Chin Augmentation (Mentoplasty) San Diego
Chin Augmentation is a surgical procedure that reshapes the chin to better complement your facial profile and balance. The operation corrects aesthetic issues such as an asymmetrical, cleft, or weak chin.
Dr. Vincent Marin of Marin Aesthetics has over 20 years of experience as a leading board-certified plastic surgeon in La Jolla and San Diego. Over this period, he has performed countless satisfying and successful chin augmentation surgeries on men and women from all over the globe.
Cost & Financing
In San Diego and La Jolla, chin augmentation typically costs $4,500 – $6,500. The final price will depend on the type of procedure, the location of your operation, or other miscellaneous fees. Often, this procedure is combined with liposuction of the neck to help further enhance the results.
We accept cash, personal checks, and all major credit cards. We also offer various financing options to meet your needs.
Types of Chin Augmentation
Unlike breast implants, chin implants are made from solid silicone that does not leak or rupture. Chin implants are available in various shapes and sizes, and your options will be discussed during your consultation. We find it helpful to perform computer simulations on photos taken during the consultation to help establish a mutually agreed upon surgical goal.
Dr. Marin usually inserts implants from a small, half-inch incision underneath the chin and secures the chin implant to the bone to prevent long term issues such as malposition and rotation.
Augmenting a particularly weak or asymmetric chin may require cutting the chin bone, advancing the segment (osseous genioplasty), and fixing the bone with titanium plates and screws. However, this is a much less common approach.
These are non-surgical alternatives to chin implants that can increase the profile of your chin, fill in clefts, or balance facial features. The most popular dermal fillers are collagen, hydroxylapatite, hyaluronic acid, and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA).
These fillers may last for a 6 – 9 months before the body absorbs them naturally, so you may have to visit your doctor again if you want to have lasting results. PMMA injections are permanent, but the product cannot be easily removed if the outcome leaves you unsatisfied.
Before & During the Surgery
Before & During the Procedure
Anesthesia
Chin implant surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Injectable fillers are now formulated so that the filler itself is pre-mixed with lidocaine or other forms of local anesthesia.
Your Team
Dr. Vincent Marin will be leading a team consisting of a Scripps Memorial board-certified anesthesiologist, a licensed Registered Nurse, and a Scrub Tech.
Surgery Time
In general, a chin augmentation may take 1 – 2 hours to complete depending on the procedures performed.
What to expect for your
CHIN AUGMENTATION (MENTOPLASTY)
Length
1 – 2 hours
Anesthesia
General anesthesia (occasionally local anesthetic with IV sedation)
in/outpatient
Outpatient
Duration of Results
Permanent
rISKS
Pain, bleeding, infection, rare damage to nerves, an incomplete improvement
rECOVERY
More strenuous activity: 4 – 6 weeks
SIDE EFFECTS
Temporary swelling, bruising, and some pain.
Final APPEARANCE
2 – 3 months
I’ve never spent much time on myself. I have always taken care of everyone else in my life. I decided it was time for me. Dr. M is so easy to talk to, his staff is understanding and so helpful. He spoke honestly to me about the procedures and helped me make the right choices. I am a new me now, I feel good about myself. Without the confidence I felt in Dr. M I could have never had plastic surgery and would never received such amazing results!
RealSelf
Your New Look After Chin Augmentation
Chin augmentation is designed to either look subtle or dramatic depending on the final shape you desire. You will be able to enjoy a stronger jawline, a more attractive chin, and overall balanced facial features. The results of the surgery are permanent and should not require any long-term maintenance.
If you are considering having the procedure, contact us at Marin Aesthetics to schedule a consultation with Dr. Marin!
Recovery & Scars
If you had surgical chin augmentation, you will wake up in a private recovery room with small bandages on your chin covering the incision. Dermal fillers have no significant associated downtime.
At first, you may feel numbness in your lips. There may also be some mild pain and swelling in the chin and jaw for 5 – 7 days after the procedure. You may find it a bit difficult to smile and talk and you may feel a tight sensation around the operated area for up to 1 week.
Your daily routine, such as work, driving, chores, and light exercises may resume after 1 week. You may require a soft diet for 1 – 2 weeks only if you have any discomfort chewing, which is rare. We recommend avoiding contact sports, helmets, and strenuous exercises for 4 – 6 weeks.
Final results will manifest after 2 – 3 months. The scar from the surgical procedure will be out of sight below the chin, while dermal filler injections will leave no scars.