A chin augmentation is a surgical procedure to reshape or enhance the size of the chin.

Chin augmentation can strengthen the appearance of a receding chin by increasing its projection. The procedure does not affect the patient’s bite or jaw. There are two techniques, first one is performed through an incision inside the mouth and involves moving the chinbone, then wiring it into position. The other approach requires insertion of an implant through an incision inside the mouth, between the lower lip and the gum, or through an external incision underneath the chin.

One surgical approach is to make a cut inside the mouth along the lower gum. This gives the surgeon access to the chin bone. The surgeon uses a bone saw or chisel to make a second cut through the jaw bone. The jaw bone is moved forward to the desired position and wired or screwed in place. The cut is closed with stitches and a bandage is applied. Since the surgery is performed inside the mouth, you can't see any scars.

When only a little bit of chin augmentation is needed to round out the chin, the surgeon may use real bone or an implant made of silicone, Teflon, or Dacron. For this procedure, a cut is made either inside the mouth or outside under the chin. A pocket is created in front of the chin bone and under the muscles, and the implant is placed inside. The cut is closed with stitches and a bandage is applied. The resulting scar is barely visible.