Chin augmentation is usually done to balance the face by making the chin longer compared to the nose. Surgery may be performed in the surgeon's office, a hospital, or an outpatient clinic. X-rays taken of the face and chin, will help the surgeon decide on the exact location for the surgery.

An incision is made along the gums in the lower jaw to get access to the chin bone. The jaw bone is cut using a bone saw or chisel to make a second cut through the jaw bone. The jaw bone is moved forward to the desired position and wired or screwed in place. The cut is closed with stitches and a bandage is applied. Since the surgery is performed inside the mouth, you can't see any scars.

When you need only a little bit of chin augmentation to round out the chin, the surgeon may use real bone or an implant made of silicone, Teflon, or Dacron. For this procedure, a cut is made either inside the mouth or outside under the chin. A pocket is created in front of the chin bone and under the muscles, and the implant is placed inside. The cut is closed with stitches and a bandage is applied. The scar is barely visible.

The best candidates for chin augmentation are people with weak or receding chins (microgenia), but who have a normal dental bite.

The most common complications of chin augmentation are:

• Bruising
• Movement of the implant
• Swelling

• Damage to the teeth
• Loss of sensation