Chin Augmentation in Bellevue
Define Your Profile with Precision
For transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse patients pursuing facial masculinization, chin augmentation is one of the most defining procedures available — strengthening lower-face projection and breadth to create a more masculine profile. At Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery, chin augmentation is performed by Dr. Kristopher M. Day, MD, FACS, a double board-certified, Ivy League–trained plastic surgeon whose rare craniofacial fellowship training gives him a unique foundation for this work. As the only craniofacial fellowship-trained plastic surgeon practicing in Bellevue, Dr. Day approaches every masculinization patient with a complete view of facial skeletal anatomy — chin, jaw, brow, and beyond — to deliver results that look natural, proportional, and authentically yours.
Dr. Day offers two primary techniques: chin implants and sliding genioplasty. He will recommend the most appropriate approach based on your anatomy, your goals, and your overall facial masculinization plan during a personal consultation at his Bellevue office, conveniently located near Seattle, Kirkland, and Redmond. Care is provided in alignment with WPATH standards.
Double Board-Certified (ABPS + ABS)
Ivy League Trained
Highly Rated Bellevue Plastic Surgeon
Proudly Serving Bellevue, Seattle, Kirkland, Redmond, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Renton
What is Chin Augmentation?
Chin augmentation is a surgical procedure that strengthens the projection and contour of the chin — a defining step for many patients pursuing facial masculinization. The chin is the structural anchor of the lower face, and even moderate changes in its projection can significantly shift how the entire profile reads, complementing changes to the jaw, brow, and overall facial skeleton.
It is important to distinguish chin augmentation from genioplasty — two terms that are often used interchangeably but are clinically distinct:
Chin augmentation** typically refers to the placement of a shaped implant to add forward — and sometimes downward — projection and contour. Chin implants add projection; they do not reduce or reshape the chin in other directions.
Sliding genioplasty is a bone-based procedure in which the chin bone itself is cut and repositioned. Genioplasty is more versatile — it can move the chin forward, backward, laterally, or downward, and can make the chin larger or smaller depending on the patient’s goals.
Dr. Day offers both techniques and will recommend the appropriate approach based on your anatomy, your overall masculinization plan, and your goals. Chin augmentation is frequently combined with jaw augmentation, brow bone contouring, rhinoplasty, or other facial masculinization procedures — and it is also commonly performed as a standalone procedure when the chin is the primary focus.
The Two Techniques: Implant vs. Genioplasty
The table below summarizes the practical differences between the two techniques described above. Dr. Day will recommend the appropriate approach based on your anatomy and your overall masculinization plan.
Chin Implant | Sliding Genioplast | |
|---|---|---|
Best For | Adding forward (and sometimes downward) projection — the most common chin masculinization approach | Multi-directional repositioning, asymmetry |
Technique | Shaped implant placed through a small incision inside the lower lip | The chin bone itself is cut and precisely repositioned, then secured with small titanium plates |
Anesthesia | General anesthesia or IV sedation | General anesthesia |
Recovery | Desk work within the first week; soft-food diet for 1–2 weeks | Desk work within the first week; soft-food diet for 2–4 weeks |
Reversible? | Implant can be removed or exchanged if goals change | Long-lasting structural change |
Incision | Inside the lower lip | Inside the lower lip |
Why Craniofacial Fellowship Training Matters for Facial Masculinization
Chin augmentation looks deceptively simple — but achieving a result that reads as naturally masculine, proportional, and uniquely yours requires a deep understanding of facial skeletal anatomy and three-dimensional proportions across the entire face. Dr. Day completed a craniofacial surgery fellowship — one of the rarest and most competitive programs of its kind, focused entirely on the bones and soft tissues of the face and skull — making him the only craniofacial fellowship-trained plastic surgeon practicing in Bellevue.
This training is especially valuable in a facial masculinization context. The chin does not exist in isolation; its projection and contour interact with the jaw, brow, nose, and overall facial skeleton. Dr. Day approaches every chin masculinization patient with that full anatomical perspective — tailoring the size, shape, and position of the augmentation so that the result complements your broader masculinization plan and looks completely natural, never surgical.
Benefits of Chin Augmentation in Bellevue
Chin augmentation delivers results that go far beyond a stronger chin — it can transform how your entire face is perceived. For patients pursuing facial masculinization, the chin is one of the most defining single features of the lower face, and even a moderate change in its projection can significantly shift how your entire profile reads. Many patients describe a profile that finally aligns with how they see themselves — and greater confidence in photos, video calls, and everyday life.
