Chin Implant Surgery Cost and Procedure Guide

The chin may be just a small part of your body, but it has a big impact on the overall shape of your face and profile. If you feel self-conscious about the small size of your chin or have what's referred to as a weak or receding chin, then a chin implant could be the solution.

Chin implant surgeries have increased by 63% over the last 20 years.¹ And the procedure has a 97.8% satisfaction rate.²

Intrigued? Read on to learn more about the chin implant procedure, the potential side effects and costs.

What Is Chin Implant Surgery?

Chin implant surgery is a chin augmentation procedure that involves placing a small implant around the chinbone to improve the shape and contours of the chin, neck and jawline. When performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon, chin implants look and feel natural.¹

Chin implants are available in different sizes and materials, with those made from silicone being the most common option. They're flexible and molded to fit the patient's chin.¹

The procedure is often done at the same time as a rhinoplasty (nose job) to help create a more balanced appearance to the face.³ A neck lift and liposuction are other cosmetic procedures that can be combined with a chin implant to create better facial harmony and balance.⁴

Chin implant alternatives

If you're not quite sure you want to commit to a chin implant or are looking for a less invasive alternative, you have a couple of options. Chin implant alternatives include:⁵

• Chin fillers. Fillers are sometimes used as a non-surgical alternative to a chin implant. Unlike a chin implant, which is intended to be permanent, chin fillers are temporary and only last up to six months.
• Chin fat grafting. This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses liposuction to remove fat from a part of your body, such as the thighs or belly. The fat is then injected into your chin.

How Much Does a Chin Implant Cost?

The national average cost* of chin implant surgery is $4,272, but the price can range from $2,000 to $11,000, depending on your location.⁶

Factors that impact the cost of chin implant surgery include:⁶

• Surgeon's credentials, experience and reputation
• Surgical supplies and prescriptions
• Type of anesthesia
• Type of facility where surgery is performed

Average cost of chin implant surgery by state/district

Below is a breakdown of the average cost* of chin implant surgery across all 50 states and the District of Columbia:⁶

Does Insurance Cover Chin Implant Surgery?

Chin implant surgery is not usually covered by insurance because it is a cosmetic procedure and is not deemed medically necessary.⁷

Check with your health insurance provider to be sure. If your procedure isn't covered, talk with your surgeon about what payment plans or financing options they accept.

Candidates for Chin Implants

If you're unhappy with the size and shape of your chin or feel like your facial features seem unbalanced, a chin implant may help.

Specifically, a chin implant can:¹

• Better define the neck and jawline
• Correct a recessed or weak chin
• Make facial features appear better proportioned
• Reduce the appearance of a double chin caused by having a small chin bone
• Restore lost chin volume

An ideal candidate for a chin implant is someone who:⁸

• Doesn't have a disorder or deformity of the jawbone²
• Doesn’t smoke
• Has a long enough chin to accommodate an implant²
• Has realistic expectations about the results of a chin implant
• Is at a stable weight
• Is physically healthy

How Chin Implant Surgery Works

Knowing what happens during chin implant surgery can give you a better understanding of what to expect. Let's look at what can be included in the process.

Preparation

During your consultation, your surgeon will go over your medical history and goals for surgery. They will discuss the different types of chin implants and recommend the best one for you.⁹

You will be provided with instructions on how to prepare for chin implant surgery. Typically, you'll need a physical exam and lab tests to make sure you're healthy enough for surgery. Your provider will likely ask you to do the following before surgery:¹⁰

• If you smoke, quit smoking a few weeks before surgery.
• Start taking certain medications.
• Stop taking certain medications that can increase bleeding, such as blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Procedure

Chin implant surgery involves inserting the flexible chin implant device through an incision and placing it around your chinbone. The procedure typically takes about an hour.¹

Here are the general steps of chin implant surgery:¹¹

• You are given either local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia, depending on how long and complex your procedure will be.¹
• The surgeon makes an incision, which may be inside your mouth or under your chin.
• The skin, fat and tissue are moved aside with special instruments to make way for the chin implant.
• The surgeon inserts the implant and gently molds it to the shape of your chinbone so it looks natural.
• The incision is closed using dissolvable stitches or surgical glue, cleaned and covered with a bandage.

Chin Implant Recovery

Most patients are able to go home the day of the surgery, depending on the complexity of the surgery and whether additional procedures were performed.¹ Some bruising, swelling and pain are normal in the first days after surgery.² You should plan to take it easy for around two weeks and perform only light activities.² You may need to sleep face-up with your head elevated for a few nights to reduce swelling and protect your incisions.¹

You'll get specific instructions from your surgeon to follow after your surgery. They may recommend that you:²

• Avoid heavy lifting, bending and other strenuous activities for two weeks.
• Eat a soft food diet for a few weeks.
• Rinse your mouth with saltwater and practice good oral hygiene.

Potential Side Effects of Chin Implant Surgery

Chin implants are considered low risk, but like with any surgical procedure, possible complications are still possible. Choosing an experienced, board-certified surgeon can significantly reduce the likelihood of complications.¹

Potential chin implant side effects include:¹²

• Bleeding
• Implant rejection²
• Implant shifting or displacement
• Infection
• Scar tissue around the implant
• Scarring at the incision site
• Temporary prickling or burning sensations²

Chin Implant Results

You'll see your chin implant results after about a month, and the final result after three months once any residual swelling has gone down. Chin implants are intended to be permanent. Although your face will inevitably change naturally as you age, your new chin contour will stay the same.¹

Can a Chin Implant Be Removed?

Chin implant surgery has a low likelihood of complications and a high satisfaction rate.² That said, chin implant removal or revision is possible if you're not happy with your results or experience a complication, like shifting or displacement of the implant.¹³

Chin implant surgery can be a transformative procedure, enhancing facial harmony and boosting confidence. As with any cosmetic surgery, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if it's the right choice for you. Understanding the benefits, considerations and recovery process can help ensure a smooth experience and satisfying results.

Financing a Chin Implant With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for chin implant surgery and related expenses not covered by health insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a writer who has been covering health and lifestyle for almost two decades. Her work has appeared in Healthline, Insider, Medical News Today and more.