What Type of Chin Implant Do I Need As A Female?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I’ve always been self-conscious about my weak chin, but am unsure what the right solution is. I’ve received multiple consultations about options, but surgeons can’t agree on what type of implant is best. I’m curious whether you think an implant or a sliding genioplasty would be better. If an implant is the right choice — what type? Extended anatomical, flowers mandibular glove, something else? And what size?

A: The major decisions in chin augmentation are the method (implant vs sliding genioplasty) and the amount of changes desired (dimensions of augmentation….projection, height and width considerations). The method chosen is more emotionally driven in whether one is a more of an autologous person (anti-implant) or whether a ‘less invasive’ technique (implant) is preferred. As long as the dimensions needed fall within what each can do hen either technique is acceptable. Based on your pictures I would say that 10mms or less of chin projection is needed with no vertical change so either technique can achieve this type of dimensional change.

There are certain caveats in female chin augmentation that are important. First, less is always more when in comes to a horizontal projection. The most common error is overprojection. Females tolerate less change than men. The second most common error is a chin that becomes too wide. This is an implant related problem as winged chin implants are usually not a good choice for females.

That being said the actual dimensions of chin augmentation are determined preoperatively by imaging of the patient’s pictures of various types of dimensional changes to see what looks best to the patient.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon