Best Face Forward | by Jennifer L.W. Fink

Dr. Laura Atagi, Chin Augmentation, Colorado

Posted on Wed, Dec 19, 2012

Chin augmentation enhances facial balance

Atagi Plastic Surgery

Dr. Tanya Atagi

Chin augmentations are the fastest growing cosmetic surgery procedure. According to 2011 statistics by the American Academy of Plastic Surgeons, the number of chin augmentation surgeries performed in the United States increased 71% between 2010 and 2011. And unlike most other surgical procedures, men and women are signing up for chin augmentation in almost equal numbers.

“A strong jaw is something that men recognize as being a masculine feature,” says Tanya Atagi, a board-certified plastic surgeon at Atagi Plastic Surgery. “For women, it’s often that they notice that they have a receding, very small or undeveloped chin.” A chin augmentation can bring the chin into proportion with the rest of the face.

The specifics of chin augmentation vary, as the procedure is always tailored to the individual needs of the patient. Dr. Atagi and other cosmetic surgeons always begin by conducting a thorough evaluation of the client’s face and medical history; an in-depth conversation is also required to determine the patient’s goals.

The two most popular methods of chin augmentation are:

Chin implant

A tiny incision is made in the natural crease of the chin, and the plastic surgeon inserts a pre-formed implant in between the skin and bone of the chin. The implant adds bulk and definition, and is carefully selected ahead of time to be sure it’s a good fit for the patient. Recovery time is minimal. “If you don’t have much bruising, you could be out and about at the mall the next day,” Dr. Atagi says. “Full recovery is usually three to five days, though we do ask patients not to do any strenuous activity for a couple of weeks.”

Injectable fillers

Injectable facial fillers, such as Restylane®, Juvederm® and Radiesse, can be used to temporarily enhance the chin. The fillers can be inserted in an office setting, and the effect is immediate. “If you’re interested in a chin augmentation, but not ready to sign up for a surgical procedure, an injectable is something that can be done at any time. It’s a nice way to ‘try out’ chin augmentation,” Dr. Atagi says. The up-front cost for fillers is less than a chin augmentation with an implant – but if you want permanent enhancement, a chin implant is cheaper over the long run.

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