In recent years, there has been a change in the attitude towards cosmetic surgery for men. Since 2004, Google Trends shows a consistent increase in male interest in plastic surgery procedures, especially facial plastic surgery.
While women still make up the majority of surgical procedures, research by The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) found that men made up 7% of cosmetic surgery procedures in 2023.
Chin augmentation is a popular surgery among men who desire a well-sculpted jawline and defined chin. Several options are available for men considering chin enhancement, whether to combat signs of ageing like double chins, loose skin, and jowls or to create a stronger, more masculine shape.
Chin implant surgery (genioplasty) involves inserting an implant over the chin bone, made of silicone or another biocompatible material. An implant is the most effective way to increase the length or width of the chin, so is recommended in instances of a double or receding chin. Chin implant surgery also effectively balances chin projection (how much the chin protrudes from the face) for better facial harmony.
Another option for chin enhancement is chin filler, a non-surgical procedure where dermal fillers are injected into the chin. Fillers are effective at adding volume to the chin area to balance the chin with facial anatomy.
Chin implants are popular as they offer a permanent solution for those wanting a more defined chin and jawline. Many people opt for a chin implant surgery as the effects are more pronounced, resulting in a dramatic change in facial structure.
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks with chin implant surgery. These risks include:
• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Burning or prickling sensation
• Erosion or resorption of your chin bone
• Hair loss near the incision (if the incision is on the outside of your chin)
• Implant extrusion (implant pokes through the incision)
• Implant rejection
• Infection
• Nerve injury
• Scarring
• Shifted or misaligned implant.
Chin implant surgery does have a significant recovery period, with swelling lasting up to six weeks. Chewing may be limited in the days following the implant surgery and rigorous activity avoided for around ten days to allow for recovery.
There are several points to consider when weighing up chin implants versus chin fillers. For many, the appeal of chin fillers versus chin implants is the minimally invasive nature of the procedure. There may be some swelling and bruising after the procedure, but less downtime is required compared to chin implant surgery, and following chin fillers, a person can return to normal life immediately.
Unlike the dramatic change of chin implant surgery, dermal fillers may have a more subtle result. Chin filler is also a great temporary option, unlike permanent chin implant surgery. Dr Tan is recognised for his proficiency and skills in performing non-surgical aesthetic procedures such as chin shaping. However, as a temporary solution, there is a maintenance element to consider. Chin filler typically lasts 12 to 18 months, so upkeep is necessary to sustain the results.
Both options are effective at creating a more sculpted, stronger chin, so the decision comes down to preference. Those looking for a less invasive and quicker result may opt for chin filler, whereas anyone wanting a more significant visual transformation may prefer the results achieved with chin implants.
In the UK, performing cosmetic surgery like chin augmentation is highly regulated. You should seek out surgeons who are members of The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS), The British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) and the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP).
Chin implants come in a range of shapes, sizes and styles so your surgeon should discuss the best option for you based on your face shape and desired results. Consultation is a huge part of the success of chin augmentation, so choose a surgeon who takes time to go through the options and their recommendations for optimum results.
While facial plastic surgery in the UK has stringent regulations, non-surgical treatments such as dermal fillers operate in a regulatory grey area. This means anyone can currently administer dermal fillers, like those used in chin filler procedures, without any formal qualifications or training.
To ensure your chin augmentation or filler treatment is carried out by a trusted professional, ask these questions recommended by BAPRAS during your consultation:
1. Who will operate on me?
2. What are your qualifications?
3. What is your complication and re-operation rate?
4. What are the potential risks and complications?
5. What results can I expect, and how long will they last for?
6. What aftercare do you provide?
The lack of regulation regarding who can perform dermal filler results in ungovernable injectors carrying out these treatments. Without regulation, these practices pose dangers to the public due to substandard work environments, untrained injectors, and often uninsured procedures.
The risks associated with dermal filler include:
• Itching
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Infection
• Overfilling
• Distortion
• Scarring
• Abscesses
• Migration (when filler moves from the injection site).
Highly qualified, professional practitioners have the skills to reduce these potential risks. However, unregulated injectors may not be equipped to deal with these side effects, and lack of training and experience can increase the likelihood of such risks occurring.
Dr Tan, founder of Harley Street MD, is a UK-trained doctor with over 20 years of experience and is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). Dr Tan also holds a membership with the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) and the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS).
The research and study references we used, in addition to our internal research, are all referenced here; most of them have an external link to the scientific publication. We work hard to bring you the most recent, impartial, factual and evidence-based information to help you make informed decisions.
• Men’s Aesthetic Treatments See 70% Increase. From: PBI
• Lem M, Pham JT, Kim JK, Tang CJ. Changing Aesthetic Surgery Interest in Men: An 18-Year Analysis. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2023 Oct;47(5):2136-2141. doi: 10.1007/s00266-023-03344-9. Epub 2023 May 16. PMID: 37193887; PMCID: PMC10187949. From: Springer
• UK Cosmetic Surgery Audit Reports 16% Decrease in Procedures Amid Economic Downturn and Increase in Complications from Overseas Procedures. From: BAAPS
• Sculpting the male jawline: Chin and neck contouring 101. From: ASPS
• Chin Implants. From: John Hopkins Medicine
• Chin Implant. From: Cleveland Clinic
• What to know about chin filler. From: Medical News Today
• Beauty Tourism in London, UK and the Best Countries for Cosmetic Surgery. From: HSMD
• The licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England. From GOV.UK
• Chia Tsyh Tan. From: GMC
• Membership. From: MRCS
• Harley street. From: CQC.
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