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Chin and Jawline Augmentation | Enhance Facial Contours & Confidence

Medically reviewed by Jennifer Richman on May 28, 2024.

Understanding Chin and Jaw Augmentation

A jawline and chin augmentation is a surgery that permanently increases the size of the chin and jawline, giving it a more defined and angular contour. 

These procedures are also known as: 

• Jaw implant surgery
• Chin implant surgery
• Jaw and chin enhancement
• Jaw and chin masculinization
• Jawline or mandibular augmentation
• Mentoplasty or chin reconstruction surgery

Patients can choose to undergo these procedures separately or together. The chin and jaw implants are separate, meaning that they can be placed simultaneously, or patients can choose to have only one type of facial implant placed. In plastic surgery, the popularity of these procedures has increased drastically in cosmetic and gender-affirming care. Chin and jaw augmentation can help patients achieve a more defined jawline, achieve greater facial symmetry, have more balanced facial proportions, and simulate the effects of a first, testosterone-dominant puberty on facial bone development.

Jaw implants can also be placed as part of a reconstructive surgery to aid in the treatment of a traumatic injury, such as a broken or fractured jaw. Additionally, this procedure has become increasingly popular amongst cisgender men and women for cosmetic surgery. 

At the Gender Confirmation Center (GCC), we offer mandibular and chin augmentation as a part of facial masculinization surgery (FMS) and non-binary facial surgery for trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming patients. The effects of testosterone hormone therapy can change the contour of the face by altering soft tissue over time. Still, some transmasculine patients seek out surgical interventions, regardless of whether or not they have taken testosterone, to feel greater alignment with their facial features and reduce feelings of gender dysphoria. 

If you are interested in surgery, you can request a virtual or in-person consultation with one of our board-certified facial surgeons here.

Different Techniques for Jawline Augmentation

The two principal types of jaw augmentations are temporary, non-surgical, and permanent, surgical interventions:

Non-Surgical Jawline Augmentation

The GCC does not offer this particular service at this time, but a less expensive way for patients to undergo a jawline augmentation is to inject medically safe fillers such as hyaluronic acid.

Injections are performed with local anesthetics, meaning the patient will be awake during the procedure. Results are temporary, meaning they will typically last around six months or more, depending on the type of filler.

While this may be a more cost-effective intervention in the short term, in the long term, costs can add up with the need for touch-ups over time to maintain desired results. Given that many insurance companies cover the costs of gender-affirming facial surgery, a permanent jaw augmentation has become more accessible to many transmasculine and non-binary patients.

Surgical Chin and Jaw Augmentation

The type of chin and mandible augmentation that the GCC offers is the placement of chin and jawline implants, made of medical-grade silicone. Jaw and chin masculinization surgery are typically outpatient procedures, which means that they are performed under general anesthesia and patients are usually sent home the same day of surgery. If chin and jaw augmentation are performed with other facial surgery or body procedures, these may require an overnight stay. 

Recovery involves rest, dietary changes, pain management, and inflammation care. The placement of jawline implants leaves no visible scars, though patients will need up to 12 months to see their final results. Healing from a surgical procedure will take longer than temporary fillers, but results will be permanent. 

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Chin and Jaw Implant Surgery?

At the GCC, we use the informed consent method to determine surgical eligibility for facial surgery procedures. Meaning, we believe that adult patients who are properly educated about the risks and benefits of a gender-affirming procedure are capable of determining if it is right for them. With facial surgery, the GCC does not have BMI eligibility limits; however, the hospital anesthesia department may not approve operating on someone with a BMI of 60 or more based on safety concerns. 

Preparing for Your Chin and/or Jawline Augmentation Procedure

The following steps can help patients prepare for a gender-affirming mandibular augmentation procedure:

• Patients will need to stop smoking and halt any nicotine consumption four weeks before and after facial surgery. Alcohol should not be consumed a week before and after surgery. Quitting tobacco as much time before surgery as possible can help reduce bleeding and other healing complications.
• The first step in the surgical process is soliciting a free consultation with a board-certified professional. Once you are in the GCC system, our staff can help you acquire all necessary documents to obtain insurance coverage for your procedure.
• Prior to your consultation, you will be asked to submit photos of your face from seven different angles. This will help your surgeon assess what changes could realistically be made through surgery.
• Share with your surgeon what medications and supplements you are taking. You may need to discontinue certain herbal supplements and blood-thinning medications before surgery to prevent anesthesia complications.
• Prior to surgery, you should have a care plan in place for your recovery. This will include soliciting time off work, having someone to bring you and take you home from surgery, and supportive friends or family to take care of you in the days after. 

