With the rise in popularity in the chiseled look, one of the most common areas that are requested is chin augmentation. The two most common ways are either using facial fillers with calcium hydroxyapatite or hyaluronic acid, or using a permanent chin implant. Clients often ask which one is a better option. Both can be good and appropriate choices based on a few considerations:
How sure are you that you want your chin enlarged?
If you are in between and not sure how a chin implant is going to look on you, then fillers might be a better initial option to give you a sort of “test drive” as you can always get a permanent implant later.
How much chin augmentation do you need?
If your chin is significantly deficient and a fair amount of enlargement is needed, an implant is a better option as it can be customized based on the size you need. Fillers have the consistency of a soft gel and if a significant amount needs to be injected, say more than 2 syringes, then it could give you a more amorphous look as the chin is made up of bone and does not have the same consistency as facial fillers.
Surgery vs Fillers down-time and cost
- Fillers can be done on the same day, you will have some pressure, pain, and swelling in the area depending on how much was injected and the amount of soft tissue.
- Implants require a consultation and some level of sedation and anesthesia. They are usually placed either under the chin or through an incision inside the mouth. The first few days can be uncomfortable with some jaw pain. The good news is that implants are made from material that are very safe and over time get integrated into the jawbone. So, you wouldn’t feel like a foreign object is there after a few weeks. They are also easily reversible as well, should you not like the implant for any reason.
- Are you getting other procedures done? Chin implants are a great complement to other facial procedures, especially rhinoplasty and neck lift or neck liposuction. They create definition in an area that can further enhance other facial surgery results. Combining the procedures can be a great option as you can recover simultaneously.
So in summary, if you need a small amount of enlargement and don’t mind undergoing maintenance every year, then facial filles are certainly a good option in the chin. If you need a more extensive enlargement, want a more permanent solution, can deal with the recovery time that takes about a week, or are getting other facial surgeries, then chin implants would be a better option for you.
