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Even in a post-pandemic world, there is still an appetite for [combining different cosmetic procedures](https://aedit.com/aedition/best-aesthetic-procedures-to-combine-to-maximize-appointments) — when possible — in order to achieve optimal results and maximize downtime. One classic pairing that plastic surgeons often recommend due to the harmonious result it creates: [rhinoplasty](https://aedit.com/procedure/nose-shaping-solutions) and [chin augmentation](https://aedit.com/aedition/best-chin-augmentation-enhancement-procedures). Here, we break down the benefits and balance of the common combo.

## **The Benefits of Combining Rhinoplasty & Chin Augmentation** 
As we’ve covered, [facial harmony](https://aedit.com/aedition/facial-harmony-in-aesthetic-medicine) is about proportion, and changing the proportion of the nose can have an impact on the appearance of the chin. So, it should come as no surprise that it’s common to combine [nasal surgery](https://aedit.com/aedition/difference-between-septoplasty-rhinoplasty) with [chin enhancement](https://aedit.com/procedure/chin-enhancement-solutions) procedures — and some patients even tack on a few more things. “Very often, they’re also combined with a little submental liposuction to really define the jawline along its whole length,” says [Dara Liotta, MD](https://www.facialplasticsnyc.com/), a double board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in New York City. She calls this combination of [rhinoplasty](https://aedit.com/procedure/open-rhinoplasty), [chin implant](https://aedit.com/procedure/alloplastic-chin-implant), and submental liposuction a “profile makeover.” 

Pairing these procedures (in the right patient) helps balance the face and allows the results of the individual procedures to make the greatest impact, Dr. Liotta says. “Combining procedures to achieve a more ideal profile can actually help the results of rhinoplasty look more natural —  like your profile was meant to be like that,” she notes. 

Another benefit? [Minimizing cost and downtime](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-much-cosmetic-surgery-costs). “Combining procedures minimizes downtime and saves a bit of money because there’s one anesthesia and one recovery,” says [Jennifer Levine, MD](https://www.drjenniferlevine.com/), a double board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in NYC. “Who doesn’t like that?” In addition to the potential cost savings, you also can consolidate your healing time when you safely undergo [more than one procedure](https://aedit.com/aedition/best-surgical-and-non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures-to-combine) at the same time. “With a rhinoplasty, you will have a cast and sometimes stitches for six to seven days,” she explains. “The chin implant has a bandage and stitches for the same amount of time.” 

## **The Best Candidate for Rhinoplasty + Chin Augmentation** 
So, how do you determine if you are an ideal candidate to combine rhinoplasty and chin augmentation? “Someone who has a recessed chin and/or has poor definition in the neck area is a good candidate for these procedures,” says [Edward Kwak, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/edward-kwak-md-74), a double board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in NYC. “And a good candidate for rhinoplasty is someone who wants to change the [shape of their nose](https://aedit.com/concern/nose-shape), [improve breathing function](https://aedit.com/concern/breathing-issues), or both.”

In some cases, the contour of the chin may be creating an optical illusion of sorts. “Many times, patients may feel that their nose is too large, but really the nose looks bigger because the chin is too small,” Dr. Levine notes. Even so, people don’t always appreciate the [role of the chin](https://aedit.com/aedition/best-chin-augmentation-enhancement-procedures) in balancing the face. “Chin augmentation is often overlooked because most of us look more at the other parts of our face,” she adds, yet a [2010 study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20115968/) found that as many as 81 percent of patients may see the benefit of pairing rhinoplasty with chin augmentation. 

It should be noted, however, that some patients — specifically, those who have issues with their mandible or maxilla (i.e. jawbones) — may require more advanced treatment. “These patients would need a more extensive procedure for their lower face,” Dr. Levine cautions. Additionally, those with extensive dental concerns may not be a good candidate for these procedures. “If the teeth are not aligned well, it may indicate a bigger issue,” she says. 

