The chin's role in facial harmony
The chin is the anchor of the lower face. It defines the jawline, balances the nose, and determines the perceived strength of the profile. A chin that lacks sufficient anterior projection — whether from underdevelopment, genetics, or the natural softening that occurs with age — creates a cascade of proportional imbalances: the nose appears more prominent, the neck contour appears less defined, and the overall impression of the face can shift toward appearing passive or less balanced.
Chin augmentation with a silicone implant is one of the most commonly performed — and most consistently satisfying — procedures in facial plastic surgery. The change it produces is subtle in photographs yet transformative in person: a face that simply looks more balanced. Recovery is remarkably straightforward, the scar is essentially invisible, and the results are permanent.
Dr. Rafizadeh has placed hundreds of chin implants over his 40-year career, in both standalone procedures and in combination with rhinoplasty, facelift, and liposuction of the neck. He approaches chin augmentation with the same precision he applies to every procedure: selecting the right implant style and projection for the patient's specific anatomy, and placing it in the exact position required to achieve natural, harmonious improvement.
Implant styles and selection
Silicone chin implants are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and profiles — and choosing the right implant is as important as the surgical technique itself. Dr. Rafizadeh uses anatomically designed implants from leading manufacturers, selected for each patient based on skeletal anatomy, facial proportions, and the specific improvement desired.
Standard (centered) implants increase anterior projection of the chin point — ideal for a chin that is simply too short or too recessed when viewed from the side. These are the most commonly placed style and produce the most predictable result.
Extended (wraparound) implants add projection across a wider portion of the chin and can subtly widen the lower jaw, creating a more defined, chiseled jawline appearance. These are preferred when the deficiency extends laterally or when the patient also desires some improvement in the shadow definition along the mandible.
Vertical excess implants correct chins that are both short in projection and deficient in height — a "bird-beak" profile. These add both forward and downward augmentation.
| Implant Style | Best For | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (centered) | Isolated anterior chin deficiency | Adds forward projection at chin point |
| Extended (wraparound) | Narrow lower jaw + chin deficiency | Widens and projects the lower jaw |
| Vertical excess | Short & recessed chin | Adds projection + vertical height |
| Combined (chin + jowl) | Chin deficiency with early jowling | Chin augmentation + mild jowl lift |
Surgical approach: submental vs. intraoral
Chin implants can be placed through two different access routes, each with distinct advantages:
Submental approach — a small incision (approximately 1.5 cm) is placed within the natural crease beneath the chin. This is Dr. Rafizadeh's preferred approach for most patients. The scar is essentially invisible in the submental crease, access to the implant pocket is direct and well-controlled, and there is no risk of implant contamination from oral bacteria. The pocket is created in the subperiosteal plane (directly against the bone), providing precise, stable implant positioning.
Intraoral approach — a small incision inside the lower lip allows implant placement without any external scar. This approach has the advantage of no visible incision, but carries a higher risk of bacterial contamination from the oral environment and more limited visibility for pocket creation. Dr. Rafizadeh uses this approach selectively when patients have a strong preference for no external scar.
"A well-chosen chin implant doesn't just improve the chin — it improves the nose, the neck, and the overall balance of the face. Few procedures produce a more complete transformation relative to their complexity."
Dr. Farhad Rafizadeh MD FACSCommon combinations
Chin augmentation is among the most frequently combined procedures in facial plastic surgery, because the same anatomical deficiencies that cause chin recession often affect adjacent structures. Common combinations include:
Chin implant + rhinoplasty — the most classical combination in facial plastic surgery. A nose that appears large in profile is often partially explained by a recessed chin behind it. Augmenting the chin changes the perceived size of the nose without touching it. When a rhinoplasty is also planned, addressing both simultaneously achieves optimal facial balance and avoids the risk of over-correcting the nose relative to a chin that will later be augmented.
Chin implant + neck liposuction — a recessed chin is often accompanied by excess submental fat, making the neck-chin angle appear blunted. Removing the fat and projecting the chin simultaneously produces a dramatic improvement in neck-jawline definition that neither procedure alone could achieve.
Chin implant + facelift — in patients undergoing lower face rejuvenation, adding a chin implant enhances the definition of the jawline that the facelift restores.
Recovery & cost
Recovery from chin augmentation is mild. Swelling and tightness under the chin are expected for the first 7–10 days. Most patients feel comfortable appearing in public at 10–14 days. Final swelling resolves at 6–8 weeks, at which point the full result is apparent.
The submental incision typically heals to a fine, nearly invisible scar within 3–6 months. Patients avoid very hard foods for the first 2 weeks and contact sports for 6 weeks.
Chin augmentation in New Jersey typically ranges from $4,000 to $6,500 as a standalone procedure. When combined with rhinoplasty or facelift, the incremental cost is lower. Financing is available through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit.