Chin Augmentation London
Chin Augmentation
The chin is one of the most defining features of your facial profile. A recessed or under-projected chin can make the face look out of proportion, particularly when viewed from the side, and some people feel self-conscious about how it affects their appearance. Chin augmentation surgery increases the projection of the chin, bringing symmetry, structure, and definition to the lower face.
Chin augmentation is carried out either by placing an implant over the chin bone or by moving the bone itself, an operation called a sliding genioplasty. Either way, the aim is the same: to strengthen a soft jawline, correct a weak chin, and improve harmony between the chin, the jawline and the rest of the face. This surgery is tailored to the individual, taking account of facial structure, proportion, aesthetic goals, and balance with the surrounding facial features, so the result complements your face rather than standing out.
Chin Augmentation London
The Procedure: At a Glance
Procedure Length:
Around 45-60 minutes for chin implant surgery; 1-2 hours for a sliding genioplasty
Out Patient:
Anaesthesia:
General anaesthesia, delivered by one of our named consultant anaesthetists. Sedation with local anaesthetic is possible for selected patients
Downtime:
Approximately 7-10 days after a chin implant; 10-14 days after a sliding genioplasty
Hospital Stay:
Usually an outpatient procedure, though some patients may need an overnight stay depending on individual circumstances
Eating:
A soft diet for the first week, and avoid anything that needs heavy chewing
Sleeping:
Sleep with your head elevated for the first week to reduce swelling
Showering:
Avoid for 48 hours after surgery and keep the surgical area dry for one week
Exercise:
Light walking from a few days; no strenuous exercise, gym or contact sport for 4-6 weeks
Smoking:
Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before and 4 weeks after the procedure
Sun Exposure:
Limit sun exposure for 6 weeks after surgery and apply a high SPF outdoors
Make-up:
Where an incision has been made under the chin, avoid makeup over it for 10-14 days
Driving:
Avoid driving for at least 3-5 days after surgery, or until you are off pain medication
Follow-up:
Reviewed in clinic at one week and again at six weeks, with 24-hour nurse access in between
Benefits of Chin Augmentation Surgery
Deciding on cosmetic surgery is a considered step, and understanding your options can help you feel confident in your choice. Chin augmentation can make a difference in several ways:
Long-Lasting Results
Chin augmentation is a stable, long-term correction. Once healing is complete, the improved projection and definition remain a lasting part of your profile.
Improved Facial Balance
A recessed chin can leave the face looking out of proportion, especially in profile. Repositioning or building up the chin restores harmony between your features, so the balance holds from every angle.
A More Defined Jawline
Chin augmentation does more than shape the chin. Strengthening the foundation of the lower face improves the definition of the chin and lends the whole jawline a cleaner, more defined appearance.
Natural-Looking Results
The aim is enhancement that feels like you, not an obvious change. With a tailored plan and the right chin augmentation technique, your chin augmentation results refine your features while still looking natural.
Different Types of Chin Augmentation Procedures
Chin augmentation can be approached in several ways, and the right approach depends on your anatomy and your goals. The method is decided following a consultation with Mr Kshem Yapa, and most commonly involves an implant. Where a larger correction is needed, Mr Yapa will guide you towards the most suitable option.
Surgical options:
Chin Implant
The most common technique. It involves placing a biocompatible silicone implant over the existing chin bone, through a small incision either inside the lower lip or discreetly under the chin. The implant is sized and shaped to your anatomy, seated in a precisely made pocket on the bone and secured so it cannot move, adding projection without altering the bone itself. Implants come in a range of sizes and profiles, and some also extend along the jawline to widen the lower face.
Sliding Genioplasty
Also known as osseous genioplasty, this technique moves the chin bone itself. The bone is cut, advanced, and secured in its new position with small plates and screws. It offers a permanent correction across more than one dimension and suits patients with a significantly receded chin, or those who need the chin lengthened, shortened or straightened as well as brought forward. Because it uses your own bone, there is no implant in place for the long term.