Physical Benefits
- Stronger forward chin projection — a defining feature of a masculine profile
- More defined, masculine jawline and overall profile
- Corrected chin asymmetry or profile imbalance
- Improved chin-nose balance and facial harmony
- Sharper, more defined neck-chin angle
- Incision placed inside the lower lip — no external skin incision
Lifestyle & Confidence Benefits
- Greater alignment between how you feel and how you appear — at work, in photos, and in everyday interactions
- A natural-looking masculine profile — results that read as authentically yours, not surgical
- Long-lasting, maintenance-free results
- Often combined with jaw augmentation, brow bone contouring, or rhinoplasty as part of a complete masculinization plan
- Performed as an outpatient procedure — no overnight hospital stay
- Short recovery: most patients return to desk work within the first week
Am I a Good Candidate for Chin Augmentation?
Chin augmentation is one of the most defining single procedures in facial masculinization — and one of the more accessible. Dr. Day will evaluate your facial anatomy, overall health, and masculinization goals during your personal consultation, in alignment with WPATH standards of care, to confirm candidacy and recommend the right approach.
- Ideal Candidates — You May Be a Strong Candidate If:
- You want stronger forward chin projection as part of your facial masculinization
- Your profile feels less defined than the masculine appearance you want
- You have chin asymmetry or an off-center chin
- Your neck-chin angle feels weak or undefined
- You are in good overall health with stable weight
- You have (or are working with your care team to obtain) a letter from a licensed mental health professional confirming gender dysphoria, in alignment with WPATH standards
- When to Wait — Chin Augmentation May Not Be Right If:
- You have active skin infection or dental issues near the surgical area
- You have unrealistic expectations about what chin augmentation alone can achieve
- Significant current illness or recent major surgery — allow adequate recovery time
- You are currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have certain autoimmune conditions that affect healing
- You are still experiencing significant facial bone development (under 18)
Chin augmentation is often combined with jaw augmentation, brow bone contouring, rhinoplasty, or other procedures as part of a complete facial masculinization plan. Dr. Day will discuss whether a combined approach is right for your goals during your consultation.
Not Sure If You're a Candidate?
A personal consultation with Dr. Day is the first step. He’ll review your facial anatomy, discuss your masculinization goals, and walk you through your options — without pressure.
The Chin Augmentation Journey
Recovery Timeline
Step 1: Personal Consultation
What to Expect
Dr. Day meets with you one-on-one at the Bellevue office. He evaluates your facial anatomy — including bone structure, soft tissue, and overall facial proportions — and discusses your masculinization goals in detail. He will explain both technique options, answer your questions without pressure, and recommend the approach best suited to your anatomy and your broader masculinization plan. Imaging tools may be used to help visualize potential outcomes.
Step 2: Pre-Surgical Preparation
What to Expect
You will receive detailed pre-operative instructions, including any required laboratory work, medication adjustments, and fasting guidelines. Dr. Day and his team are available to answer questions at any point leading up to your surgery.
Step 3: Surgery Day
What to Expect
Chin augmentation is performed as an outpatient procedure, typically lasting 1–2 hours under general anesthesia or IV sedation. For implant placement, a small incision is made inside the lower lip rather than on external skin. For sliding genioplasty, the chin bone is precisely cut and repositioned before being secured with small titanium plates. You will be discharged the same day to recover at home.
Step 4: Immediate Recovery (Days 1–7)
What to Expect
Expect mild swelling, bruising, and tightness around the chin and jaw — this is normal and temporary. Low-grade activity (short walks) is encouraged starting the day after surgery — no grimace, grunt, strain, or sweat. A soft food diet is required for the first 1–2 weeks to avoid stress on the chin area. Most patients return to desk work within the first week.
Step 5: Full Recovery Timeline
What to Expect
Light exercise typically resumes at weeks 2–4, beginning at 50% of your pre-operative baseline and increasing gradually. Full activity is typically resumed by weeks 4–6. Significant swelling resolves within 2–4 weeks. Final contour and definition become visible at 3–6 months as residual swelling completely subsides. Results are designed to be long-lasting.
Step 6: Follow-Up Care
What to Expect
Dr. Day personally conducts all follow-up appointments. The practice is available by phone — (425) 818-8991 — for any questions or concerns throughout your recovery.
"I went to Dr. Day's office for facial feminization surgery, and I don't think I could be happier with the results!"
— Michelle D., Gender-Affirming Surgery Patient · Google Review
What Results Can I Expect from Chin Augmentation?
Chin augmentation delivers some of the most defining changes available in facial masculinization — and because the changes are long-lasting and the incision is placed inside the lower lip, results look completely natural over time.
Patients frequently describe looking in the mirror and seeing a stronger, more masculine version of themselves — a profile that finally matches how they see themselves.
When Will I See Results?
Initial swelling begins to resolve within the first 2 weeks, and most patients are comfortable returning to social and work settings within 7–10 days. The majority of swelling is gone by 4–6 weeks, with final refinement — the full, long-lasting result — visible at 3–6 months.
