Custom Chin Implant

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in a custom chin implant but have some questions about it. I’d like to add significant height and projection to my chin (while avoiding a deep labiomental fold). I’d also like to add some slight width to the jaw while maintaining my well-defined cheekbones. To what extent could a custom chin  implant achieve this desired look?

A: A custom chin implant (really a modified jawline implant) is the most effective method for creating the chin projection and slight jawline width that you seek. It is best because one controls the dimensions of the implant in the pre surgical design and allows a smooth jawline to be created from the chin on back to the jaw angles. This is not an effect that any off-the-shelf chin implant design can do.

You will not, however, avoid deepening the labiomental fold (technically the labiomental sulcus) with a custom chin implant. The depth of the fold is a fixed point so any substantial increase in the horizontal projection of the chin, and yours would be considered substantial, will deepen the fold. This can not be avoided short of leaving your chin where it is.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana