Chin Filler or Chin Implant: What’s the Difference?

Chin filler and chin implant are chin augmentation procedures designed to increase facial symmetry and balance, gain contour and gain self-esteem. But which is right for you? Both have their pros, and when you know the differences, you can make the right choice. Here, we run through the need-to-knows below to help you decide.

What is chin filler?

Chin filler is a non-surgical chin augmentation performed non-surgically to improve the density, projection, and shape of the chin. These fillers consist of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that generates moisture in the body and enhances volume.

They offer a non-invasive method to improve your profile, address receding chin or weak chin and bring balance to your face which is why chin augmentation using fillers is a common treatment as well. This procedure is an ideal treatment for the patients who want a natural, not noticeable chin enhancement.

How does chin filler work?

In a chin filler procedure, an experienced cosmetic surgeon injects dermal filler in precise areas of the chin. A treatment plan can be tailored to each patient depending on their individual facial anatomy and their aesthetic goals.

Filler is injected through the fine needle or cannula and the procedure itself takes 15 to 30 minutes. This is usually done after a numbing cream is applied to minimise pain. There will be mild swelling and bruising that goes away within a few days, but the results are instant.

And unlike surgical implants, chin fillers are far less forgiving. Hyaluronic acid fillers are also dissolvable, so if you wish to change or undo them, that is possible too.

What is a chin implant?

Chin implant surgery is a cosmetic procedure where the placement of a solid, biocompatible implant adds to the size, shape and projection of the chin. This technique is perfect for those who want a permanent fix to facial asymmetry. Unlike fillers, which last a few months until the body absorbs them, a chin augmentation surgery is a longer-term option that remains in the area for lots of years.

How do chin implants work?

During the procedure, you’ll have a small incision under the chin or inside of the mouth where the pockets will be made for the implant. The chin implant is usually made from silicone or some other suitable medical-grade material, and it is carefully placed over the chin bone to add projection and definition. After that, the sutures are used to close and dress the incision, assisting the tissue with healing.

Each chin implant is customized according to each patient. They are available in various sizes and shapes to give you realistic results. Although this procedure is more invasive than fillers, the effects are permanent, and well worth the investment for those who want a more pronounced and well defined chin.

Choosing between chin filler and implants

There are a number of factors to consider when deciding between chin filler and chin implants:

Chin Filler:

• Procedure: Quick, non-invasive procedure.
• Treatment duration and recovery: 15 to 30 minutes with a very little downtime.
• Pain and discomfort: Mild discomfort during injection, numbing cream used.
• Side effects: Swelling, bruising or redness.
• Longevity and maintenance: Takes 12 to 24 months, re-touches needed.
• Cost: £420

Chin Implant:

• Procedure: Surgical procedure under anaesthetic.
• Treatment duration and recovery: 1 hour surgery with 1 to 2 weeks recovery time.
• Pain and discomfort: Mild pain, swelling and bruise after surgery.
• Side effects: Infection, shifting of implant or prolonged swelling.
• Longevity and maintenance: Permanent, maintenance-free surgery.
• Cost: £3,900

Benefits and drawbacks

Chin filler

Benefits:

• Non-surgical in nature.
• Results are immediate.
• Can be customised and reversed.
• No downtime and quick procedure.
• Natural-looking enhancement

Drawbacks:

• Temporary results that require some touch-ups.
• Slight swelling and bruising.
• Cost accumulates over time.
• Does not change facial features significantly.
• Results may fade with time, needing touch-up.

Chin implant

Benefits:

• Permanent results.
• Better facial structure improvement.
• 1 time procedure.
• Offers better chin projection and balance.
• Customisable implant options.

Drawbacks:

• Requires surgery and has a longer recovery.
• For potential complications like infection or migration of the implant.
• Higher initial cost.
• Requires additional surgical procedure to replace or reposition.
• Possible minimal scarring.

Chin filler: before and after

With just one session of chin filler treatments, most patients achieve improved facial symmetry.

Chin implants: before and after

Patients end up with a more chiseled, tighter jawline that doesn’t droop or sag with age with chin implants.

FAQs

Can a chin implant give you a jawline?

Chin implants only makes your chin prominent and improve the definition of the jawline without changing the jaw bone itself.

Is chin filler permanent?

No, the chin filler is not permanent, and will dissolve naturally over time, usually between 12 and 24 months.

What if I don’t like my chin implant?

If you do not like a chin implant, it can be surgically removed, or replaced with one of a different size or shape.

Does chin filler change your smile?

If done correctly, chin filler shouldn’t really affect your smile that much. You might feel a little stiff for a couple of days.

How long does chin filler take to settle?

Results are instant, but it’s only a few weeks later that the filler has settled in properly and the swelling has subsided.

Can chin filler move after injection?

Migration of dermal filler is rare, as long as you see an experienced professional.

How soon can I wear makeup after chin filler?

We always suggest not putting any makeup at least 24 hours after the procedure, because we want the filler to get into the correct position.

Can I exercise after getting chin filler?

Do not do any strenuous exercise for at least 24 to 48 hours after your procedure, since this can increase blood flow to the chin area and potentially cause more swelling and bruising.

Will a chin implant feel natural?

After it heals, the chin implant will feel like any other part of bone. You would not notice the implant over time.

Can a chin implant break?

While rare, trauma to the face can damage or displace a chin implant. If it does, it could need surgical correction.

Can I combine chin filler with other treatments?

Yes! Most people opt to perform chin filler along with their jawline contouring, cheek filler or Botox to create a fuller sculpted balanced look.

Will losing weight affect my chin filler or implant?

Overall weight loss impacts the overall look of your face; however, chin filler and chin implants typically don’t change but will be lost, if you lose a lot of volume in your face also from excessive weight loss.

Transform Your Look with Harley Street Skin Clinic

At Harley Street Skin Clinic, we believe that doing an excellent job means making your facial harmony naturally and beautifully balanced. Whether that’s defining your chin with chin augmentation with fillers, or establishing a more permanent contour through cosmetic surgery, we can offer guidance each step of the way.

If you’d like to learn more about your chin augmentation options for a weak or receding chin. Booking your consultation today is the first step to revealing the confident, beautiful you!