Chin Implant vs Filler: Achieving Facial Balance

The concept of “facial balancing” has gained traction across social media, magazines, and among dermal filler manufacturers, influencing how we evaluate our faces as a sum of their parts rather than just individual features. Of course, plastic surgeons have been applying this principle for decades.

The most common example of “facial balancing” I encounter explores the side - or profile - view, where the chin and jawline take center stage. Many patients come to me seeking advice on improving their facial balance, with chin augmentation and jawline contouring being two of the most frequent requests. In our practice, we offer both chin filler and chin implants for augmentation. Let’s explore what facial balancing means, and how chin enhancement achieves it.

Chin Augmentation as the Key To Facial Balance

Photo Credit: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Instagram @rosiehw

Here is one example of desired chin and jawline aesthetics we encounter during consultations. The cosmetic entity of the jawline is defined by a distinct shadow from the earlobe to the chin. The jawline gives a “swoosh” shape, with the chin representing the front aspect of this swoosh. Balance is defined by the chin's position in relation to the nasal tip and lips. In this photo, you will see a commonly desired chin projection: one that is about equal to the projection of the lower lip. There is also another assessment - If you were to draw a line connecting the nasal tip and chin, the lips will roughly approximate that line.

Many people don’t realize how crucial the chin is to facial harmony. A weak or recessed chin can negatively affect the entire profile. It can shorten the “swoosh,” reduce the length, and diminish the definition of the jawline shadow. Additionally, a recessed chin can create the illusion of fullness in the neck.

When patients seek jawline improvement, whether for youthful enhancement or anti-aging, I introduce the concept of chin augmentation. Enhancing the chin is my go-to procedure for those looking for jawline improvement. It creates what I like to call a real “photogenic difference”.

Is Facial Balancing the Same for Everyone?

Balancing the face involves evaluating the proportions of the upper, middle, and lower thirds (see photos above). Ideally, each third should be roughly equal in height to achieve overall facial harmony. Let’s focus on the lower third; the lower third of the face extends from the base of the nose to the bottom of the chin.

The lips make up a large portion of the lower third of the face. Many textbooks discuss “lip length” as part of the concept of a balanced lower third. The upper lip (from the base of the nose to the mouth opening) is ideally shorter, roughly by half, when compared to the lower lip (from the mouth opening to the chin). You can see this upper lip to lower lip relationship in the photo above. Aesthetics in this area are shaped by genetics, bone structure, and the natural aging process, but can be enhanced through Lip Fillers or a surgical Lip Lift procedure. (insert links for the respective webpages)

From the side view, the nasal tip, lips, and chin should also align favorably, as shown by the solid green line. A larger nose allows for more chin projection, while a smaller nose makes the chin appear more prominent. Similarly, fuller lips can afford more chin projection. There is no one-size-fits-all formula for success; achieving balance depends on the interplay between changing and unchanged features. Balance can be approached through various facial features and degrees of alteration. I've seen many cases where my patients opted for simultaneous changes to the nose, lips, and chin.

How Does the Chin Achieve Facial Balance?

Patients often seek facial balance when they feel their profile could use enhancement. The chin plays a crucial role in shaping the jawline. Enhancing the chin is a great way to beautify the entire jawline. Chin augmentation considers both shape and size, using either temporary dermal fillers or permanent surgical implants. Both options are customizable, meaning there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to chin enhancement. Each method accounts for your unique starting point and offers a range of results, from subtle and understated to bold and dramatic.

Dermal fillers are an excellent option for those wanting to experiment with a new look without long-term commitment. Fillers also offer the possibility of upgrading to an implant later.

Important considerations for dermal filler chin augmentation:

• The average amount of filler needed to enhance the chin is 2–4 syringes.
• Highly cohesive hyaluronic acid fillers, like Juvederm Voluma, are FDA-approved for chin augmentation and tend to maintain their form, providing a stronger lift.
• Chin filler can be applied in one or multiple sessions using an incremental approach.
• In subtle cases, chin filler can closely mimic the effect of a small chin implant.
• In more extreme cases, filler may be less effective than an implant, as excessive filler does not provide stable results for severely recessed chins.
• Dermal fillers can also be used along the entire jawline to enhance the “swoosh” shadow from one jaw angle to the other.
• The average amount of filler required to enhance the entire jawline, from right to left side, is 7–10 syringes.

Chin implants are a permanent option achieved through a minor surgical procedure. I prefer silastic, or solid silicone, implants due to their biocompatibility, which allows safe use in the body without causing adverse reactions. Silastic chin implants come in various sizes and shapes and can be customized during the surgery. They are typically inserted through a small incision under the chin, with a short recovery period. While designed to last a lifetime, they can be removed if necessary (though this is generally not recommended), allowing tissues to return to their natural shape and size.

Important considerations for chin implants include:

• They can augment the chin significantly, ranging from small to large capacities.
• Implants provide impressive projection from the profile view
• Placed beneath the chin muscle, they create a tightening effect on the soft tissues of the neck.
• They enhance the pre-jowl shadow, addressing common concerns associated with early aging.
• Chin implants are available in boxy or more slender shapes, as well as variations in between.
• Implants can be swapped for a different size, but this requires an additional surgical procedure.
• While surgery carries minor risks, chin implant procedures are typically well-tolerated and have a lower risk compared to other facial surgeries.

My Approach to Lower Facial Balancing

If you feel your chin disappears when you smile or your profile seems flat, chin augmentation might be the right solution. It’s particularly effective for balancing prominent features like the nose or lips. A consultation with a facial plastic and cosmetic surgeon can provide valuable insights through a simple computer simulation, helping you visualize potential results after professional photographs are taken.

I take a consultative approach to absolutely everything in my practice. Every face is unique, which is why I take the time to evaluate each patient’s anatomy before recommending treatment. Sometimes it’s best to address a nose that is out of proportion, rather than create an unnaturally projected chin. There are limits to most cosmetic procedures, including chin enhancement. During our consultation, we’ll first determine if chin augmentation can achieve your desired aesthetic, followed by deciding whether a nonsurgical or surgical approach is best. My aim is to create a natural, balanced look that enhances your features with safety and style in mind.

For more information on chin augmentation options and frequently asked questions, be sure to visit our Chin Enhancement webpage.