Drooping chin? Chin correction? Chin augmentation? Double chin?

A weak chin is usually congenital and can be very distressing for many of those affected. Men in particular want a prominent chin, while a soft and round chin is more a sign of femininity. A weakly developed chin is also referred to as a “receding chin”, as it visually “disappears” in the mouth and neck area.

A receding chin can often be associated with a double chin caused by excess tissue or fat deposits under the chin, even if your body weight or BMI (Body Mass Index) is within the normal range. A chin correction can provide relief, either as a chin correction alone (so-called “genioplasty”) or together with treatment of the double chin. Patients experience a positive change after a short time, their appearance is more self-confident and associated with a positive aura.

How does the treatment and operation proceed?

Basically, a chin correction can be performed with specially developed fillers, autologous fat or with an individually shaped chin implant (silicone elastomer). To treat a double chin, either treatment with a fatty acid injection (deoxycholic acid) or liposuction can be carried out.

Treatments with fillers or fat transfer injections can be carried out in the practice under local anesthetic without any problems. Treatment with autologous fat or liposuction on the double chin can be carried out on an outpatient basis under sedation.

Chin correction with implant

Chin correction with an implant is usually performed under general anesthesia and can be performed on an outpatient or inpatient basis, depending on the additional procedures. Access is either from the inside through the oral mucosa or from the outside directly under the chin with a length of approx. 1 cm. The implants are stabilized with titanium screws.

What are the alternatives to chin implants?

Various specially developed fillers can be used for chin augmentation, such as hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite or poly-L-lactic acid implants. However, treatment with the patient’s own fat is also possible for chin augmentation.

In addition to fillers such as hyaluronic acid or collagen stimulators, treatment with botulinum toxin can be useful, especially for very strong and active chin muscles and for treating chin wrinkles.

Relaxation of the chin muscles

With a so-called sagging chin, the chin muscles become slack, which can be successfully treated either by surgical tightening or with radiofrequency treatment. The great advantage of radiofrequency microneedling is that it is a scar-free treatment.

Where does the scar run?

Treatment with a chin implant can be accessed from the inside via the oral mucosa or from the outside directly under the chin. The scar is barely visible from the outside and is about 1 cm long. With other treatments such as liposuction or autologous fat treatment, no scars are visible.

Which operations can be combined with chin augmentation?

Together with the nose, the chin is crucial for a harmonious facial profile. A chin correction can therefore often be combined with a nose correction. Implants can also be inserted in the cheek area or jaw angle at the same time. A precise analysis and planning takes place during a detailed consultation and on the basis of 2D simulations.

How long does the result last?

The results of treatment with hyaluronic acid or botulinum toxin last between 6 and 9 months. After treatment with collagen stimulators, the effect of the treatment lasts longer than a year.

The results of liposuction can be permanent if a healthy lifestyle is maintained. Filling with autologous fat provides a permanent result after an initial resorption rate of 40-50%; the treatment can be repeated if necessary. Treatment with an implant is considered permanent.

What are the risks?

The risks of the treatment are low. As with all surgical procedures, wound healing disorders or infections can occur. However, these complications are very rare due to the good blood circulation in the facial area.

Slight swelling, bruising or redness may occur for a few days, which often subsides on its own. Temporary loss of sensitivity in the lower lip may occur, but is not usually permanent. Permanent nerve damage is very rare.

What do I need to consider after the operation?

A small drain is usually placed during the operation, which is removed the next day. The dressing is also removed after 24 hours. Antibiotics should be taken for 7 days to prevent infection.

If the operation was accessed via the oral mucosa, a soft, cool diet is recommended for 72 hours after the operation. Physical exertion should be avoided for 2-3 weeks after the operation.

If the procedure was performed under the chin, the stitches are removed after 10-14 days. There is then hardly any trace of the procedure left. You will then need to massage the scar daily with a greasy or silicone-based scar cream for up to a year after the operation and use a sunscreen with sun protection factor 50.

How high are the costs?

As this is an aesthetic procedure, health insurance companies do not cover the costs. Depending on the additional procedures and duration of the operation, you will receive a detailed written cost estimate from us.

The cost of a chin correction with implant alone is from CHF 5,000 and must be transferred for the planned operation at least 7 days before the procedure so that the date can be definitively confirmed. This advance payment, which is customary in the industry, is necessary in order to make the reservations and preparations for your procedure.