## **Performing Rhinoplasty + Chin Augmentation Together**
When combining rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, and liposuction, it’s up to your surgeon to decide what order they will operate in. “I personally like to do the submental liposuction followed by the chin implant and then the rhinoplasty last,” Dr. Liotta says. By doing the nose last, patients can wake up from [anesthesia](https://aedit.com/aedition/everything-you-need-to-know-about-anesthesia) and start icing as soon as possible, which should help minimize [bruising and swelling](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-to-treat-minimize-swelling-after-cosmetic-surgery). “I think it makes for a better, easier, recovery,” she explains.

If they are being performed at the same time, Dr. Levine also places the chin implant first. “It is considered a clean procedure, while the nose itself is less sterile,” she says. But, if the procedures are being performed at separate times, she usually schedules the rhinoplasty first. The reasoning? The nose is typically what bothers the patient the most.

## **Recovering from Rhinoplasty + Chin Augmentation**
Regardless of the procedure(s), Dr. Kwak always stresses the importance of preoperative and postoperative care with his patients. “It is very important to note that one’s final result is determined by this care — no strenuous activity, no touching of any incisions or casts, etc.,” he says. Recovering from any cosmetic surgery requires patience, but rhinoplasty, in particular, takes time. Dr. Kwak notes the healing journey for this pair takes approximately a year.

### **Recovering from Chin Augmentation**
Interestingly enough, Dr. Liotta finds that patients actually have a harder time recovering from the chin implant than the rhinoplasty. “I think people are used to seeing the black eyes and swelling of rhinoplasty recovery, and they’re prepared mentally to wait a full year for final results,” she explains. “But the recovery process after chin implant is much less publicized and written about, so I find that patients have a harder time with the small amount of swelling and tenderness that go along with it.” Feeling like your chin is “huge” after surgery is normal, Dr. Liotta says. The final results of chin implants and submental liposuction are seen around six months post-op. 

Dr. Levine has patients wear a stretchy chin strap and ice the area for the first 48 hours. After that window, the strap is removed. “Bruising is rare but possible, and there will be some generalized swelling in the area for at least a week,” she says. Sleeping with the head elevated for about two weeks is also recommended.

Additionally, chin augmentation patients may require a [soft foods or liquid diet](https://aedit.com/aedition/meal-plans-diet-before-after-cosmetic-surgery) for several days as they heal, as chewing can irritate the newly adjusted tissue and muscle, Dr. Kwak says. [Vigorous activity or exercise](https://aedit.com/aedition/when-to-start-exercising-again-after-cosmetic-surgery-procedures) is discouraged for the first few weeks, but it can soon be resumed — along with a normal work schedule — within about 10 to 14 days, he adds. “Remember that although your fabulous results may be visible right away, they can continue to improve for up to six weeks as your swelling gradually reduces,” he cautions. 

### **Recovering from Rhinoplasty**
Most patients who undergo rhinoplasty surgery (with or without chin augmentation) should be prepared to take two weeks off from work and daily activities. “The early stages of recovery are the most difficult, mostly due to swelling, which leaves you with a stuffy nose,” Dr. Kwak says. Once that step is over, most patients report recovery is easier and less painful than expected. 

You’ll have a small plastic cast on the nose and a few stitches under the nose for about a week. When the cast and stitches are removed, most people only have a tiny bit of residual black eye. “Black eyes fully resolve by around 10 days,” Dr. Liotta shares. Although it does take a full year to enjoy the final results of rhinoplasty, “you can return to normal activity without anyone knowing you did anything” after about a week and half, she says. 

With that said, be prepared to experience residual swelling for 12 months. Dr. Liotta tells patients to expect around 85 percent of the swelling to be gone in a month and 95 percent in six months. All the swelling is generally resolved by the one-year mark.

## **The Takeaway**
Whether your aesthetic concerns center around the shape and [size of your nose](https://aedit.com/concern/nose-size) or the [prominence of your chin](https://aedit.com/concern/chin-shape-and-size), evaluating the proportion of those two facial features before choosing to undergo a cosmetic procedure is important to ensure the most balanced outcome. For some patients, combining a rhinoplasty with a chin augmentation (think: permanent chin implant or [temporary filler](https://aedit.com/procedure/chin-augmentation-with-soft-tissue-fillers)) will be the best way to maximize your time, budget, and results.

