Chin Implant in Brazil: augmentation surgery with solid silicone
As a board-certified plastic surgeon in Londrina, Brazil, I perform chin implant surgery — also called chin augmentation or mentoplasty — using a solid silicone Silimed implant placed through an intraoral incision. The goal is to improve the contour and natural profile of the face and neck, restoring balance among facial structures. A small or recessed chin (microgenia) can unbalance the entire proportion of the face, accentuate the appearance of a large nose, and create the impression of excess skin in the submental area. My technique leaves no visible external scars and does not rely on screws or wire fixation.
Through chin implant surgery, I can reshape and resize the chin to promote a more balanced, natural profile. I use updated techniques that prioritize well-proportioned results, respecting the individual anatomy of each patient. If you want to know more, contact Zamarian Clinic and schedule a consultation.
When is it recommended?
During the consultation, I evaluate various aspects of the face, including the patient's dentition and bite. If the occlusion is balanced — without retrognathism (jaw back) or prognathism (jaw forward) — and there is still a disproportionately small chin, mentoplasty is recommended. This condition is called hypomentonism, and the treatment is done with a solid silicone prosthesis. To classify the bite, I use the Angle classification, which is internationally recognized.
In cases where there is significant prognathism or retrognathism, I first request an orthognathic evaluation with a specialized dentist. Depending on the analysis, the professional may recommend corrective jaw surgery, conservative orthodontic treatment with braces, or simply clear the patient for mentoplasty. Each case requires an individualized and complete evaluation.
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Subscribe on YouTubeDr. Walter Zamarian Jr. explains chin augmentation with silicone implant in Brazil
Pre-Operative
The consultation
During the consultation, I evaluate the dentition, the bite, the projection of the chin, and all relevant anatomical details to plan the surgery according to your facial profile. It is also at this moment that I choose the most suitable implant size. Generally, I use size two implants for women and size three for men, according to the Silimed chart, but the size may vary according to each patient's specific needs.
Pre-Operative Tests
I request the following pre-operative tests to perform the chin augmentation with maximum safety:
- Complete blood count;
- PT/INR + aPTT;
- Creatinine;
- BUN;
- Fasting blood glucose;
- Total proteins and fractions
- Urinalysis;
- EKG;
- Pre-operative cardiac clearance.
Anesthesia
I perform chin augmentation under general anesthesia, which provides comfort and controlled monitoring during the procedure. The surgery is performed in the operating room, lasts about twenty-five minutes, and the patient wakes up shortly afterward under anesthesiology supervision.
The surgery
I perform chin augmentation through an incision in the oral cavity, between the gum and the lower lip. This way, there are no visible external scars at the end of the recovery. After the incision, I create a subperiosteal dissection close to the bone to create the exact space where the solid silicone implant will be positioned. I use Silimed implants, ranging in size from one to three, smooth, which I shape during the surgery to adapt them to each patient's jaw anatomy — this personalized adjustment is essential for a natural and symmetrical result. Then, I close the incision with absorbable sutures that do not need to be removed. An external dressing with micropore is then applied to prevent movement of the silicone in the first five to seven days. I advise all patients to maintain a liquid diet for five days and to sleep on their backs for a month. The surgery lasts about twenty to thirty minutes, is performed under general anesthesia in the operating room, and the patient can be discharged on the same day, unless the chin augmentation is combined with other plastic surgeries.
Scars
I perform chin augmentation exclusively from inside the mouth, with an incision in the lower oral vestibule. This means there are no visible external scars. The stitches are absorbable and do not need to be removed, further simplifying recovery.
Post-Operative
Right after chin implant surgery, the patient must maintain a liquid diet for five days to avoid food entering the incision and possible contamination. After this period, I remove the external dressing and the patient can resume normal eating. I recommend one month without physical exercise and sleeping on the back until healing allows sleeping on the side and starting light walks. After two months, I clear the patient for any physical activity — at this stage the swelling has already reduced significantly, and this is when the patient returns for post-operative photos. There is no need for special care with the internal scar, and in my clinical experience the complication rate of this surgery is very low.
