Cosmetic Aesthetics: Get Rid of the Double Chin

Over ten billion dollars are spent on plastic surgery in the United States each year and, while nose jobs, breast implants, and tummy tucks have been on the scene for decades, the latest trend in cosmetic aesthetics is the surge of ‘chin augmentation’. Why is this particular surgical procedure bypassing Botox, liposuction and breast augmentation? According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, (ASPS), the increase in direct video contacts, such as Skype or Facetime, has made a significant impact on how people see themselves on camera.

Andrew P. Trussler, MD, FACS, cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon for the UT Southwest Medical Center, emphasized that our culture has moved into a technical age in which having an appealing appearance gives professionals a competitive edge.

“Some men need to masculinize the jaw,” he explained, “A strong, square chin is perceived as being strong in character. There is a high ratio of men who are having chin implants.”

But, according to a recent report by Diane Sawyer on ABC World News, chin implants have increased by 71% in 2011 for both men and women.

Augmentation: The word, ‘augmentation’, means to enlarge or increase. In most cases of body redefinition, as in the case of implants, this is true. But, when it comes to surgical procedures that change peoples’ appearances it is important to note the difference between reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.

Reconstructive surgery: Reconstructive surgery is a surgical procedure to correct a deformity or maladaptation to enhance the patient’s quality of life. A common example of this is corrective surgery on a child who is born with a cleft palate.

Cosmetic surgery: Cosmetic, or plastic surgery, is a surgical procedure opted by the patient for reasons that do not necessarily affect their well-being or livelihood. Celebrity facelifts are an example of cosmetic surgery.

Genioplasty or mentoplasty: Genioplasty and mentoplasty is the term for chin surgery.

There are several reasons why people want a chin augmentation. These are:

Face Balance

Chin jobs are popular now for more than vanity reasons. As Dr. Trussler explained in his webinar session, April 18^th, 2012, people consult him for facial harmony. A lack of facial harmony may occur at birth, such as when a person has a receding chin, or a short, undefined neck. Or, the disproportion may occur after another common procedure is done: rhinoplasty, (a nose reduction). When the new nose appears smaller on the face, the chin can look larger than usual. Removing the excess area can bring balance to the appearance of the face.

Studies have shown that facial harmony is one of the highest elements of sex appeal, or sexual attractiveness, by the opposite party. Facial balance is one of the defining ways that people seek a mate. It is no wonder that so many celebrities use cosmetic surgery for professional and personal reasons.

Strong chin vs. small chin

Another purpose of a chin lift is to define the chin transforming it from a ‘weak’ to ‘strong’ one. Men seek this as a profile image improvement both from front and side views. Increasing the projection and widening the base are two ways to improve this look.

“The gender difference”, according to Dr. Trussler, “is that men should have a profile in which the chin is slightly in front of the lower lip, while women should have a chin that is slightly behind the lower lip.”

Again, the lip to chin relationship is a key element in achieving the goal of face balance.

Weight gain or loss

Any significant amount of weight gain or loss will change the look of one’s chin. With weight gain an unsightly double chin often appears, while a significant weight loss will create a saggy skin appearance at the jaw and neckline. To increase a person’s self-esteem, cosmetic surgery is often sought to correct these aesthetic problems.

The range for a chin implant is between $2,000- $7500 depending on various factors. If it is a simple, uncomplicated procedure that is done as an outpatient or in the doctor’s office the fee will be lower. If an operating room and surgical team is required, it will be on the high end.

In addition, there could be lab work fees, pre and post medications, and follow up treatments, should there be any complications, which would increase the cost of this procedure.

A sliding genioplasty procedure ranges from $2500-$8500

For an injectable procedure the cost can vary: $500 to $3000.

Note: Cosmetic surgical procedures are usually not covered by insurance companies .

Pre-surgery preparations:

If you are a smoker your surgeon may ask you to stop for a period of time prior to the operation.

It is common to take an antibiotic medication as a prophylactic measure against infection.

An antiseptic body wash will be given to you to use for a few days on the face and neck.

What to expect during your chin implant surgery:

Local anesthesia or a sedative is usually used in the office setting. This is to relax and calm the client during the procedure. If done in the operating room you may be given general anesthesia, which will put you to ‘sleep’.

If given a sedative or local you may feel the pressure of the surgeon manipulating the mouth and chin area. There should not be any pain.

You will not be able to drive yourself home following the procedure and should make arrangements for someone to accompany you.

If you live alone, it is advisable that you request someone to stay with you for the first 24 hours following surgery.

What to expect following your chin surgery:

Swelling, bruising and mild pain in the jaw and chin area.

Difficulty talking and smiling for a few days.

Restrictions may occur for select activities for a week or so.

Diet restrictions for the first several days.

Mild bleeding when eating or brushing your teeth may occur for a short time.

Complications to watch for following chin surgery:

Abnormal pain

Excessive or prolonged bleeding

Signs of infection: discharge, odor or high temperature

Shifting of the implant

Note: If these should occur call your doctor and follow her instructions.

In order to accomplish the overall effect of a chin implant, (genioplasty), a candidate may opt for other procedures as well. These include: rhinoplasty, (nose job), malar augmentation, (cheek implants), ostoplasty, (ear surgery), eyelid lifts, liposuction, a neck lift or an overall facelift.