Aesthetics

Whether you’re concerned about the size of your nose or the prominence of your chin, evaluating those two features in tandem is the best way to ensure the most optimal result.

Combining Rhinoplasty And Chin Augmentation: Benefits, Candidates, Recovery

The Benefits Of Combining Rhinoplasty And Chin Augmentation

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‘Keep your chin up.’ We've all heard the phrase, and, whether you realize it or not, the lower tip of your face actually plays a significant role in the harmony of all your other features. “Chin projection and shape are critical to facial attractiveness, as the chin is the foundational anchor of the face and enhancing projection brings the rest of your features into balance,” explains [Anne Chapas, MD](https://www.unionderm.com/doctors/dr-anne-chapas/), a board certified dermatologist and medical director of Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York. “Historically, the chin has been neglected by patients, but women and men are beginning to realize the significance of the chin as the most prominent element of the lower third of the face.”

Whatever your desired final aesthetic may be, there are both surgical and non-surgical treatment options to augment and define the chin. [Injectable fillers](https://aedit.com/aedition/everything-you-need-to-know-about-dermal-fillers), for example, can offer a subtle enhancement, while surgical procedures will provide a more augmentative – and permanent – solution. From implants and injectables to submental fat reduction, here’s what you need to know about the top chin-defining treatments.

## **Surgical Chin Augmentation**
“Choosing whether to have non-surgical or surgical chin enhancement depends on your facial features, the condition of your skin, and your medical history,” explains [Cheryl Karcher, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/cheryl-karcher-md-4323), a board certified dermatologist and medical director of Center Aesthetic Dermatology in NYC. As in most cases, surgical chin augmentation offers a more permanent solution than its minimally invasive counterparts. Surgical solutions include: 

### **Mentoplasty**
Mentoplasty (a.k.a. chin augmentation) is the process of surgically placing an implant into the lower half of the face to help it protrude, permanently. According to [Philip J. Miller, MD](https://gothamplasticsurgeryny.com/dr-philip-miller/), a double board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Gotham Plastic Surgery in NYC, the surgery is “easy, quick, and done under [local anesthesia](https://aedit.com/aedition/everything-you-need-to-know-about-anesthesia).” During the procedure, which requires an incision to be made under the chin to place the implant, the patient may “feel some pressure.” The most common type of chin implant is an [alloplastic implant](https://aedit.com/procedure/alloplastic-chin-implant). It can be molded by the provider to create the necessary shape for each individual. 

To complement the definition created by the chin implant, Dr. Miller often recommends patients combine the procedure with [NeckTite™](https://aedit.com/procedure/radiofrequency-assisted-liposuction), a minimally invasive treatment that employs radiofrequency to remove excess submental fat and tighten the skin under the chin. While it will take about three months to fully enjoy the results of a chin implant surgery, any post-op swelling and bruising should resolve in about a week. 

### **Osseous Genioplasty**
For patients with a weak chin due to structural deformity, [osseous (or sliding) genioplasty](https://aedit.com/procedure/osseus-genioplasty-for-chin-deformity) may be needed. More complex than mentoplasty, the surgery involves incisions inside the lower lip to reach the mandible (read: lower jaw bone). The lower jaw is cut and repositioned, and screws and plates are inserted to reattach the jaw. Recovery is slower, with final results taking 12 to 18 months. To enhance the results of the osseous genioplasty, dermal filler (more on that below!), [fat transfer](https://aedit.com/aedition/comparing-dermal-fillers-vs-fat-grafting-for-facial-rejuvenation-contouring), and even rhinoplasty may be recommended. 

Due to the more invasive nature of this surgery, candidates usually have a bone structure deformity. “A candidate should be in overall good health and have realistic expectations,” Dr. Karcher says. “Usually, chin enhancement is considered cosmetic and not [covered by insurance](https://aedit.com/aedition/insurance-coverage-for-plastic-surgery-cosmetic-procedures). However, if there’s a structural defect, insurance may cover it.” 