Longevity of the chin silicone implant
Solid silicone chin implants are stable long-term and, in most cases, do not need to be replaced — unlike gel silicone breast implants, which are recommended to be exchanged periodically. The implant only needs to be removed in rare cases of bone erosion, most of which have no major repercussions. When removal is required, the capsule that forms around the implant already provides some residual volume to the area, often eliminating the need to insert a new implant or perform bone remodeling.
Do I use any method to fix the implant to the bone?
No. My technique does not require screws, wires or any other fixation hardware. I create a snug subperiosteal pocket sized to the exact dimensions of the implant, which ensures immediate stability. The external micropore dressing used in the first five to seven days also immobilizes the area, and by the time it is removed, initial healing has already occurred sufficiently to eliminate any meaningful risk of migration. The absence of screws brings two clinical benefits: the surgery is less expensive and the risk of complications such as extrusion (exposure of the screw) and peri-hardware infection — which are reported with screw fixation — is significantly reduced.
Is there another type of incision for chin implant surgery?
Yes. A submental incision (just below the chin, on the skin) is an anatomically valid alternative. However, I do not use the submental access in my practice because the intraoral approach delivers equivalent aesthetic results without any visible external scar. In my opinion, the intraoral route is superior for elective chin augmentation.
Profileplasty: the plastic surgery of the facial profile
It is more common than one might think to combine rhinoplasty (nose surgery) and chin augmentation (chin surgery). The nose and chin maintain a direct relationship in the profile of the face and form an essential set for facial balance. This combination is called profileplasty — the plastic surgery of the facial profile.
Frequently, the patient arrives at my office believing that their nose is too big, when in fact what detracts from the profile is a recessed chin that highlights the nose by contrast. Profileplasty corrects this imbalance in an integrated manner, requiring careful evaluation of each case during the consultation. Osteotomy-based techniques such as sliding genioplasty are a separate surgical family performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons, which I discuss further below.
A major advantage of profileplasty is that it preserves individual characteristics, altering the original appearance very little. The surgery only restores the lost balance between facial structures, promoting expressive results with subtle and natural changes.
How much does chin implant surgery cost in Brazil?
Total cost for chin implant surgery is determined case by case. The investment includes my surgical fees, the anesthesia team, the solid silicone Silimed implant (sizes 1 to 3), disposable materials and the hospital admission. I provide a personalized quote during the first consultation (R$ 800 / approx. US$ 140), after evaluating the anatomy of your chin, your Angle bite classification, and whether the procedure will be performed alone or combined with other surgeries such as rhinoplasty (profiloplasty). Combining procedures usually delivers a lower total cost than having them at separate times. USD values are approximate and subject to the daily exchange rate (BRL is the billed currency).
International patients traveling to Londrina for chin implant surgery typically spend a fraction of what the same procedure costs in the United States, where the average board-certified plastic surgeon fee for chin augmentation (per ASPS 2024 data) exceeds US$ 3,500, before adding anesthesia and facility fees. Beyond the dollar figure, the Brazilian advantage comes from training volume: Brazil is one of the largest plastic surgery markets in the world, and facial contouring is one of the highest-volume procedures in SBCP-certified practices.
Does insurance (Medicare, private) cover chin implant surgery?
Chin implant surgery is classified as cosmetic by virtually every US private insurer — Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Humana — and by Medicare and Medicaid. Cosmetic procedures are excluded from coverage as a default. Exceptions exist, but they are rare: documented congenital facial deformity (Pierre Robin sequence, Treacher Collins, craniofacial microsomia), post-trauma reconstruction (mandible fracture with residual chin deficiency) or syndromic mandibular hypoplasia can trigger medical review by the insurer. Cross-border patients should not assume any US insurance reimbursement for elective chin augmentation performed abroad. My practice in Londrina operates on a private-pay basis, with transparent written quotes delivered during the consultation.
