Chin Implant Surgery: How It Works, Risks, Alternatives and More

The chin may be just a small part of your body, but it has a big impact on the overall shape of your face and profile. If you feel self-conscious about the small size of your chin or have what's referred to as a “weak" chin or receding chin, then a chin implant could be the solution. Chin implant surgeries have increased by 63% in the last 20 years,¹ and the procedure has a 97.8% satisfaction rate.²

Intrigued? Read on to learn more about the chin implant procedure, the risks and costs.

What Is Chin Implant Surgery?

Chin implant surgery is a type of chin augmentation procedure that involves placing a small implant around the chinbone to improve the shape and contours of the chin, neck and jawline.¹ When performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon, chin implants look and feel very natural.¹

Chin implants are available in different sizes and materials, with those made from silicone being the most common option.¹ They're flexible and molded to fit the patient's chin.¹

The procedure is often done at the same time as a rhinoplasty (nose job) to help create a more balanced appearance to the face.³ A neck lift, liposuction and fillers are other cosmetic procedures that can be combined with a chin implant to create better facial harmony and balance.⁴

Alternatives to Chin Implants

If you're not quite sure you want to commit to a chin implant or are looking for an alternative that's less invasive, you have a couple of options. Chin implant alternatives include:

• Chin fillers. Fillers are sometimes used as a non-surgical alternative to a chin implant.⁵ Unlike a chin implant, which is intended to be permanent,¹ chin fillers are temporary and only last a few months up to two years.⁴
• Chin fat grafting. This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses liposuction to remove fat from one part of your body, such as the thighs or belly.⁵ The fat is then injected into your chin.⁵

Why Get a Chin Implant?

If you're unhappy with the size and shape of your chin or feel like your facial features seem unbalanced, a chin implant may help.

Specifically, a chin implant can:¹

• Correct a recessed or weak chin
• Better define the neck and jawline
• Make facial features appear better proportioned
• Reduce the appearance of a double chin caused by having a small chinbone
• Restore lost chin volume⁵

Someone who's had facial trauma, like a fracture or tumor removal, might also consider a chin implant.⁵

Who Is a Candidate for Chin Implant Surgery?

An ideal candidate for a chin implant is someone who:⁵

• Is physically healthy
• Has stopped growing, which usually happens in late adolescence
• Doesn't have a disorder or deformity of the jawbone
• Has a long enough chin to accommodate an implant
• Doesn't smoke
• Has realistic expectations about the results of a chin implant

How Much Does a Chin Implant Cost?

The average cost of chin implant surgery is $6,898, but the cost can range as high as $17,000, depending on your location.⁴ You can usually expect to pay more for a chin implant in a location with a higher cost of living, like a major city.⁴

Other factors that impact the cost of chin implant surgery include:⁴

• Surgeon's credentials, experience and reputation
• Type of facility where surgery is performed
• Type of implant
• Type of anesthesia
• Any additional procedures performed at the same time

The up-front cost of chin fillers is less than that of a chin implant, averaging around $1,272.⁴ Remember that fillers are temporary, so it will cost you much more in the long-term if you want to maintain your results.⁴

Facial fat grafting costs an average of $5,546, but can run as high as $15,000, depending on the amount of fat needed to achieve the desired results and the surgeon's location.⁶

Does Insurance Cover Chin Implant Surgery?

Chin implant surgery is not usually covered by insurance because it is a cosmetic procedure and not deemed medically necessary.⁴ The only time a chin implant may be covered is if it's being performed as reconstructive surgery due to facial trauma.⁴

Check with your health insurance provider to be sure. If your procedure isn't covered, talk with your surgeon about what payment plans or financing options they accept.⁴

How Chin Implant Surgery Works

Chin implant surgery involves inserting the flexible chin implant device through an incision and placing it around your chinbone.¹ The procedure typically takes about an hour.¹

Here are the general steps of chin implant surgery:⁵

• You are given either local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia, depending on how long and complex your procedure will be.
• The surgeon makes an incision, which may be inside your mouth, on the outside of your chin or in the crease of your lower lip.
• The skin, fat and tissue are moved aside with special instruments to make way for the chin implant.
• The surgeon inserts the implant and gently molds it to the shape of your chinbone so it looks natural.
• The incision is closed using dissolvable stitches or surgical glue, and the incision is cleaned and covered with a bandage.

Preparing for Chin Implant Surgery

During your consultation, your surgeon will go over your medical history and goals for surgery. They will discuss the different types of chin implants and recommend the best one for you.

You will be provided with instructions on how to prepare for chin implant surgery.⁵ Typically, you'll need a physical exam and lab tests to make sure you're healthy enough for surgery.⁵ Your provider will likely ask you to do the following before surgery:⁵

• If you smoke, quit smoking a few weeks before surgery.
• Stop taking certain medications that can increase bleeding, such as blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Start taking antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.

Chin Implant Recovery

Most patients are able to go home the day of surgery, depending on the complexity of the surgery and if additional procedures were performed.⁵ Some bruising, swelling and pain are normal in the first few days.⁵ You should plan to take it easy for one to two weeks and only perform light activities.⁵ You may need to sleep face-up with your head elevated for a few weeks to reduce swelling and protect your incisions.¹

You'll get specific instructions from your surgeon to follow after your surgery. They may recommend that you:⁵

• Avoid heavy lifting, bending and other strenuous activities for a few weeks.
• Eat a soft food diet for a few weeks.
• Rinse your mouth with a prescription rinse or saltwater before and after meals.

Risks of Chin Implant Surgery

Chin implants are considered low risk, but like with any surgical procedure, complications are still possible.² Choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon can significantly reduce the risk for complications.

Potential chin implant risks and side effects include:⁵

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Scarring
• Temporary prickling or burning sensations
• Implant shifting or displacement
• Implant rejection
• Chinbone erosion
• Nerve damage

Chin Implant Results

You'll see your chin implant results after about a month, and the final result after three months once any residual swelling has gone down.¹ Chin implants are intended to be permanent.¹ Although your face will inevitably change naturally as you age, your new chin contour will stay the same.¹

Can a Chin Implant Be Removed?

Chin implant surgery has a very low risk profile and very high satisfaction rate,² but chin implant removal or revision is possible if you're not happy with your results or experience a complication, like shifting or displacement of the implant.⁷

To achieve the best results and minimize the risk of complications, choose a qualified surgeon with proven experience in performing chin implant surgery.

Financing a Chin Implant With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for chin implant surgery and related expenses not covered by health insurance.* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

Author Bio

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a writer who has been covering health and lifestyle for almost two decades. Her work has appeared in Healthline, Insider, Medical News Today and more.