What to Expect During the Procedure

Patients will arrive at the hospital or surgical center and be placed under general anesthesia. A mentoplasty and mandible implant procedure can take anywhere from one to two hours. Patients may spend longer under anesthesia if they are undergoing other, simultaneous facial surgery procedures, or top surgery. 

During the procedure, your surgeon will make incisions inside the mouth, at the bottom of the lower gums. Your implants will be placed and fastened to the jaw and/or chin. From there, the incisions will be closed with dissolvable stitches that should disappear or start to come out on their own about a week or two after surgery. 

Most patients will return home the same day as their surgery. However, depending on how many other facial surgery procedures a patient undergoes simultaneously, you may need to spend the night in the hospital for close monitoring. Please note that you will need a loved one to come pick you up from the hospital to be discharged. 

Post-Procedure Care and Recovery

The following instructions should be followed carefully to help you heal properly and maximize your results:

• Patients will control pain with prescription pain medications during the first few days after surgery. Be sure to pick up your prescription before surgery so that they are ready at home when you come back from the procedure. During this time, you will not be able to drive.
• During the first 72 hours, patients will need to apply ice for 20 minutes every hour to the jaw. This is to help reduce pain and swelling. We recommend placing a small towel between the face and the ice to prevent ice burns, as the area will likely be temporarily numb after surgery.
• Patients should rest in bed with their face at an incline (ie, back propped up with pillows or a wedge). This will help manage inflammation.
• Due to the incisions inside the mouth, patients will be on a soft food diet for the first two weeks after surgery. Likewise, due to swelling, some patients find it easier to drink with the help of a flexible straw.
• During the first week, you can clean your mouth with a gentle mouthwash. Please do not use a hard-bristle toothbrush or vigorous swishing during the first week, as this may open up the incisions.

Risks and Considerations for Jaw and Chin Implants

Like any surgery, there are potential risks involved. Make sure that your surgeon is board-certified and has hospital privileges; having these credentials is necessary to ensure your safety and the integrity of your surgical results long-term.

Complications like infections, allergic reactions, and implant displacement or extrusion are rare. Patients have a higher risk of healing complications like bleeding, bruising, and nerve damage if they are tobacco smokers. It is vital to quit smoking in as much time before your procedure as this can help you reduce the possibility of negative outcomes. 

Long-Term Results of Chin and Jawline Augmentation

Healing from any kind of facial surgery takes plenty of time. It can take patients up to 12 months after surgery to be able to see their final results. Due to the pull of gravity, inflammation around the jawline or mandible can take longer to resolve than any other part of the face altered from surgery. Even then, after the 12-month mark, skin may continue to tighten around the chin and jaw, leading to a more chiseled or contoured shape in some patients over time. 

In the long term, gender-affirming surgeries generally have very high satisfaction rates from patients, much higher than similar cosmetic procedures. However, right after surgery, patients may experience short-term, post-operative depression while their body directs its energy to healing tissue after surgery. Even after the initial recovery period, some patients may feel frustrated while they wait for inflammation to resolve over the first few months. Others may feel euphoria, gratitude, and excitement right away upon seeing an augmented jawline. Regardless of your reaction, remember that it is normal to experience a wide array of feelings as you are adjusting to the new appearance of your face. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Jaw and Chin Implants

How long do chin and jaw implants last?

Medical-grade porous polyethylene implants and solid silicone implants are permanent. With proper care and without surgical complications that put their placement at risk, these implants typically have a lifespan of 20 years.

Can you tell if someone has a chin or jaw implant?

Since these procedures leave no visible scarring, as the incisions are hidden inside the mouth, it is not visually apparent that someone has undergone surgery.

How much does chin and jaw augmentation surgery cost?

In the United States, chin and jaw implant surgery can cost between $2,500-$8,500. Costs vary based on surgeon experience, geographic location, and implant costs. Most quotes will not include additional costs like anesthesia fees, facility fees, and, if you have to stay overnight in the hospital, hospital fees. To get a quote for your surgery, you can request a free consultation with our surgeons today.

Will insurance cover my chin and jaw augmentation surgery? 

Many patients who come to the GCC are interested in having their health insurance companies cover some of the costs of facial masculinization surgery. In this case, patients will need to present a support letter from a licensed mental health professional with a gender dysphoria diagnosis. Additionally, you may need to be on continuous testosterone hormone therapy for at least a year to be eligible for coverage.

At the GCC, our free insurance concierge service has successfully secured coverage for 90% of interested patients. Once you’ve solicited a consultation, our team will reach out and help you acquire the necessary support documentation to apply for pre-approval.