Reduction chin surgery: why I do not perform it and who does
"Reduction chin surgery" — sometimes called chin setback, chin reduction or "shaving down a prominent chin" — is the operation used when the chin is considered too large (hypermentonism or macrogenia). I do not perform reduction chin surgery in my practice. Below I explain why, and where to look if that is what you need.
Chin reduction requires a bone osteotomy: the surgeon uses a reciprocating saw to cut the anterior portion of the mandible, removes a wedge of bone, then repositions and fixes the remaining segment with titanium plates and screws (or, in some techniques, steel wire). It is an intraoral procedure technically more complex than augmentation with an implant, and in the United States it is most commonly performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) or in the context of orthognathic surgery (when there is also a bite disorder, retrognathism or prognathism).
My choice to offer only chin augmentation with a solid silicone implant is a clinical decision: that is the procedure in which I have the highest case volume, the most predictable outcomes, and the lowest complication rate in my practice. If you are looking to reduce a large chin, I recommend consulting an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with fellowship training in orthognathic surgery. Depending on your anatomy, that specialist may propose a setback sliding genioplasty alone, or a full orthognathic procedure when the mid-face or bite is also involved.
Chin implant before and after: what the result looks like
Before chin implant surgery, a patient with microgenia typically presents a retruded chin, a convex facial profile (the nose looks larger by contrast), a poorly defined cervicomental angle and, frequently, the impression of extra skin in the submental area even without overall weight gain. Many patients arrive at my office convinced they need a rhinoplasty, when what actually imbalances the profile is the chin — an understandable perceptual bias, because the eye focuses on the nose but judges the whole.
After surgery, the chin gains anterior projection proportional to the rest of the face, the profile becomes balanced and the cervicomental angle becomes defined — which, in many cases, gives the visual impression of an improved neck, without anything being done to the neck itself. The result appears progressively: in the first 5 to 7 days the external dressing and residual swelling still mask the final shape; between 2 weeks and 2 months the contour starts to reveal itself; and around the 2-month mark I consider the ideal time for the post-operative photos.
I do not publish before-and-after photos on this website. My practice is regulated by the Brazilian Federal Council of Medicine (CFM) and its Medical Publicity Manual, which restricts the promotional use of patient images even with written consent. In-person, during a private consultation, I can show real cases of my own work (with express authorization, in a reserved environment) so that you can evaluate the consistency of my results transparently. For context: in the United States, solid silicone chin implants equivalent to Silimed include FDA-cleared devices from Implantech and PorEx (ePTFE variants). I use Silimed specifically because my training and regulatory environment in Brazil are built around that supplier and I can vouch for its long-term behavior in my patients.
Male chin implant: technical differences
Male chin implant surgery has a different plan from the female version. In men, the ideal chin is more projected, more squared and pairs with a stronger mandibular line — a strong chin is one of the anatomical markers most associated with the perception of masculinity. For male patients I typically use the Silimed size 3 implant (the largest), shaped during surgery to emphasize the anterior vector and add a discrete widening of the bigonial transition.
In women, the plan is the opposite: a chin with slightly less projection, with a smooth transition toward the mandibular angle that preserves feminine facial harmony. For female patients I usually select the size 2 implant and sculpt it for a more discrete projection, avoiding a masculinized look.
Male chin implant surgery is often combined with other procedures that reinforce the masculine axis: structured rhinoplasty (which maintains a straighter, higher dorsal line) and male facelift when there is cervical laxity. Planning those surgeries together is what I call integrated masculine profile harmonization.
Non-surgical alternative: hyaluronic acid chin filler
The non-surgical alternative to chin implant surgery is a chin filler using hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler — an in-office procedure, performed with a needle or microcannula under local anesthesia with immediate recovery. It is a valid option in three specific situations: (a) patients who want to "test-drive" the result before committing to surgery; (b) mild microgenia, where a small volume of filler is enough to balance the profile; and (c) patients with a surgical contraindication or who are not yet ready for the operating room. US-market products frequently used for chin projection include Juvederm Voluma XC, Restylane Defyne, Restylane Lyft and RHA 4.
