The Dramatic Increase in Chin Implant Surgeries

By now, you have probably seen the “quoted” dramatic rise in the popularity of chin augmentation which has blanketed the internet -- noted everywhere from Fox News to WebMD. Although chin augmentation procedures have seen a 70% increase, the actual number of chin implants performed is roughly about 20,000. Compared to breast augmentation where 300,000 are performed annually, chin augmentation is still very selective. So why the interest in chin implants? Some have blamed the internet and social media for producing trends and exchanges of ideas at lightening speed. As true with fashion, cosmetic surgery can “go viral” as well. Chin implant surgery, also called genioplasty, has always been a means to balance facial features and profile. We like chin implants in individuals where excessive facial convexity is an issue because of a weak or receding chin. Chin augmentation, coupled with nasal refinement or rhinoplasty, can have a profound affect on your facial form and can create a ‘new you’. Recent articles show genioplasty as a means to stay in the game at work; strong chins look confident, and are popular with baby boomers. This procedure does make powerful improvements and is a strong statement about who you are. As we age, strong changes in facial form can also be harder to work into your ‘Facebook’ page without significant edits. Computer imaging should be a must to ‘try out’ the new look and avoid mistakes or regrets. We don’t know exactly how it happens, but yes, chin implants are on the rise, and to those who jump in on the trend . . . “see the new you on Facebook.”