Are Results Permanent?
Both chin implants and sliding genioplasty produce long-lasting structural changes. Chin implants are stable and designed to be durable; they can be removed or exchanged if your goals change in the future. Sliding genioplasty repositions the bone itself, and results are designed to be long-lasting.
Chin Augmentation Cost in Bellevue
The cost of chin augmentation varies depending on the technique selected, the extent of the procedure, anesthesia type, and facility fees. Pricing is discussed in detail during your personal consultation with Dr. Day, where a comprehensive estimate will be provided based on your individualized masculinization plan.
What Affects the Cost of Chin Augmentation?
The largest factor in determining your procedure cost is the time required in the operating room.
Our facility fee covers anesthesia, equipment, any implants used, surgical staff, and post-operative recovery.
- Technique: Sliding genioplasty typically requires more operative time than chin implant placement
- Anesthesia type and duration (general vs. sedation)
- Facility fees at the surgical center
- Whether chin augmentation is combined with jaw augmentation, brow bone contouring, rhinoplasty, or another facial masculinization procedure
- Post-surgical care supplies and garments
What’s Included in Your Chin Augmentation Investment
Your surgical fee covers all of the following at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery:
- Surgeon's fee
- Facility / operating room fee
- Anesthesia (administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist)
- Enhanced Recovery After Surgery medication (Exparel)
- Cosmetic surgery insurance coverage (Cosmetasure)
- High-end compression garment (Isavella)
- High-end scar ointment (Biocorneum)
- Swelling and bruising ointment (Arnica)
- Clara Recovery Supplements
- Chlorhexidine Anti-Septic Scrub Cloths
- Post-operative recovery and follow-up care
Financing Options
Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery accepts CareCredit (6-month financing) and Alphaeon Credit, two of the most widely used healthcare financing programs. Both allow patients to begin their journey without paying the full cost upfront.
Starting from $5,500
Chin Augmentation — Starting from $5,500
Pricing varies based on your individualized surgical plan. Costs are discussed in detail during your consultation
Why Bellevue Patients Choose Dr. Kristopher Day for Chin Augmentation
When it comes to facial masculinization, surgeon selection is everything. Chin augmentation requires not just technical skill, but a sophisticated understanding of facial aesthetics, proportion, and skeletal anatomy — the kind of understanding that comes from specialized training most plastic surgeons never receive.
✓ The Only Craniofacial Fellowship-Trained Plastic Surgeon in Bellevue
Dr. Day completed a craniofacial surgery fellowship — a rare, highly competitive training program focused entirely on the bones and soft tissues of the face and skull.
This fellowship is the gold standard for facial surgical expertise, and Dr. Day is the only plastic surgeon in the Bellevue market who holds this credential. For chin augmentation — and for facial masculinization more broadly, where the chin, jaw, brow, and overall facial skeleton must work together to deliver a naturally masculine result — this background is uniquely valuable.
✓ Double Board-Certified in Plastic Surgery and General Surgery
Dr. Day holds board certifications from both the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the American Board of Surgery (ABS) — the highest standard of credentialing available to plastic surgeons. Each certification reflects a distinct area of surgical expertise, and together they represent an unusually complete foundation of training, safety, and skill.
✓ Personal Attention from Start to Finish
Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery is a boutique practice — not a high-volume clinic. Dr. Day personally conducts every consultation, performs every surgery, and sees every patient at follow-up. When you call (425) 818-8991, you are reaching a practice where your care is personal, not delegated.
✓ Highly Rated by Our Patients
Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery is one of the highest-rated plastic surgery practices in Bellevue. Our patients consistently praise Dr. Day’s thorough explanations, no-pressure approach, artistic eye, and attentive recovery support.
✓ Surgical Facilities
Dr. Day holds surgical privileges at Swedish Medical Center, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Carillon Point Surgery Center, and Sound Plastic Surgery Center.
Conveniently Located for Local Families
Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery is centrally located in downtown Bellevue, making Dr. Day’s fellowship-trained expertise accessible to families throughout Bellevue and the surrounding communities — without the stress of navigating Seattle traffic. Our patients enjoy a private, boutique surgical experience with on-site validated parking, just minutes from the communities they call home.
Seattle
~15 minutes
World-class plastic surgery results without the downtown Seattle parking hassle. A quick drive across SR-520 or I-90 to our private Bellevue office.
Kirkland
~10 minutes
Just minutes from downtown Kirkland and the Juanita waterfront via I-405 or surface streets.
Redmond
~10 minutes
Convenient for the Redmond tech community via SR-520 or surface streets.