The limitations of hyaluronic acid chin filler are important. HA is resorbable, lasting on average 12 to 24 months depending on the product and the region; it requires periodic touch-ups; the cumulative cost over several years is high; and in large volumes placed on the chin it can migrate, form nodules, or create an irregular projection. For moderate to severe microgenia, a solid silicone Silimed implant gives a more predictable, more durable and anatomically more natural result, because it is shaped during surgery to match the mandibular anatomy.
Important caveats: autologous fat grafting to the chin has a less predictable outcome than an implant — part of the grafted fat is resorbed in the first months. And techniques like "chin threads" or "chin bioplasty" with PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) are not indicated because of the high complication rate and the practical impossibility of safe removal once complications occur. I recommend avoiding both.
Risks, complications and badly done chin implant surgery
Like any surgery, chin implant surgery has risks — low but real. The main risks described in the peer-reviewed literature are: infection (rare, because the oral cavity has antibacterial salivary flow and the incision is protected by the lip), hematoma, injury to the mental nerve (usually transient, with sensation returning over weeks to months), implant displacement (more common with loose screw fixation than with my tight-pocket technique), extrusion, bone resorption under the implant (a well-described phenomenon, usually mild and without clinical repercussion) and residual asymmetry.
Signs of a badly done chin implant
Signs of a poorly executed chin implant surgery include: an undersized or oversized implant (a chin that still looks too small, or cartoonishly large), an off-center implant (visible asymmetry), an implant set at the wrong height (too high "pushing" the lip, or too low creating a "double chin" double-projection), late displacement, extrusion through the oral mucosa, significant bone resorption causing sinking or visible implant outline, a hypertrophic intraoral scar, and persistent altered sensation in the lower lip from mental nerve injury.
Chin implant revision
Chin implant revision surgery is technically more demanding than the primary operation. It involves removal of the original implant, assessment of the bone bed (for resorption), capsulotomy as needed and, case by case, placement of a new implant in a different size, or conversion to an osteotomy-based repair (which I would refer to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon). When I receive revision patients, I wait at least 6 months from the previous surgery before operating, so that the tissues are mature and the unsatisfactory outcome is fully defined.
Chin implant vs sliding genioplasty vs orthognathic surgery
These three terms confuse patients on a regular basis. Let me organize them:
- Chin implant surgery (augmentation mentoplasty) — what I perform: plastic surgery to correct a small chin (microgenia) with a solid silicone Silimed implant placed through an intraoral incision. Duration 20 to 30 minutes, no bone is cut.
- Sliding genioplasty (bony genioplasty) — a separate procedure: a bone osteotomy of the chin, where the surgeon uses a reciprocating saw to cut the anterior segment of the mandible and reposition it (advancement, setback or lateralization), then fixes it with titanium plates and screws. It may be performed by a plastic surgeon with specific bone-surgery fellowship training or, more commonly in the United States, by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. I do not perform sliding genioplasty.
- Orthognathic surgery: corrective surgery of the entire maxillary and mandibular bone bases, not only the chin. Indicated when there is significant retrognathism or prognathism with a bite disorder (Angle Class II or Class III). It is exclusively performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in coordination with an orthodontist, and involves 12 to 24 months of pre- and post-operative orthodontic treatment.
During the consultation, I make this distinction early using the Angle classification. If your bite is balanced and the problem is isolated to the chin, a chin implant is generally the indicated procedure. If there is a bite disorder, I first refer you to a dental professional specialized in orthognathic surgery.
Who is qualified to perform chin implant surgery?
