Thinking about rhinoplasty? It’s a potentially life-changing procedure that can improve facial aesthetics, confidence, and even fix breathing problems. Sometimes, however, the nose isn’t the only facial feature that needs to be addressed to achieve a patient’s goals. Many people are surprised to learn that rhinoplasty is often paired with chin augmentation. This combination surgery can improve symmetry, balance, and enhance the results of both procedures. Why? It has to do with facial balance and symmetry.
The Effect of Symmetry and Facial Balance
The more symmetrical the face is, the more attractive we tend to find it. When some facial features are out of proportion with other features, they stand out and have a negative impact on facial aesthetics. People most often notice this with their nose, thinking that it is too big or too small. Sometimes, however, other features also have an impact on facial balance.
Poor chin projection may not be as noticeable as a large nose, but it can cause major facial balance problems. Some patients who are good candidates for rhinoplasty may also benefit from getting a chin implant to add projection to the chin. This combination improves both the facial balance and the profile and can give patients better results than one of the procedures on its own.
What is Chin Augmentation?
Most people are familiar with what a rhinoplasty or “nose job” is, but fewer understand the purpose of chin augmentation. Chin augmentation involves a simple surgery to insert a chin implant, typically made of solid silicone. During the surgery, a small incision is made and the implant is placed over the bone to increase chin projection. Once the patient has healed, the side profile of the face will look more defined and attractive. The overall facial balance will also improve.
Benefits of a Combination Procedure
Combination procedures are popular for a number of reasons. First, patients have goals for their surgery, but they don’t necessarily know how a plastic surgeon can achieve those results. Sometimes, a single surgery will not give the patient the results they want. A combination procedure also gives surgeons more control over the aesthetic results, since both procedures are done at once and the results will be more consistent.
Second, a rhinoplasty and chin augmentation combination procedure is more convenient for the patient. Instead of going through two surgeries and recovery periods, a patient will have a single surgery. This cuts down on healing time and reduces the discomfort patients will experience.
Finally, combination procedures are cost-effective for patients. Although surgical fees still apply as normal, anesthesia, facility fees, and medications, which would normally apply to both surgeries, are reduced.
Is a Rhinoplasty and Chin Augmentation Combination Right For You?
Although the rhinoplasty and chin augmentation combo is extremely effective for some patients, it is not the right choice for everyone. Some patients really do just need a rhinoplasty. Others have poor chin projection and could benefit from a chin implant alone. Sometimes, that’s all that’s needed to balance out a larger nose or other features.
Plastic surgery is extremely custom, which is why it is so important to work with an expert facial plastic surgeon to uncover the real issue. By working with a board-certified surgeon, you can get customized advice and find out whether a rhinoplasty and chin augmentation combination procedure will get you the results you’re looking for.
Turn to a Facial Plastic Surgery Specialist
There are many talented surgeons in the United States, but it is important to seek the help of a facial plastic specialist to perform your procedure. Rhinoplasty, in particular, is one of the most challenging procedures, and only the most skilled and experienced surgeons should perform the surgery.
If you’re looking for a specialist in the Austin, TX, area, come to Buckingham Center and learn more about your options. Dr. Edward Buckingham is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and an expert in facial balance. He will be happy to help you come up with a treatment plan that suits your unique needs. For more information, call Buckingham Center at 512.401.2500 to schedule your consultation.