Chin augmentation, or mentoplasty, is a procedure that improves the aesthetic appearance of your chin. The chin is often overlooked when discussing aesthetics, but it is a central facial feature that can define your appearance and overall facial balance. (1) Whether your chin is recessed, overprotruding, or asymmetrical, chin augmentation can help you achieve the look you desire.

If you are interested in reshaping your chin, look no further than Dr. Joseph Michaels. Dr. Michaels is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience performing facial procedures, including chin augmentations. He is an established leader in his industry, and he not only performs procedures but also pushes medical boundaries through clinical research.

To explore your chin augmentation possibilities, please schedule a consultation online or call your closest office:

About Chin Augmentation

Chin augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that can enhance the shape, size, and projection of the chin to restore a more balanced and youthful-looking appearance. This procedure can help address several concerns, such as the chin’s appearance, horizontal chin deficiency, soft tissue loss, and pre-jowl volume loss. (1) Dr. Michaels can perform chin augmentation using dermal fillers, chin implants, or a sliding genioplasty technique.

About Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are injectable gel-like substances that can restore volume, augment your facial sculpt, and fill in lines and creases. Dermal fillers vary in material, consistency, and particle size to address different concerns throughout various parts of the face. Dr. Michaels specifically uses hyaluronic acid-based fillers to correct the appearance of the chin. This technique offers a temporary, reversible, and non-surgical method if you are unsure about surgical intervention.

About Chin Implants

Chin implants are one of the most common chin augmentation methods. Implants are highly effective for addressing concerns such as asymmetry or structural irregularities. Chin implants typically consist of solid silicone, high-density porous polyethylene, meshed materials, or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, with each offering its own unique results and benefits. (1)

About Sliding Genioplasty

Sliding genioplasty is a chin augmentation procedure that repositions and reshapes the chin bone. Sliding genioplasty can alter the volume, protrusion, and shape of the chin with or without using foreign materials. This method is ideal for addressing asymmetry or a recessed or overly prominent chin.

What Are the Benefits of Chin Augmentation?

Chin augmentation brings several notable benefits, including:

  • Enhanced Facial Balance: Restoring the projection and appearance of your chin can improve the harmony between your facial features, creating a more balanced appearance.
  • Revitalized Appearance: A proportionate and well-defined chin can help restore a more youthful look, especially in the lower portion of your face.
  • Nonsurgical and Surgical Treatment Options: We offer both surgical and nonsurgical solutions to a wide range of concerns, and we tailor treatments to align with each patient’s comfort level and appearance goals.
  • Minimal Scarring: Dr. Michaels uses a combination of advanced techniques and discreet incision locations to conceal the appearance of scarring.
  • Customized Treatment Plans: Dr. Michaels fully customizes each treatment plan around a patient’s unique facial structure, concerns, and goals to provide results that align with their ideal aesthetic.
  • Long-Lasting Results: Chin augmentation provides long-lasting results, and surgical procedures will provide permanent improvements.
  • Elevated Self-Esteem: Many patients report an improvement in their self-esteem after seeing their renewed chin, leading to a greater sense of overall confidence.

Who Makes a Suitable Candidate for Chin Augmentation?

Chin augmentation is open to anyone interested in enhancing the shape, projection, and symmetry of their chin. Patients experiencing a recessed or overpronounced chin may find this procedure highly beneficial. This procedure also suits those experiencing pre-jowl volume loss or soft tissue deficiencies around their chin.

Anyone interested in undergoing chin augmentation should be in good general health and hold realistic expectations regarding their results. Patients should also be nonsmokers or willing to quit using nicotine before their procedure and throughout their recovery. Dr. Michaels will determine each patient’s candidacy during their consultation.

Personal Consultation

The first step to resculpting your chin is attending a personal consultation at either of our DMV-area locations. Dr. Michaels will meet with you one-on-one to explain what a chin augmentation is, as well as the different techniques that he can use. He will ask several questions about your medical history, concerns, and treatment goals to get to know you more personally. He will also evaluate the condition and quality of your chin and your overall facial anatomy.

Dr. Michaels will use these details to decide your eligibility and create your treatment plan. Dr. Michaels will recommend the most effective technique and tailor your plan to your unique case. He may also suggest additional procedures that could enhance your results. Throughout the consultation, Dr. Michaels will also answer any questions you may have. By the end of this consultation, you will have a comprehensive understanding of chin augmentation and your specific procedure plan.

To schedule this consultation, please submit our online contact form or call either of our offices:

How Should I Prepare for Chin Augmentation?

Dr. Michaels will provide detailed pre-operative instructions to help you prepare for your chin augmentation. These instructions will vary depending on the techniques Dr. Michaels uses, but we require you to follow them closely to facilitate a safe and effective procedure.

Dermal filler augmentation requires patients to keep the treatment area moisturized and hydrated, and discontinue using certain skincare products that can affect their skin’s natural barrier.

