Skip to content

Chin enhancement in Edinburgh

Brings the chin into better balance with the nose and jaw, using dermal fillers or a chin implant. Your consultant will tell you honestly which suits your face, or whether neither does.

Your consultants
Consultant assessing chin projection
Anaesthetic
Local or General
Surgery time
1 hour
Recovery
Few days off work, 6 weeks before strenuous exercise
Guide price
From £4,950

Contents

Who is an ideal candidate?

Ideal candidates for chin enhancement are individuals who:

  • Are in good overall health
  • Have a recessed or weak chin and want to improve facial balance
  • Have realistic expectations about what either fillers or a chin implant can achieve
  • Prefer non-surgical options for a reversible, lower-commitment enhancement, or are comfortable with surgery for a permanent result

A consultation is a conversation, not a commitment to surgery or any procedure. If we feel a chin enhancement is not the right answer for you — or that fillers are a better starting point than surgery in your case — we will say so honestly.

What the procedure involves

Chin enhancement at Waterfront is offered as either a non-surgical or surgical procedure. Your consultant will discuss which suits your case at the consultation.

Non-surgical chin enhancement (dermal fillers)

  • Injectable fillers: dermal fillers are injected into specific points along the chin to add volume and contour. The procedure takes around 30 minutes and is performed as an outpatient treatment with no recovery downtime.
  • Reversible: if the result is not what you wanted, hyaluronic-acid-based fillers can be dissolved. The effect lasts six to eighteen months, depending on the filler used.

Surgical chin augmentation (silicone implant)

  • Preparation: the chin area is prepared and sterilised; the procedure can be performed under either local or general anaesthesia.
  • Implant insertion: a small incision is made inside the mouth (so no external scar). A pre-shaped, biocompatible silicone implant is placed along the chin bone and secured in position.
  • Closure: the incision is closed with dissolvable sutures.
  • Permanent: implants are designed to be permanent, but can be removed or exchanged if needed.

Chin enhancement animation

A short 3D animation of the procedure. It loads only when you press play.

What chin enhancement can and can’t do

A small change to the chin can rebalance a profile, whether with filler or with a silicone implant. It changes the chin, not the jaw or the neck, and we will say so if either of those is the real issue.

It can

  • Bring a chin that sits back further forward, to balance your profile.
  • Give more definition where the jawline meets the chin.
  • Let you try the look with filler first, which can be dissolved if you do not like it.
  • Give a lasting change with an implant placed through a cut inside the mouth, with no scar on the skin.

It can’t

  • Correct your bite or jaw. A significant jaw or bite problem needs jaw surgery, and we will refer you if that is the case.
  • Remove fat under the chin. Fullness under the chin needs neck liposuction, which can be done at the same time.
  • Tighten a loose neck or jowls. Those need lifting, as in a facelift.
  • Last for ever with filler. Filler lasts six to eighteen months and needs repeating to keep the result.
  • Make your face symmetrical. Natural differences between the two sides of the face remain.

Your consultant will tell you at your consultation which of these apply to you.

What is the cost of chin enhancement?

  • Non-surgical chin enhancement (dermal fillers): quoted at consultation, based on the filler used and the volume needed

The full price for your individual case can only be confirmed after a face-to-face consultation with the consultant who will perform your treatment.

Free · anonymous

Questions before you book?

Ask anything about chin enhancement, its recovery, risks or cost, any time and in plain language. If you would like, our team can contact you afterwards.

Start the free AI consultation

General information, not a substitute for a consultation.

Patients often ask

The free AI consultation on a phone

Quick answers

How much does a chin implant cost?
Guide prices are listed in the Cost section above. The full price for your individual case is confirmed after a face-to-face consultation with the consultant who will perform your treatment.

