is a list of frequently asked questions we get regarding the receding chin and its possible solutions:

What causes a recessed chin?

  • There are many causes of the receding or recessed chin. In some cases, it comes as a natural part of the ageing process. With age, some people naturally lose a bit of bone and soft tissue around the jaw area which contributes to receding skin. For some people, a receding chin comes as a part of genetics. If you have pronounced overbite, it can also lead to a recessed chin. A recessed chin can also come as a side effect of a congenital condition.

How do you fix a receding chin?

  • There are many ways to correct a receding chin. The most common treatment options include chin implant, sliding genioplasty and jaw surgery. Dermal fillers may also help but are temporary.

Can you train your jaw to come forward?

  • The surgery used to correct a severe malocclusion from a misaligned jaw is called orthognathic surgery. This includes procedures to move the upper jaw or maxilla forward, backward, or even to widen it. It also includes procedures to move the lower jaw or mandible rotationally to correct asymmetry, forward or backward.

How do you stop a receding jaw?

  • Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to stop a receding jaw. To correct it, you will usually need to get surgery. Chin implants and sliding genioplasty can help with the receding jaw as it involves cutting and reshaping your lower jaw bone. Keep in mind that it is an invasive procedure and you will need at least six weeks off from work.

How can I increase my chin size naturally?

  • Unfortunately, there isn’t anything you can do to fix the chin size naturally. A lot of people on the internet claim that receding chin exercises help, but there is little to no evidence of that.

How much does a receding chin surgery cost?

  • The cost of the receding chin surgery can vary based on the type of procedure, surgeon, geographical location, and experience and expertise of the surgeon. Phone the team for an estimate.

Chin Augmentation Sydney Surgery Before-and-After_Chin-Surgery_Dr-Jeremy-Hunt_Top-Plastic-Surgeon_Sydney

How can I fix my jawline without surgery?

  • Based on what needs to be fixed to get your jawline in shape, there are certain options you can look into; dermal fillers to the jawline, neurotoxin to the masseter muscles, kybella injections to minimise the neck and chin fat, surgical threads to tighten loose skin, neck liposuction, and radiofrequency energy. Please note that these procedures don’t work if your jaw is misaligned and can only be fixed with receding chin surgery or jaw surgery. Check out the Ideal Female Jawline.

Does the chin keep growing?

  • Some boys only grow until about 16 years of age; others grow until they are in their early 20s. Girls usually stop growing about two years after their first menstrual period begins. Once you stop growing, your chin will stop growing, too.

Can mewing fix receding chin?

  • Mewing is a technique that proponents claim can reshape the jaw over time. Mewing involves placing the tongue on the roof of the mouth, which supposedly will reshape the jaw over time. There is currently no scientific evidence that this works and most patients will end up getting surgery to achieve the desired results.

Can braces fix a receding chin?

  • If your receding chin is linked to orthodontic issues, such as an open bite or overbite, braces might be able to fix it. However, it is not always the case and you might need the help of cosmetic surgery.

What celebrities have a receding chin?

  • Adriana Lima, Marilyn Monroe, Draya Michelle, Ivanka Trump, and Tiffany Trump are a few of the celebrities that started their career with a receding chin. However, they were later believed to have had chin surgery.

Further Reading about Receding Chin Surgery

Medical References about a Receding Chin

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon

dr jeremy hunt

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breastbodyface and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.

Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is optimal for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and, through his guidance, can achieve good results.

Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has given thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia the aesthetic results they desire.

Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education

Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.

Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

If breast reduction is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.

Patient Case Study of Chin Surgery – Advanced Genioplasty

Patient Case Study of Chin Surgery – Advanced Genioplasty

Chin Surgery Case Studies and Patient Success Stories

For some, the reality of dealing with an abnormally large or unusually small chin can be quite troublesome. Thankfully, chin surgery, also known as genioplasty, is a procedure commonly performed by Dr Hunt. Genioplasty is a surgical procedure to reshape the chin in some way. Dr Jeremy Hunt has performed procedures to move the chin forward (Chin Augmentation), move it backwards (Chin reduction) and move it up or down and to reshape or realign the chin. Here are some patient case study receding chin results.

Patient Case Study 1 – Advanced Genioplasty for Receding Chin Augmentation

Chin Surgery - Dr Jeremy Hunt Best Chin Surgeon Sydney

This patient above had advanced genioplasty to move the chin forward 10mm, giving it a more prominent, stronger appearance. Dr Hunt then performed submental liposuction which is liposuction of the chin and neck area to remove excess fat and sculpt.

Chin Surgery Case Studies Dr Jeremy Hunt - Chin-surgery-and-lipo_2-side-2-e1590625451529_edited 

Patient Case Study 2 – Receding Chin Surgery Implant

In cases where the bone is not favourable for use, a chin implant is an alternative option. If less significant changes are required, the use of injectable dermal fillers can achieve a mild increase in the prominence of the chin. 

Chin Surgery Case Studies Dr Jeremy Hunt - Chin1-e1590625627545_edited

Chin Surgery Case Studies Dr Jeremy Hunt - Chin_2_Side-e1590625600885_edited

The Relationship Between the Chin and your Nose

If you think of the nose as the most prominent feature of the middle third of the face, then the chin prominence is the strongest feature of the lower third of the face. Often an adjustment in the nose size, shape and length is balanced with an adjustment of the chin size and shape.  For this reason, chin surgery often compliments a rhinoplasty beautifully and are sometimes performed together.

 

Recovery after Chin Surgery

The recovery period is associated with some discomfort and downtime is required. Many resume normal activities, such as work and social outings, in a week or two.

Further Reading on Facial Surgery

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Plastic Surgeon

dr jeremy hunt

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia.

He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing cosmetic and plastic surgery in Sydney.

Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is optimal for your body and your lifestyle.

Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has given thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia the aesthetic results they desire.

Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education

Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.

Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

If chin surgery or genioplasty is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.