### **Chin Implant Revision**
For those unhappy with the results of a previous chin augmentation, the implant can be removed — but it may require additional procedures. The [surgical correction of chin ptosis](https://aedit.com/procedure/surgical-correction-of-chin-ptosis) (read: drooping) as a result of aging, genetics, or implant removal can remove excess skin and tighten sagging tissue. The bone is not impacted. Performed under local anesthesia, the procedure has about seven to 10 days of [swelling and bruising](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-to-treat-minimize-swelling-after-cosmetic-surgery). Results are immediate, though recovery takes about a month.

## **Non-Surgical Chin Augmentation**
But surgery isn’t the only option for those looking to enhance the chin. Injectables like dermal filler and Kybella® can be used to slim, define, and augment the submental area, and the recent approval of [Restylane® Defyne](https://www.restylaneusa.com/restylane-defyne) by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chin augmentation and the correction of mild to moderate chin retrusion has put a fresh focus on non-surgical chin enhancement solutions. 

### **Hyaluronic Acid-Based Filler**
In February, Restylane® Defyne became the first FDA-approved [chin filler](https://aedit.com/procedure/chin-augmentation-with-soft-tissue-fillers) to demonstrate results across a wide range of patients, including all skin types, male subjects, and subjects over the age of 52. “The studies have shown high satisfaction data, with more than 99 percent of patients and 100 percent of injectors reporting improved appearance of chin projection 12 weeks after treatment,” explains Dr. Chapas, who served as an investigator in clinical trials of Restylane® Defyne for the chin. What’s more? “Most patients had significantly improved chin projection (86 percent when asked at 12 weeks) for up to one year (74 percent at one year) compared to no treatment,” she adds.

As with most HA fillers, mild [swelling and bruising](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-to-treat-prevent-bruising-after-lasers-filler-botox) may occur for about a week after a Restylane® Defyne injections, but Dr. Chapas has found that patients require “little to no downtime.” She tells patients to “avoid irritating or manipulating the treated area and refrain from exercise and alcohol for 24 hours following treatment.” Dr. Karcher notes that patients often like HA filler (of any kind) “because they can be reversed if there’s ever a problem.” Her picks? Restylane®, Juvéderm® Voluma, and Revanesse® Versa.

### **Semi-Permanent Filler**
For patients who aren’t interested in surgery but want more permanent definition, [collagen-building fillers](https://aedit.com/procedure/chin-augmentation-with-soft-tissue-fillers) can provide longer lasting results. Instead of simply adding volume, calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) fillers like Radiesse® and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) fillers like Sculptra® stimulate collagen production to naturally fill the treatment area even after the product breaks down. Unlike HA fillers, which are dissolvable with hyaluronidase, these CaHA and PLLA fillers are not reversible. 

Dr. Karcher recommends discussing your aesthetic goals with your provider to determine which filler is best for you. “The filler chosen for you would depend on your needs,” she says. “How much of the filler do you need? Have you ever had filler before? Do you want something permanent? Do you want something that can be reversed if you don’t like it? How long do you want the filler to last?” 

### **Kybella** 
If your concerns involve a double chin, there is another type of injectable to consider. [Kybella®](https://aedit.com/procedure/kybella) (a.k.a. deoxycholic acid) is an FDA-approved fat-burning injectable that reduces submental fat to slim the neck and enhance the profile of the face. You can use Kybella® to “dissolve the fat under the chin, therefore making the chin appear more pronounced,” Dr. Miller explains. The fat reduction caused by deoxycholic acid injections is permanent, though it takes about six weeks to see results. A series of treatments may be necessary for best results. 

## **The Takeaway**
Depending on your aesthetic goals, both temporary and permanent chin enhancement is possible to improve the protrusion and definition of the lower face. Because the chin plays such an important role in the overall [proportion of the face](https://aedit.com/aedition/plastic-surgery-results-are-about-proportion-not-perfection), complementary procedures may be recommended to maximize results. Consulting with a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon will ensure you receive the best treatment for your needs.

A well-defined chin is essential to balancing the face and new procedure options are making it easier than ever to achieve.

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