In the United States, chin implant surgery is regulated by state Medical Practice Acts and is performed by licensed physicians credentialed in their specialty. The specialists most commonly qualified to operate on the chin are:
- Board-certified plastic surgeon — certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), with training in facial contouring. My own training was at the Ivo Pitanguy Institute in Rio de Janeiro, and I am a member of the SBCP (Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery) and ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) — a dual-degree specialty (DDS/DMD with OMS residency) recognized by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. OMS specialists are the primary operators for sliding genioplasty, orthognathic surgery and reconstruction of the lower third of the face. If your case requires a bone osteotomy, the OMS is the specialist I would refer you to.
- Head and neck surgeon / facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon — for post-trauma or post-oncologic reconstructive cases.
Before booking chin implant surgery, verify the physician's ABPS board certification at abplasticsurgery.org (or the equivalent ABMS verification at certificationmatters.org), confirm the license is active with the appropriate State Medical Board, and ask to see the residency diploma. For patients considering treatment in Brazil, you can verify the Brazilian credential through the SBCP directory. In my practice in Londrina, I hold CRM-PR 17.388, RQE 15.688, and I am a full member of SBCP.
Chin implant recovery day by day
Recovery from chin implant surgery with a solid silicone Silimed implant is fast and, in most cases, well tolerated. The timeline breaks down into three practical phases:
Phase 1 — first 5 to 7 days (initial care)
Discharge on the same day as surgery. External micropore dressing immobilizing the chin area. Strictly liquid and cold diet for the first 3 to 5 days, progressing to soft cold foods — this protects the intraoral incision and reduces swelling. Oral hygiene with alcohol-free 0.12% chlorhexidine rinses after meals. Regular analgesics for pain control and anti-inflammatory medication for the first days. Sleep on the back with the head slightly elevated. Time off work: 3 to 5 days is enough for most patients.
Phase 2 — weeks 2 to 3 (gradual return)
The external dressing is removed between day 5 and day 7. Normal diet is cleared, with the recommendation to avoid hard foods that require vigorous biting (whole apple, tough meat) for the first 2 to 3 weeks. Sensation in the chin and lower lip may be temporarily decreased — it returns progressively. Regular showers resumed. Return to desk work (no physical effort) is cleared. Patients are still sleeping on the back.
Phase 3 — month 1 to 2 (result consolidation)
From day 30: clearance for light physical exercise (walking, stationary bike). From day 45 to 60: clearance for impact activities and weight training. At around 2 months, residual swelling has subsided and we take the post-operative photos. From this point onward, the sensation and final shape are very close to the long-term outcome.
Call and schedule a consultation for chin implant surgery
To learn more about chin implant surgery and other plastic surgeries I perform in Brazil, contact Zamarian Clinic and schedule a consultation. I will be happy to evaluate your case in person.
Chin implant surgery is often combined with rhinoplasty for complete facial profile balancing, with facelift for rejuvenation, and with neck lift for defining the cervical angle. Facial fillers can complement adjacent areas. Interested patients may also consider buccal fat removal for facial thinning. Learn more about pricing.
Are you ready for this new change? Call now and schedule a consultation!
Dr. Walter Zamarian Jr.
Plastic Surgeon in Brazil
Rua Engenheiro Omar Rupp, 186
Londrina - Brazil
ZIP 86015-360
Brazil
YouTube Channel: Dr. Walter Zamarian Jr.
Follow on Instagram: @drwalterzamarianjr
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Frequently Asked Questions about Mentoplasty
Does mentoplasty leave a visible scar?
Mentoplasty does not leave a visible external scar in my technique because I perform it exclusively from inside the mouth, with an incision in the lower oral vestibule, between the gum and the lip. This way, there is no visible external scar. The stitches I use are absorbable and do not need to be removed.
How long does the mentoplasty surgery last?
In my experience, mentoplasty with silicone lasts about twenty to thirty minutes and is performed under general anesthesia. The patient wakes up shortly afterward under anesthesiology supervision and can be discharged on the same day — unless mentoplasty is combined with other plastic surgeries.