Can I spread the cost?
Yes. You can pay in full two weeks before your procedure, or spread the cost with interest-free finance through Omni Capital Retail Finance over 6 or 10 months, with a deposit of between 10% and 50%. There is no interest and no hidden fee, and most applicants get a decision straight away. We do not accept private medical insurance for cosmetic treatment.
Will the same surgeon plan, perform and review my chin enhancement?
Yes. The consultant who assesses you at your first appointment is the consultant who plans your procedure, performs it, and follows you through every post-operative review. There is no handover between assessment and procedure, no patient coordinator, and no surgeon rotation.
Should I have fillers or surgery for chin enhancement?
It depends on what your case needs. Fillers are usually the right answer for mild to moderate enhancement, when you want to try the look before committing, or when you prefer to avoid incisions and downtime. Surgery is the right answer when more significant projection is needed, when fillers would not achieve enough, or when you want a permanent change. Your consultant will be honest about which is right for you — including the option of doing nothing at all if the chin is well-balanced as it is.
What are the chin enhancement options?
Two main options. Non-surgical chin enhancement uses dermal fillers injected at specific points along the chin to add volume and contour — quick, no incisions, lasts six to eighteen months, reversible if hyaluronic-acid-based. Surgical chin augmentation uses a pre-shaped biocompatible silicone implant placed through a small incision inside the mouth — permanent (though removable if needed), with around one to two weeks of recovery.
How do I know if I’m a candidate for chin enhancement?
Suitable candidates are typically in good general health, have a recessed or weak chin that affects facial balance, and have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve. The honest assessment is made in person at consultation — your consultant will examine your face in profile and recommend the right option (or none), based on what is actually needed.
Can chin enhancement change my facial profile?
Yes. Both options can change the profile by altering chin projection and definition. Even small changes to the chin can rebalance the relationship between the chin, the nose and the rest of the face — which is why chin enhancement is often considered alongside rhinoplasty or as part of broader facial work.
Can I combine chin enhancement with other facial procedures?
Yes. Chin enhancement is often combined with rhinoplasty (to balance the nose and chin in profile), with a facelift, or with neck liposuction. Your consultant will discuss combinations at consultation if relevant.
How long do non-surgical chin enhancements last?
Dermal filler results typically last six to eighteen months, depending on the filler used and individual factors. The effect can be topped up or refreshed as needed.
Are chin implants permanent?
Yes, chin implants are designed to be permanent. They can be removed or exchanged if necessary, and most stay in place long term.
Is the chin enhancement procedure painful?
Discomfort is minimal for non-surgical filler treatment, usually felt as a brief sting at the injection site. For surgical chin augmentation, anaesthesia is used during the procedure and pain relief is prescribed for the first few days of recovery.
How long is the recovery period after chin implant surgery?
Most patients take between a few days and one to two weeks to return to normal activities. Swelling continues to settle over two to three weeks. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for around six weeks.

Recovery depends on whether you have the non-surgical or the surgical procedure.

  • Non-surgical (fillers): you can return to normal activities immediately. Some bruising or swelling may be visible for a few days but should not affect daily life.
  • Surgical (implant): most patients take a few days to a week off work. Swelling settles over the first two to three weeks. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for around six weeks. You will be given specific guidance on oral hygiene and diet during the early healing period because the incision is inside the mouth.

For surgical patients, a routine post-operative review usually takes place at 1 week and again around 6 months, once any swelling has fully settled. Your consultant is available before then if anything concerns you — they will respond directly and arrange to see you as often as needed until things are settled.

Will there be scarring from chin implant surgery?
No external scarring. The incision is made inside the mouth, between the lower lip and the gum, so any scar is hidden and heals quickly. Some surgeons use an alternative incision below the chin in specific cases; your consultant will explain the approach for your case at consultation.
What are the risks associated with chin enhancement?
Non-surgical risks include bruising, swelling, asymmetry of filler distribution, and rare allergic reaction. Surgical risks include infection, nerve disturbance affecting sensation in the chin and lower lip, implant displacement (rare), and the general risks of anaesthesia. Specific risks for your case will be discussed in detail at consultation.
What happens if I have concerns after my surgery?
All patients are seen by a nurse at one week, and more often if needed in the early healing period. Your consultant reviews you again at around six months once the result has settled. Between those reviews, your consultant is always available — if anything concerns you, they will respond directly and arrange to see you as soon as needed.

