Chin augmentation (mentoplasty) brings balance to your facial structure by correcting a weak chin. A weak chin can be caused by a congenital abnormality, age-related bone loss, or facial trauma caused by injury or disease. A weak chin can make a nose appear larger than it is and can give the appearance of a fleshy neck when none exists.

Although chin enhancement is a simple procedure, it requires the skill and the good aesthetic eye of an experienced plastic surgeon. A balanced profile achieved by inserting a chin implant, will result in improved facial symmetry and increased self-confidence.

Most chin augmentation surgeries are performed on an out-patient basis in a surgery center, hospital or surgeon’s office. Chin implants can be performed under local or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will decide which is best for your particular circumstance. The procedure usually lasts about an hour. There may be bruising and swelling for a few days after the procedure. Normal activities can probably be resumed after a week or ten days.

If you are interested in learning more about a chin implant procedure, please contact California cosmetic surgeons Wendell Smoot, M.D., F.A.C.S. and John Smoot, M.D., F.A.C.S. at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery La Jolla today.

Prospective patients should seek a doctor who is both trained and experienced. Experience alone does not equal ability and there are plenty of doctors who have a lot of experience in doing the wrong thing many times. Plastic surgery is a very competitive profession and every doctor is trying to sell their skills. When choosing your plastic surgeon, the most important thing that you want to find out is that they are board certified and in what-all board certifications are not equal. Many doctors mislead patients in stating that they are board certified, there are many boards that require nothing close to the requirements that one has to fulfill in order to be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Genuine board certified doctors are credentialed by the American Board of Plastic Surgery; if you are a potential patient, please check that your surgeon’s diploma contains these exact words in this exact order.

Another worthy credential is the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. To be in this society the doctor must be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery in addition to other requirements.

Remember, exact wording matters and if your doctor is a member of ASAPS, they are guaranteed to be board-certified specialists in the field of cosmetic surgery.