The chin and cheekbones provide structure to the face. They define the face and act as scaffolding for the skin and soft tissues. Sometimes these features are not as prominent as they can be, and require enhancement. Altering your bony facial features can improve your overall facial harmony and beauty dramatically. We can help you decide which feature that might be.

The chin plays an important role in facial appearance, and yet is often overlooked. Many people may feel that their nose is too large or too overpowering for their face, when in fact it is their chin that needs improvement. A chin that is too small gives the face a weak or unrefined appearance while a sculpted or chiseled jaw is seen as very desirable. By enhancing the chin, definition is added to the jawline and facial balance can be restored. Chin implants are often combined with nasal surgery to obtain optimum correction of one’s profile.

High cheekbones, in contrast, are readily acknowledged as a sign of beauty. When the cheekbone is less prominent, people often feel the face looks dull or lifeless. As one ages, the tissue over the cheekbone falls and creates a flatter appearance. Some changes to this area can be achieved by injectibles to restore the soft tissue. Often, however, real changes can only be achieved with an implant. Cheek implants come in many sizes, shapes and materials depending on the exact correction that is needed. Once in place, the implant is invaluable in facial enhancement and balance.

Dr. Levine analyzes each patient to determine if chin implant or cheek implant surgery is indicated. For chin implants, Dr. Levine will review the teeth, bite, nose and overall profile. Dental or orthodontic consultation may be indicated. Cheek enhancement as well may at times be accomplished with volume correction either with fat transfer or fillers such as Sculptra or Restylane. If an implant is necessary, Dr. Levine uses only medical grade materials that are well-documented for their durability and safety, and are tailored to the individual patient. .

Surgery and Recovery

Chin Surgery

To insert a chin implant, a small incision is made just under your chin. The implant is slipped into place and the skin incision closed. The surgery lasts about thirty minutes and may be performed under local anesthesia. You will be able to go home in a few hours. This operation can be combined easily with the removal of fat. This procedure, called a submental lipectomy, can eliminate a "turkey wattle" or a double chin.

Cheek Surgery

Implants are inserted with no external incisions. A small incision is made just above the gumline of the upper teeth, and the implant is slipped into a small pocket over the cheekbone.

Other options

Implants are not the only way to improve weak chins and cheeks. If your whole upper or lower jaw is too small or your teeth do not quite come together properly, more extensive surgery called "mandibular" or "maxillary advancement" is sometimes recommended. We will let you know if you would be better served with one of these bigger operations, discuss their relative benefits and shortcomings, and, when appropriate, refer you to a reputable colleague in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for surgical planning. However, as implant surgery is so easy and safe, most people prefer it to the more extensive "advancement" surgery.