Our chin enhancement specialists

You meet your consultant at your first appointment. The same consultant plans your treatment, carries it out and sees you afterwards.

John Biddlestone

Consultant plastic surgeon

GMC Specialist Register (Plastic Surgery)

Awf Quaba

Consultant plastic surgeon

GMC Specialist Register (Plastic Surgery)BAAPS · BAPRAS

Minimal waiting times from first contact to procedure completion

Very quick appointments
Clear understandable replies to questions
Superb facilities
Friendly staff

I have passed on your details to a sailing colleague for similar treatments

Iain
Sep 2026 Read on Trustpilot (opens in a new tab)

4.9TrustScoreout of 5

581 reviews

All reviews on Trustpilot

Risks, and how often they happen

Every operation carries risk. Here they are in three groups. The figures come from UK national guidance and published studies, averaged across many patients, so your own risk may be higher or lower. Your consultant will go through what applies to you, and every risk is in your written consent.

Expected Almost everyone, and they settle

  • After filler, bruising and swelling for a few days.
  • After an implant, swelling and tightness of the chin and lower lip, settling over two to three weeks.
  • After an implant, numbness of the chin and lower lip for the first few weeks.
  • Care with eating and mouth hygiene while the cut inside your mouth heals.

Uncommon Some patients, and some need further treatment

  • Numbness of the chin or lower lip that lasts beyond the first weeks, after an implant. It usually recovers, and rarely it is permanent.
    About 1 in 50
  • The implant moving out of position, which may need a further operation to reposition or replace it.
    About 1 in 100
  • Infection around the implant. It may settle with antibiotics, but sometimes the implant has to be removed and replaced later.
    1 in 100 or fewer

Rare but serious

  • Filler blocking a blood vessel, which can damage the skin. It is very rare in the chin, and hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved quickly if it happens.
    Very rare
  • A blood clot in the leg or lung (DVT or PE) if you have a general anaesthetic. We assess your risk and take steps to prevent it.
    Under 1 in 1,000
  • A serious reaction to the anaesthetic, if you have a general anaesthetic.
    Very rare

For the long term

  • The bone under an implant can thin slightly. This is common on X-rays, is usually only a millimetre or two, and rarely matters.
  • An implant can be removed or exchanged, but the soft tissue over the chin may not sit exactly as it did before.
  • Filler wears off. Most people need a top-up within six to eighteen months to keep the result.
  • Your face keeps ageing around the chin, whichever option you choose.

More from BAAPS on reshaping chins and cheeks.

Where these figures come from

Aftercare and recovery

Your recovery is led by the consultant who performed your surgery. A nurse reviews you at one week, and your consultant sees you again once everything has settled. Between appointments, our team are available whenever you have a concern — you do not need to wait for a scheduled review. Practical guidance on dressings, activity and returning to work is in our aftercare guide.

  1. Day of surgeryHome the same day with your written aftercare guide. Waterfront is a day hospital.
  2. Week 1Nurse review: wound checked, dressings changed, questions answered.
  3. Week 1About a week off work, depending on your job.
  4. Week 4Gentle exercise. Most things back to normal.
  5. Week 6Full exercise.
  6. 6 monthsYour consultant reviews the settled result. Sooner if you need it.
  7. 12 monthsNurse reviews, dressing clinics and the treatment of any complications are included.

Typical timings. Your consultant and nurse will tailor them to you.

Patient with a cup of tea in the Waterfront lounge, a nurse beside her

Written by

Mr Awf Quaba, consultant plastic surgeon

Mr Awf Quaba, MB ChB, FRCS, GMC 3034912, is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon with over 35 years of experience and a co-founder of Waterfront Private Hospital in Edinburgh. He specialises in cosmetic facial and breast surgery, has published over 60 papers in peer-reviewed journals, and is a full member of  BAAPS.