Non-surgical alternatives:
Dermal Filler Augmentation
For those who prefer to avoid an operation, dermal filler can add volume and shape to the chin without surgery. It is less invasive and has a quicker recovery, though the effect is temporary and requires periodic maintenance to maintain the result. It is best suited to modest changes; where a larger increase in projection is needed, repeated large volumes of filler are neither cost-effective nor a substitute for surgery.
Fat Grafting
Fat grafting takes fat from another part of the body and transfers it to the chin, adding volume and softening the contour. It uses your own tissue and can give a soft, natural enhancement. A proportion of the grafted fat is reabsorbed over the first few months, and how much varies from person to person, so the result is less predictable than an implant or a sliding genioplasty and a touch-up procedure is sometimes needed. It suits patients looking for a subtle change or added softness rather than a defined increase in projection.
Chin Augmentation Procedure
Understanding the different steps of a chin augmentation procedure can provide clarity and ease any anxieties you may have going into your treatment. Here’s a breakdown of the typical steps involved:
Anaesthesia
Chin augmentation is carried out under general anaesthesia. For selected patients, sedation combined with local anaesthetic is an alternative, and Mr Yapa will tell you if that is suitable for you. Your anaesthetist is one of a small, named team of consultant anaesthetists Mr Yapa works with, and you will meet them before surgery. The plan is discussed with you beforehand so you are settled and comfortable throughout.
Making the Incisions
The technique determines where the incision sits. An incision inside the mouth leaves no visible scar, while an external incision beneath the chin can give better access to the chin area for certain techniques. Mr Yapa selects the approach that suits your plan and explains which he intends to use before the day of surgery.
Placing the Implant or Advancing the Bone
For a chin implant, a precise pocket is created directly on the bone and the implant is seated centrally within it and fixed in position, which is what keeps it stable and symmetrical over the long term. For a sliding genioplasty, the chin bone is cut below the tooth roots, moved into its planned position, and held there with small titanium plates and screws that stay in place permanently and are not usually felt. The muscle and soft tissue over the chin are then re-suspended to keep the contour smooth.
Sealing the Incisions
Once the adjustment is complete, the incision is closed with sutures, skin-friendly adhesives, or tape. Careful closure supports healthy healing and keeps any scarring as discreet as possible. A light supportive dressing is usually applied across the chin for the first few days.
Risks & Complications of Chin Augmentation Surgery
Every surgical procedure carries some risk, and these cannot be reduced to zero. Mr Yapa takes every precaution to minimise them and makes sure you are fully informed before proceeding. The points to be aware of include:
Infection
As with any surgery, there is a small risk of infection at the incision site. Carefully following your aftercare instructions reduces this risk. Report any prolonged redness, swelling, or discharge promptly. Where an implant has been used, an infection that does not settle with antibiotics may mean the implant has to be removed and replaced at a later date.
Asymmetry
Occasionally, the result may not be perfectly symmetrical, owing to individual healing or factors during surgery. Regular follow-up helps with early detection and any corrective steps that may be needed. Most faces are naturally slightly asymmetrical before surgery, and Mr Yapa will point this out to you at your consultation.
Scarring
Where an incision is made beneath the chin, some scarring can occur. With time and proper care, these scars usually fade, and scar treatments can further reduce their visibility.
Bleeding
Excessive bleeding is a rare complication after surgery. Avoiding strenuous activity and following Mr Yapa’s guidance reduces the risk. Seek medical attention if you notice unusual bleeding or a rapidly increasing swelling in the chin.
Numbness
The nerve that supplies sensation to the lower lip and chin runs close to the operative field. Numbness or altered sensation in the lower lip and chin is common in the early weeks and settles as the nerve recovers, though in a small number of patients some altered sensation is long-lasting. Keep Mr Yapa informed of any prolonged or unusual changes in sensation.
Adverse Anaesthetic Reaction
A small number of patients react adversely to anaesthesia, which can present as nausea, dizziness, or an allergic response. Share any previous anaesthetic experiences or allergies at your assessment.
