In order to balance a profile, a building up of the chin or cheek may serve as effective. The procedure can be done separately or in combination with a nose reduction or face-lift. The implant used is either the patient's own bone or cartilage, or a piece of synthetic material. The use of a synthetic is a simpler operation and is more common, but it involves a foreign material. The incision can be made under the chin, in the eyelid, or inside the mouth. Complications may include infection or resorption if bone is used, but these are uncommon. Placing the implant through the mouth avoids the external scar but does increase the risk of infection.

This operation is usually performed under local or general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Healing takes from 4 to 10 days during which time the patient should avoid unnecessary facial movement, eat only soft foods, and limit talking. Tapes are in place for a week and sutures dissolve internally.