Does the silicone implant in the chin need to be replaced?
In most cases, no. Solid silicone chin implants are stable long-term and rarely require replacement, unlike gel silicone breast implants, which are typically exchanged periodically. Removal may be needed in the rare event of bone erosion, usually without major clinical consequences. In my clinical experience, the complication rate of this surgery is very low.
Is it possible to combine mentoplasty with rhinoplasty?
Yes, and this combination is quite common in my practice. We call it profileplasty — the plastic surgery of the facial profile. Often, the patient comes to my office believing that their nose is too large, when in fact what detracts from the profile is a receded chin. Profiloplasty corrects this imbalance in an integrated manner, with subtle changes and very expressive results.
What is the postoperative period like for mentoplasty?
I recommend that my patients maintain a liquid diet for the first five days to avoid contamination of the incision. I apply an external dressing with micropore that immobilizes the area for five to seven days. I advise sleeping on their back for a month and avoiding physical exercise. After two months, I clear the patient for all activities — by this stage, the swelling has significantly reduced, and the patient returns for postoperative photos.
Is the silicone implant secured with screws?
I do not secure the silicone chin implant with screws or other fixation methods in my technique. I create a snug space, crafted to the exact size of the implant, ensuring immediate stability. The external dressing immobilizes the area until initial healing. This approach makes the surgery more economical and significantly reduces the risk of complications such as extrusion and infection around screws.
When is mentoplasty recommended?
During the consultation, I assess the patient's dentition and bite using Angle's classification. If the occlusion is balanced — without significant retrognathism or prognathism — and there is a disproportionately small chin (hypomentonism), I recommend mentoplasty with a solid silicone implant. In cases with bite problems, I first request an orthognathic evaluation with a specialized dentist.
Do you perform reduction chin surgery (for a prominent chin)?
I do not perform reduction chin surgery for a prominent chin because that correction requires a bone osteotomy of the chin. It is a technically different operation performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or in the context of orthognathic surgery when there is also a bite disorder. If you are looking to reduce a large chin, I recommend consulting an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with fellowship training in orthognathic surgery.
What type of implant is used in mentoplasty?
I use solid silicone implants from Silimed, ranging in sizes from one to three, smooth. Generally, I choose size two implants for women and size three for men, but the size may vary according to each patient's needs. During the surgery, I personally shape the implant to fit the anatomy of the jaw — this personalized adjustment is essential for a natural and symmetrical result.
Can mentoplasty be done with an external incision?
There is the possibility of an external incision, just below the chin. However, I do not use this access in my practice, as the intraoral incision provides equivalent results without leaving any visible scar. I consider the intraoral approach superior in all aspects.
How much does chin implant surgery cost in Brazil?
Cost is set case by case and includes my surgical fees, the anesthesia team, the Silimed solid silicone implant, disposable materials and the hospital admission. I provide a personalized written quote during the first consultation (R$ 800 / approx. US$ 140), after evaluating your chin anatomy and whether the procedure is isolated or combined with other surgeries such as rhinoplasty (profiloplasty). Combined procedures usually have a lower total cost than performing each one separately. International patients typically spend a fraction of US or European pricing for equivalent training and facilities. USD values are approximate and subject to the daily exchange rate.
Does insurance (Medicare, private) cover chin implant surgery?
Virtually never for a cosmetic indication. Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna and Humana all classify chin augmentation as cosmetic and exclude it from coverage by default. Rare exceptions exist for documented congenital facial deformity (Pierre Robin sequence, Treacher Collins, craniofacial microsomia), post-trauma reconstruction, or syndromic mandibular hypoplasia — in those cases an insurer may open a medical review. Cross-border patients should not assume US insurance reimbursement for elective chin surgery performed abroad. My Londrina practice operates on a private-pay basis with transparent quotes.
What does chin implant before and after look like?