Implant Complications
Where an implant is used, it can occasionally shift (implant migration), become infected, or be rejected by the body. Regular follow-up helps monitor the implant and supports a lasting result. An implant may also be felt at its edges in thinner faces, and over many years some remodelling of the bone beneath an implant can occur. If an implant ever needs to be removed, exchanged or repositioned, this is a smaller procedure than the original operation.
Dissatisfaction with Size or Shape
Judgements about projection are personal, and occasionally a patient wants more or less than the agreed plan delivers once swelling has settled. Sizing is planned carefully in advance with photographs and measurements, and where an implant has been used it can be exchanged for a different size.
Specific to Sliding Genioplasty
Because the bone is cut and fixed, there are a small number of additional risks: the plates or screws may occasionally be felt and can be removed once healing is complete; there is a rare risk of injury to a tooth root; and the soft tissue over the chin can occasionally sit lower than intended, which may need a further minor correction.
Chin Augmentation Recovery
Total recovery after chin augmentation takes around 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the technique used. In the first few days, a soft or liquid diet is easier, as chewing may feel uncomfortable, and Mr Yapa will provide suitable pain relief. Some swelling, tightness, and tenderness in the chin are a normal part of early healing. Where the incision is inside the mouth, you will be given an antiseptic mouthwash and asked to keep the area clean without brushing directly over it for the first week.
Many patients return to work after about a week, and most day-to-day activities become manageable by around the ten-day mark. Your new chin shape begins to emerge at 2 to 3 weeks, and by roughly 6 weeks, most of the swelling has settled, revealing the final contour. Recovery after a sliding genioplasty runs a little longer, with a soft diet for around two weeks and swelling taking a few weeks more to settle fully.
Every surgical patient receives a direct phone line to our specialist cosmetic nurse, available around the clock for any concerns, side effects, or questions. You will also receive step-by-step aftercare instructions covering hygiene, scar care where relevant, and longer-term maintenance.
Book your consultation
If you would like to discuss this procedure in detail and understand if it’s the right procedure for your goals, book a consultation with Mr Kshem Yapa.
“I feel fantastic, look fantastic and natural. I can’t praise Mr Yapa enough. From the moment I met him I felt I am in good hands. I had many questions and he was always happy to provide answers and advice. He is very knowledgeable, professional and caring for his patients.”
Facelift patient
“Fantastic experience that I couldn’t fault what so ever! From the consultation to the operation to the anaesthetist and to the after-care has been nothing but exceptional, Dr Yapa an amazing Surgeon who achieves exactly what you ask for. I would have no hesitation what so ever recommending him to anyone.”
Browlift and upper blepharoplasty patient
“Mr Yapa understood what I wanted and went above and beyond to make it happen. During our consultation, I wanted a slight change in my nose, not to be a swoop just straight and he did just that. He understood what I wanted and just went above and beyond for it. This beyond what I expected. He is an amazing, empathetic surgeon.”
Rhinoplasty patient
“Mr Yapa completely changed my life – I can finally wear my hair up!
I would highly recommend considering this surgical procedure with Mr Yapa because my ears were completely different due to the shape of my ears and one stuck out more. I am unbelievably amazed by the outcome of the surgery and how my ears now look. “
Prominent Ear Correction patient
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Chin Augmentation Surgery FAQs
How much does chin augmentation in London cost?
The cost of chin augmentation with Mr Yapa starts from £7,950. The final cost of your private chin procedure depends on the technique used, such as a chin implant or sliding genioplasty, and on any additional procedures combined with it. Your consultation includes a full breakdown covering the surgeon’s fee, hospital, anaesthetist, and equipment, so you receive a clear and personalised quote before making any decision.
Am I a good candidate for chin augmentation surgery?
Good candidates usually have a weak or receding chin, an unbalanced side profile, or a jawline they would like to define. People seek chin augmentation at any age, and being in good general health and a non-smoker supports safe healing. Where the chin position relates to underlying jaw alignment, Mr Yapa may discuss orthognathic surgery instead. He will assess the anatomy of your chin, bite and jaw position at the consultation and recommend the most suitable option.
How long do chin implants last, and can one be removed?
