Medically reviewed by Dr Josiah Gana, FWACS, Chief Consultant Plastic Surgeon · Updated 15 July 2026
What is a chin surgery?
Chin surgery encompasses genioplasty (bone-moving surgery) and chin augmentation (implant or fat grafting), both of which enhance facial harmony by improving the projection, height, and shape of the chin. The chin is a key determinant of facial balance — a recessive or disproportionate chin can make the nose appear larger and weaken the profile.
At Soulplace Surgery, chin surgery is commonly performed as a complement to rhinoplasty or facelift to achieve complete facial harmony, though it is equally effective as a standalone procedure.
Chin augmentation uses a silicone implant to enhance the projection of a recessed or under-developed chin, restoring better balance across the facial profile. The chin and nose are the two most visible points on the profile view; when the chin is weak, the nose appears more prominent, the neck looks shorter, and facial proportions feel imbalanced. Correcting chin projection addresses all of these without touching the nose at all.
The procedure is performed through an incision either under the chin — placed in the natural skin fold where it heals to near-invisibility — or inside the mouth on the inner lower lip, leaving no external mark whatsoever. An appropriately sized implant is selected at consultation using facial measurements and detailed profile assessment. The implant sits directly on the chin bone, is immediately stable, and requires no ongoing maintenance.
Chin augmentation is one of the most impactful and quickest-to-recover facial procedures available. It takes 30–45 minutes under local anaesthesia with sedation, and most patients return to work within 5–7 days. It is frequently combined with rhinoplasty for comprehensive profile improvement — one of the most powerful pairings in facial surgery.
Areas treated
- Chin projection and height
- Jawline definition
- Lower face profile
- Chin-neck junction
Chin Surgery at a glance
- Duration
- 1-2 hours
- Anaesthesia
- Local + Sedation
- Hospital Stay
- Day case
- Recovery
- 1-2 weeks
Times are typical. Your surgeon will give you a personal plan at consultation.
Is it right for you?
Likely a good fit if
- You feel your chin is recessed or does not project proportionately with your nose
- You have a weak jawline affecting your profile
- Facial harmony and balance are your primary concern
- You are in good general health and facial bones have finished developing (18+)
- You understand the difference between an implant (permanent) and filler (temporary)
Not the right time if
- Facial skeleton still developing (under 18)
- Active or recent smoker
- Significant dental or jaw issues requiring orthodontic correction first
- Significant uncontrolled health conditions
- Unrealistic expectations about facial balance
Your surgeon confirms suitability in person after an examination and pre-operative assessment.
What to expect
-
01 Swelling & Discomfort Days 1-5
Swelling and bruising around the chin and jaw are normal. A soft-food diet is recommended; avoid opening the mouth widely.
-
02 Swelling Reduces Days 5-10
Most swelling settles in the first ten days. A chin strap or dressing may be worn. Most patients feel comfortable in public.
-
03 Returning to Routine Weeks 2-4
Light work and daily activities resume by week two. Avoid contact sport, heavy jaw movement, and prolonged pressure on the chin.
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04 Final Profile Months 2-6
Residual firmness and minor swelling resolve. Final chin profile and facial balance are fully visible from around three months.
Your surgeons
Risks & safety
Chin surgery risks include implant displacement (if implant used), infection, asymmetry, nerve injury causing temporary numbness of the lower lip, and scarring. Implant-based augmentation carries a small risk of capsular contracture over time.
Frequently asked questions
Is chin augmentation permanent?
Yes. Silicone chin implants are designed to last a lifetime. They can be removed or exchanged if goals change, but in the vast majority of cases they remain in place long-term with no issues.
Can chin surgery be combined with rhinoplasty?
Yes — and this is a very common combination. The nose and chin are the two most prominent projections of the facial profile, so improving both together creates a much more harmonious result than addressing only one.
Will there be a visible scar after chin surgery?
The incision is placed either in the natural skin fold under the chin (nearly invisible once healed) or inside the mouth on the inner lower lip (no visible scar at all). Your surgeon will recommend the approach based on your anatomy.
Is chin surgery painful?
Discomfort is mild and well managed with oral pain medication. Chin numbness in the days following surgery is normal and resolves within a few weeks to months as sensation returns.
Can chin surgery improve a weak neck and jawline?
A chin implant can meaningfully improve the appearance of a weak neck by projecting the chin forward and creating a better jaw-to-neck angle. Significant neck laxity may also require a neck lift for additional improvement.
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