Chin & Cheek Augmentation

A youthful face is symmetric and balanced with the rest of your facial features. A small or recessed chin can bring the face out of harmony, as can flat or sunken cheeks. Chin augmentation or cheek augmentation refers to procedures intended to improve the contour of those areas. This can be accomplished with fillers, fat transfer or implants. Chin and cheek augmentation is very common and can be done subtly to shift the proportions of the face into a more balanced facial aesthetic. 

For chin augmentation, our doctors use silicone implants that are placed via a small incision under the chin in a natural skin crease to ensure minimal scarring. Silicone is used because of its natural feel, reassuring safety profile and ease of placing/removing the implant. Because the implant is placed in a precise pocket along the chin, no screws or plates are needed. This technique also avoids the more invasive procedure of making cuts in the bone and advancing the chin. Implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be customized to each patient. 

For cheek augmentation, we offer silicone implants, filler or fat injections depending on the patient and the desired outcome. The process of inserting cheek implants is comparable to that of the chin implant, except the incision is on the inside of the mouth above the upper teeth. The implant is again placed in a precise pocket and secured in position. 

Fat injections, also called fat transfer or fat grafting, involve harvesting fat from another part of the patient’s body, generally from the abdomen or the thigh, and relocating it into the desired part of the body—in this case the cheeks. Fat transfer can serve as a permanent option to restore lost volume in the cheeks compared to fillers, which are temporary.

Recovery

Chin and cheek augmentation is performed as an outpatient surgery with patients able to go home the same day. For chin augmentation, there is a compressive dressing worn overnight and removed the next day. Swelling and bruising is normal and typically subsides over the course of a few weeks. Pain is mild and the appropriate medication can be prescribed if needed. Patients are asked to refrain from strenuous physical activity for two to three weeks, after which full activity can be resumed. Sutures are removed at one week and patients can return to work after one week.

FAQ

Which method of augmentation is best? Filler, fat transfer or implants?

A variety of factors go into determining which method of augmentation is best. Some of these are patient specific and include areas to be augmented, desired longevity, recovery time, cost and expected results.  our doctors will go over all options during your consultation including the pros and cons of each method.

I have used filler in the past and I want something more permanent. Can I still undergo fat transfer or implant?

Yes, typically it is best to wait until the filler is completely dissolved or have it dissolved prior to undergoing a second procedure. Otherwise, it may be difficult to accurately predict the necessary amount of volume to achieve your results.