If you are undergoing a sliding genioplasty or chin implant augmentation, you will need to take several more steps in addition to those listed above. You will need to arrange transportation home after your procedure, as well as time away from your career and other commitments. All patients, regardless of which method they undergo, will need to avoid alcohol, nicotine, and any medications and supplements with blood-thinning properties. We also recommend obtaining any prescription medications in advance and preparing soft foods ahead of time, as chewing may be difficult or uncomfortable post-procedure.

How Do You Perform Chin Augmentation?

Chin Augmentation Using Dermal Fillers

A dermal filler chin augmentation will use either a local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort during the injection process. Dr. Michaels will mark out the designated injection areas before carefully using a fine needle to inject the selected filler. (2) After depositing all of the filler, he will gently massage the treatment area to ensure the formula feels smooth and appears natural.

Chin Augmentation Using Implants

Dr. Michaels can place chin implants with the patient receiving local anesthesia, deep sedation, or general anesthesia. He will place an incision either inside your mouth or below the chin, also known as an intraoral or submental incision, respectively. (1) These incision placements help lower the visibility of postoperative scarring. Dr. Michaels will then meticulously place the implant over your chin bone, just below the skin. If needed, he may also reshape your chin bone for a better fit or appearance. After placing the implant and sculpting your desired chin, he will carefully close incisions.

Chin Augmentation Using Sliding Genioplasty

Dr. Michaels performs sliding genioplasty with either general anesthesia or IV sedation. He will first create a small incision inside the mouth along the gum line. He will carefully cut the bone and adjust it forward, backward, upwards, or downward, depending on the ideal appearance. (3) Dr. Michaels will then use screws or plates to keep the repositioned bone in place and suture your incisions.

What is Chin Augmentation Recovery Like?

Your chin augmentation recovery timeline will depend on the type of chin augmentation Dr. Michaels performs, as well as the extent of your procedure. Following your appointment, you may experience swelling, bruising, or discomfort around the treated area. These effects typically subside on their own, but you can also manage them by resting with your head elevated and taking prescribed medications. Dr. Michaels will provide tailored post-operative instructions to help you care for yourself as you recover. Most patients return to their careers within several days to a week; however, they must avoid physical or strenuous activities until Dr. Michaels provides clearance.

Results

Once any residual swelling subsides, you will be able to enjoy the results of your chin augmentation procedure. Your chin will appear more sculpted, defined, and proportionate, and your jawline may appear sharper. You may also experience improvements in your facial balance and symmetry. Chin augmentation produces long-lasting and durable results. Non-surgical results typically last between 6 and 18 months, while implant procedures and bone reshaping yield permanent results.

Cost of Chin Augmentation in Washington, D.C.

The cost of your chin augmentation can vary depending on the techniques Dr. Michaels uses, the extent of correction, whether you include any additional procedures, and several other factors. During your personal consultation, Dr. Michaels will discuss the cost of your procedure after establishing your treatment plan.

Dr. Michaels additionally offers financing plans to help make his services more accessible. If you are unsure if financing is right for you or which option best suits you, our patient coordinators can answer any questions you may have.

To schedule a consultation and learn more about the cost of your chin augmentation, please contact us online or call the office closest to you:

FAQ

What is the difference between a mentoplasty and a genioplasty?

Mentoplasty is a general term for cosmetic chin surgery, while genioplasty refers to a specific technique that involves repositioning and cutting the facial bones. While many surgeons and patients use these words interchangeably, there are subtle differences between the two.

How will I know which chin augmentation technique is right for me?

During your personal consultation, Dr. Michaels will evaluate your medical history, chin structure, and overall facial anatomy to determine which chin augmentation technique best suits your concerns. If needed, he may also combine techniques for more refined results.

How long will it take to perform a chin augmentation?

The duration of your procedure will vary depending on the techniques Dr. Michaels uses and the concerns you hope to address. Typically, implant procedures take one hour, dermal fillers take between 15 and 30 minutes, and surgical genioplasty can last between one and two hours.

How long will the results of my chin augmentation last?

Chin implants and genioplasty produce permanent results, while dermal fillers can last between 6 and 18 months, depending on the injected formula.

Are there any risks to undergoing chin augmentation?

As with any surgical procedure, chin augmentation carries certain risks. These can include asymmetry, infection, implant shifting, changes in nerve sensation, as well as unsatisfactory results.

Can I combine my chin augmentation with another cosmetic procedure?

Yes, you may combine your chin augmentation with another procedure for further rejuvenation and more cohesive results. If you are interested in combining procedures, we recommend scheduling a personal consultation for personalized suggestions and further information.

References

  1. Harris WC, Winters R, Raggio BS. Facial Chin Augmentation. Nih.gov. Published March 7, 2024. Accessed September 8, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554506/#article-21535.s4
  2. Chen B, Ma L, Wang J. Chin Augmentation With Hyaluronic Acid: An Injection Technique Based on Anatomical Morphology. Dermatologic Surgery. 2022;48(7):747-751. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000003459
  3. Lee S, Kim BK. Current concepts in genioplasty: surgical techniques, indications, and future perspectives. Archives of Craniofacial Surgery. 2025;26(1):1-4. doi:https://doi.org/10.7181/acfs.2025.00045