Before surgery, a patient with microgenia has a retruded chin, a convex profile (the nose appears larger by contrast) and a poorly defined cervicomental angle. After surgery, the chin gains anterior projection proportional to the face, the profile becomes balanced and the neck angle becomes defined — often giving the impression of neck improvement without anything having been done there. The result emerges progressively: between 2 weeks and 2 months the shape reveals itself; by 2 months the residual swelling has subsided and I take the post-operative photos. I do not publish before-and-after photos online — CFM (the Brazilian medical council) restricts promotional use of patient images even with consent — but I show real cases of my own during the in-person consultation.
Is male chin implant surgery different from female?
Yes, the plan is different. For male patients I use the Silimed size 3 implant, shaped to emphasize the anterior vector and discreetly widen the bigonial transition, reinforcing the masculinity of the profile. For female patients I use the size 2 implant, sculpted for a more discrete projection with a smooth transition toward the mandibular angle, preserving feminine facial harmony. Male chin implant surgery is often combined with structured rhinoplasty and, when there is cervical laxity, a male facelift.
Is there a non-surgical alternative to chin implant surgery?
Yes — hyaluronic acid (HA) chin filler using products such as Juvederm Voluma XC, Restylane Defyne, Restylane Lyft or RHA 4. It is a valid option for mild microgenia, for patients who want to "test-drive" the result before committing to surgery, or when there is a surgical contraindication. Limitations: the product is resorbable (12 to 24 months on average), requires periodic touch-ups, has a high cumulative cost and in large volumes can migrate or form nodules. For moderate to severe microgenia, a solid silicone implant gives a more predictable and more durable result. I do not recommend chin threads or PMMA bioplasty because of the high complication rate and the impossibility of safe removal.
What are the risks of chin implant surgery?
Chin implant surgery is a low-risk operation when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon in an accredited hospital. The risks described in the peer-reviewed literature include: infection (rare, because salivary flow is antibacterial and the incision is protected by the lip), hematoma, transient mental nerve injury, implant displacement, extrusion, bone resorption under the implant (usually mild and without clinical repercussion) and residual asymmetry. Most of these complications are preventable with careful technique, the correct implant size and rigorous post-operative follow-up.
What is the difference between chin implant, sliding genioplasty and orthognathic surgery?
Chin implant surgery (augmentation mentoplasty) is what I perform — I place a solid silicone Silimed implant through an intraoral incision to correct a small chin, without cutting any bone, in 20 to 30 minutes. Sliding genioplasty (bony genioplasty) is an osteotomy of the chin: the surgeon uses a saw to cut the anterior mandibular segment and fixes it with titanium plates — commonly performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Orthognathic surgery is a larger procedure that corrects the entire maxilla and mandible, indicated when there is a significant bite disorder (Angle Class II or III), performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon together with an orthodontist.
Who is qualified to perform chin implant surgery in the United States?
The specialists most commonly qualified are: board-certified plastic surgeons (ABPS certification, ABMS-recognized), oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS, for sliding genioplasty and orthognathic cases) and, for reconstructive cases, head and neck or facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Before booking, verify the physician's ABPS board certification at abplasticsurgery.org, confirm the medical license is active with the appropriate State Medical Board, and ask to see the residency diploma. For treatment in Brazil you can verify credentials through the SBCP directory. My credentials: CRM-PR 17.388, RQE 15.688, full SBCP member.
What is chin implant recovery like day by day?
Recovery breaks down into three phases. Phase 1 (days 1 to 5-7): same-day discharge, external micropore dressing, liquid and cold diet, chlorhexidine oral rinses, analgesics, sleep on the back, 3 to 5 days off work. Phase 2 (weeks 2 to 3): dressing removed on day 5 to 7, normal diet cleared but avoid hard foods, return to desk work. Phase 3 (month 1 to 2): light exercise from day 30, impact activities and weight training from day 45 to 60, post-operative photos around 2 months, when residual swelling has subsided.
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