Chin Enhancement

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Chin enhancement is a fairly common surgical procedure that can be performed alone or in conjunction with rhinoplasty, neck liposuction and contouring, or facelift surgery to more ideally bring into balance the aesthetic proportions of the face. For this surgical procedure Dr. Buckingham recommends an implant consisting of Gortex.  The implant contours precisely to the native tissue, thereby allowing exacting augmentation with a low risk of the patient feeling the implant.  Gortex is FDA approved for medical implantation, has an excellent safety record, and has been used as an implant in the human body for nearly 30 years.  The procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure with intravenous sedation, and provides a complete recovery in approximately one week.  During the consultation, an analysis of the patient’s face from a profile view will be performed and recommendations made with the assistance of digital imaging. 

Cheek Augmentation

For the patient with a weak cheekbone structure, their appearance may be enhanced with cheek augmentation. After a facial analysis, cheek augmentation may be recommended depending on the patient’s goals and expectations. In his surgical practice of facial plastic surgery Dr. Buckingham recommends the preformed or "custom" Implantec cheek implants as he feels they have advantages over the other FDA approved implants available for cheek augmentation.  The procedure is performed in an outpatient surgery center with intravenous sedation and provides a recovery period of approximately one week.

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For patients with good underlying bone structure who have merely undergone facial aging, the cheek may be restored to its youthful position using endoscopic midface lifting and/or facial lipocontouring (Facial Fat Transfer).  One of the cardinal signs of aging is the loss of the plump round cheeks of youth.  This occurs because of gravitational changes pulling the cheek mound down and also because of the overall loss of facial volume.  Unfortunately as we age we lose the youthful fat cells in the cheeks and gain them in the waist-line.  Fortunately with a little help those extra cells in the waist can then be used to replace the lost volume in the face.  This is done using a minimally invasive tiny incision in the belly area to gather the cells which are then placed into the cheek and facial area without incicions using one mm micro cannulas thereby restoring the youthful contours.  More information in facial lipocontouring is available on this website.        

To determine if a patient is a good candidate for cheek/chin augmentation, Dr. Buckingham recommends a private consultation with the assistance of digital imaging.

To determine if a patient is a good candidate for this procedure, Dr. Buckingham recommends a private patient consultation. 

Dr. Buckingham feels that successful facial plastic surgery results from the development and maintenance of good rapport between the patient, the surgeon, and his staff during the consultation and future appointments.  The consultation will include a complete facial analysis to determine the best procedure to bring about the desired results and all questions relating to the patient’s specific concerns will be addressed.

Prospective patients are encouraged to call the office to schedule an appointment at their earliest convenience.

Frequently Asked Chin Implant / Cheek Augmentation Questions

Q - What is chin augmentation?
Chin augmentation, or chin enhancement, is a common plastic surgery procedure which can improve the appearance of the chin or jaw line. This can help to create better balance in the aesthetic proportions of the face. To build up a receding chin, chin augmentation is commonly performed with the use of an implant. Chin augmentation may be performed on its own or it may be combined with other procedure like a facelift, neck liposuction or rhinoplasty.

Q - What is cheek augmentation?
Cheek augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure which can improve the appearance of a weak cheekbone structure. This can be achieved with the use of an implant or through the use of the patient’s own fat cells. Cheek augmentation can add prominence to the cheekbones which in turn can create better balance among the facial features.

Q - What are facial implants made of?
Dr. Buckingham uses silicone or Gortex implants for chin augmentation. For cheek augmentation, he typically prefers the preformed or “custom” Implantec cheek implants.

Q - Who is the best candidate for chin or cheek augmentation?
Candidates for chin or cheek augmentation are in good physical health and have realistic expectations for improving the appearance of the chin or cheeks. A private consultation with Dr. Buckingham is the best way to determine if chin or cheek augmentation is right for you.

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