Chin / Cheek Surgery in Santa Barbara, CA
Chin augmentation, as well as cheek augmentation, represent relatively small changes to your face that can have a significant impact on your overall appearance. Multiple types of techniques can be used for these augmentations, including the placement of surgical implants and dermal filler injections. Either approach can be performed alone or in conjunction with other procedures. Facial implants in the cheek or chin provide more permanent results and create a very pleasing refinement of the mid and lower facial regions, while nonsurgical treatments give patients a less invasive option for achieving their cosmetic goals. Meticulous attention to surgical technique can help minimize the risk of rare complications such as infection, and with well-hidden incisions, patient satisfaction is often very high following a chin or cheek augmentation. At Montecito Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lowenstein commonly cares for patients in Santa Barbara and the surrounding Santa Maria, Bakersfield, Ventura and Thousand Oaks areas, conveniently located just off the Pacific Coast Highway.
What is Chin Augmentation?
Chin augmentation is a surgical procedure that restores visual balance to the face and profile. This is accomplished using chin implants, which add height, width and volume to correct the appearance of a small or weak chin and refine your facial contours. Chin augmentation is suitable for both men and women who want to sculpt a more defined jawline and can provide permanent, natural-looking results that are tailored to your unique anatomy. Dermal fillers and other nonsurgical techniques can also be used to fill out the chin and minimize the appearance of lines, wrinkles or dimples. Depending on your needs, Dr. Lowenstein will recommend the best approach for achieving your cosmetic goals.
What is Cheek Augmentation?
Cheek augmentation can also add definition to your face and restore lost volume to correct a flat, sunken or hollow appearance. This procedure uses cheek implants to add contour, projection and lift to the midface and is suitable for those who want to enhance their overall appearance.
Whether you’re dissatisfied with your facial structure or you want to offset the signs of aging, cheek augmentation can refine your natural features and help you achieve more prominent cheekbones and a balanced, youthful profile. To a certain degree, dermal fillers can also replenish lost volume and erase the signs of aging to give your cheeks a plumper look.
Who is a Good Candidate for Chin or Cheek Surgery?
If your face lacks definition in the cheeks, chin or jawline, you may be a good candidate for a chin or cheek augmentation. Both procedures are suitable for men and women who want to refine their facial appearance or restore lost volume due to illness, aging or weight loss. Candidates should be in good overall health and preferably non-smokers, with realistic expectations about their final results. If you are bothered by the following concerns, call Montecito Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lowenstein and find out if chin or cheek augmentation is right for you.
Candidates for chin augmentation include those who are looking to:
Increase the size of a small or weak chin
Add prominence to a receding chin
Improve jawline definition
Diminish the appearance of a double chin
Correct an asymmetrical appearance
Enhance their facial contours
Candidates for cheek augmentation include those who are looking to:
Restore volume to sunken or hollow cheeks
Sculpt more prominent cheekbones
Add definition to flat cheeks
Diminish the signs of aging
Correct facial asymmetries
Increase cheekbone projection
Other candidates include those who are undergoing a facelift, brow lift or neck lift but could benefit from a chin or cheek augmentation for the best possible outcome. Our goal is to help each patient create the look they want, so Dr. Lowenstein will recommend the best procedure (or combination of procedures) for achieving beautiful, natural-looking results that complement your unique anatomy and facial features.
What to Expect During Your Procedure
Whether you’re interested in a chin or cheek augmentation, these procedures are performed on an outpatient basis under general or local anesthesia, depending on your preferences and the amount of correction needed. The surgical placement of facial implants is done through small, hidden incisions, usually inside the mouth. Once the incisions are made, Dr. Lowenstein will create a pocket and insert the chin or cheek implant, molding it to fit your bone structure and create the desired result. After securing the implant, the incisions will be closed. The entire process lasts just 30 minutes to an hour, though any additional procedures being performed at the same time will increase your surgical time.
Chin and Cheek Augmentation Recovery
After your chin or cheek surgery, the treated area may be tender or swollen. This should subside quickly and can be managed with prescription or over-the-counter medications. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and are able to resume work and other normal activities within a week. Since incisions for both chin and cheek implants are typically made in the mouth, you may have to consume a liquid-only diet in the days immediately after your surgery. Dr. Lowenstein will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery, and you can call our office with any questions or concerns you may have.
What Kind of Results Can I Expect?
Both chin and cheek augmentation provide subtle, natural-looking results that can alter your appearance to create more balanced and appealing contours. Since facial implants are made from biocompatible materials that won’t dissolve or rupture, your results will be permanent with no upkeep or maintenance. Scarring is also minimal and Dr. Lowenstein takes great care to place incisions in discreet areas, such as inside the mouth or beneath the chin. If you desire more correction or have asymmetrical features that can’t be addressed with implants alone, your chin or cheek surgery can be combined with other surgical or nonsurgical treatments to achieve your goals. Procedures that are often performed in conjunction with chin or cheek augmentation include facelifts, neck lifts, brow lifts and dermal fillers.
Schedule A Consultation
Schedule now