Mercer Island
~10 minutes
A quick drive across I-90. Our discreet, private environment is ideal for discerning Mercer Island residents.
Issaquah
~10 minutes
Convenient for Issaquah Highlands and Gilman Village area families via I-90.
Renton
~5 minutes
Easy access from Renton and the Landing via I-405 North. Boutique care and personalized attention just minutes away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a chin implant and sliding genioplasty?
A chin implant is a shaped implant placed inside the lower lip that adds forward — and sometimes downward — chin projection. Implants add projection; they do not reduce or reshape the chin in other directions. Sliding genioplasty is a bone-based procedure in which the chin bone itself is cut and repositioned; it can move the chin forward, backward, laterally, or downward, and can make the chin larger or smaller depending on the patient’s goals. Dr. Day will recommend the appropriate technique based on your anatomy and your masculinization plan.
How does chin augmentation fit into a facial masculinization plan?
For many patients, chin augmentation is one of several procedures that contribute to facial masculinization — supporting a stronger, more masculine lower-face profile. It can be performed as a standalone procedure or as part of a broader plan that may include jaw augmentation, brow bone contouring, rhinoplasty, or other procedures. Dr. Day will discuss how chin augmentation fits your individual masculinization goals during your consultation.
How long does chin augmentation surgery take?
Most chin augmentation procedures take 1–2 hours, performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation on an outpatient basis. You go home the same day.
What is recovery like after chin augmentation?
Expect mild swelling, bruising, and tightness for the first several days. A soft food diet is required for 1–2 weeks. Low-grade activity (walking) is encouraged starting the day after surgery. Most patients return to desk work within the first week. Light exercise typically resumes at weeks 2–4; full activity by weeks 4–6. Significant swelling resolves in 2–4 weeks; final results are visible at 3–6 months.
Where is the incision placed?
Both chin implant placement and sliding genioplasty use an incision made entirely inside the lower lip rather than on external skin, so the incision is not on the face itself. Healing inside the mouth is typically rapid, and Dr. Day’s precision with closure supports a clean recovery.
Am I a good candidate for chin augmentation?
Strong candidates are adults in good overall health who want stronger forward chin projection as part of their facial masculinization. Common reasons patients seek chin augmentation include building a more masculine profile, addressing chin asymmetry, or complementing other masculinization procedures. Dr. Day will evaluate your facial anatomy and discuss your masculinization goals during consultation to determine whether implant or genioplasty is the right approach.
Do I need a letter from a mental health professional for chin augmentation?
In alignment with WPATH standards of care, we ask that gender-affirming surgical patients have a letter from a licensed mental health professional confirming a diagnosis of gender dysphoria. If you do not yet have this documentation, our team can discuss the process during your consultation and help you understand the steps involved.
How much does chin augmentation cost in Bellevue?
Cost depends on the technique selected, anesthesia type, and facility fees. A detailed estimate is provided during your personal consultation with Dr. Day. CareCredit (6-month financing) and Alphaeon Credit are available.
Will insurance cover chin augmentation for facial masculinization?
Insurance coverage for facial masculinization procedures varies by carrier, plan, and the documentation supporting medical necessity. Many private insurers cover gender-affirming surgical care when documentation under a gender dysphoria diagnosis is in place. Our team can help you understand what documentation may be needed and how to approach coverage inquiries with your insurer.
Can chin augmentation be combined with rhinoplasty?
Yes. Chin augmentation is often combined with rhinoplasty as part of a facial masculinization plan — addressing chin and nose together can produce a more harmonized masculine profile than addressing either in isolation, and requires only one recovery. Chin augmentation is also frequently combined with jaw augmentation, brow bone contouring, or other procedures. Dr. Day’s craniofacial training makes him particularly skilled at planning combined approaches.
Will chin augmentation change how my nose looks?
A more projected chin shifts how your entire profile is perceived. The chin reads as a stronger anchor of the lower face, and the nose appears more proportionate within the overall facial structure. For some patients, strengthening the chin alone supports the masculine profile they want; for others, chin augmentation is part of a broader plan that may include rhinoplasty as well.
How long do results from chin augmentation last?
Results are designed to be long-lasting. A chin implant provides stable, durable augmentation that can remain in place for many years and can be removed or exchanged if your goals change in the future. Sliding genioplasty repositions the bone itself and is a long-lasting structural change.
How do I schedule a chin augmentation consultation with Dr. Day?
Call Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery at (425) 818-8991 to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Day. The practice serves patients from Bellevue, Seattle, Kirkland, Redmond, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Renton, and surrounding areas. Financing options are available through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit.Schedule Your Consultation Now
You deserve to feel confident in your profile again. Dr. Day and the Pacific Sound team create personalized transformation plans tailored to your unique goals.