Chin implants are made from durable, biocompatible materials that do not degrade, and they are not routinely replaced – most patients keep the same implant for life without needing further surgery. A small number are removed, exchanged or repositioned, usually because of infection, displacement, or a wish to change the size. If that is ever needed, it is a smaller procedure than the original operation.
Is chin augmentation surgery painful?
Most patients describe the experience as discomfort rather than pain. You feel nothing during surgery, which is carried out under general anaesthetic, or in selected patients under sedation with local anaesthetic. During recovery, you may feel tightness or pressure rather than sharp pain, which peaks in the first 48 to 72 hours and settles with medication. Mr Yapa will provide tailored pain relief to keep you comfortable.
Will my chin augmentation results look natural?
A natural result is the priority. As a facial surgery specialist, Mr Yapa avoids exaggerated projection and focuses on balance between the chin, jaw, and surrounding features. The change refines your profile rather than looking obviously surgical, so friends and colleagues may notice you look more defined without knowing quite why.
Can chin augmentation improve a weak jawline?
Chin augmentation can improve jawline definition, particularly when the deficiency sits in the chin itself. Where the whole lower face lacks structure, Mr Yapa may recommend additional options, such as jaw implants or neck contouring, for a fuller result. He assesses your overall proportions and advises on the most effective approach during the consultation.
Can chin augmentation be combined with other procedures?
Chin augmentation is often combined with other procedures for a balanced, harmonious result. Where safe to do so, it can be paired with a rhinoplasty, cheek implants, neck liposuction, or a deep plane facelift and neck lift, among others. Combining treatments can mean a single recovery period. At your consultation, you will explore which combinations suit your goals.
How do I prepare for chin augmentation surgery?
Mr Yapa will provide a tailored preparation plan after your consultation. In general, stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery, as it slows healing, and review any medications or supplements that may need pausing. Eat well, stay hydrated, and arrange time off work with support at home for the first week. A full preparation guide follows your consultation.
When will I see the final results of my chin augmentation?
You will notice visible changes within 2 to 3 weeks, with the final result settling around the 6 to 8-week mark once residual swelling has resolved. For sliding genioplasty, minor internal remodelling can continue for a few months, though the outline is clearly defined by about week 6. Recovery differs from patient to patient, and factors such as lifestyle and genetics play a part.
Should I have an implant or a sliding genioplasty?
For most patients who need more projection alone, an implant achieves the result with a shorter operation and a quicker recovery. A sliding genioplasty is the better choice where the chin needs to move a long way forward, or where it also needs to be lengthened, shortened or straightened, and for patients who would prefer no implant. Mr Yapa will assess your profile, your bite and your soft tissue at the consultation and tell you which he recommends and why.
Will it affect my teeth, my bite or my smile?
Neither procedure changes how your teeth meet. A sliding genioplasty cuts the bone well below the tooth roots, and an implant sits on the outer surface of the bone. If your assessment shows that the position of your jaws, rather than your chin, is driving the appearance, Mr Yapa will tell you and may recommend an orthodontic and orthognathic opinion instead – chin augmentation would not be the right operation in that situation.
Do I need any scans before surgery?
Standardised clinical photographs are taken at every consultation and used for planning. Where a sliding genioplasty is being considered, a dental X-ray or CT scan may also be requested so the bone cut can be planned accurately in relation to the tooth roots and the nerve.
Chin Augmentation CONSULTATION LONDON
Book Your Appointment
Choosing to have chin augmentation is a considered decision, and we are here to support you from the start. Mr Yapa is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register in Plastic Surgery and a member of BAAPS. He specialises in facial surgery, consults from Harley Street in central London, and sees patients travelling from across the UK and overseas. At your consultation, he will assess your facial proportions, talk through the options honestly, and give you a realistic view of what chin augmentation can achieve. If another approach would serve you better, he will say so. Book a consultation with Mr Yapa to discuss your goals.
2026 consultation dates are now available to book online, costing £250 (redeemable against your surgery should you wish to go ahead). You can join our waiting list to be notified when new dates become available. For general enquiries or to learn more about our procedures and services, please use the form below to request a callback.
