Taking it on the chin - plastic surgery's latest craze

A new chin can make you look younger, according to surgeons. Photo / Thinkstock

Chin implants are plastic surgery's latest craze, according to new research.

Overall, the number of people getting chin augmentation surgery grew by 71 per cent from 2010 to 2011, a rate faster than that of Botox, breast augmentation and liposuction combined.

According to the data released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), chin jobs are slightly more popular with men, at a rate of 76 per cent compared with women at 66 per cent.

Plastic surgery professionals in New Zealand say the procedure's popularity has made its way here, too.

President of the New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgeons, Howard Klein, says "the trend in New Zealand has generally mirrored the experience elsewhere in the world."

ASPS president Dr Malcolm Z Roth says the increase shows people want to restore their youthful look, especially because the chin and jawline are the first areas to show signs of ageing.

He also attributes the rise in video communication like Skype for chin implants' exploding popularity.

"We also know that as more people see themselves on video chat technology, they may notice that their jawline is not as sharp as they want it to be," he said in a statement.

"Chin implants can make a dramatic difference."

Chin implants haven't yet secured the place of most popular cosmetic procedure, a spot long held by breast augmentation.

Other cosmetic procedures that saw a rise in popularity in 2011:
* Lip augmentation: 49 per cent increase
* Cheek implant: 47 per cent increase
* Laser skin resurfacing: nine per cent increase
* Soft tissue fillers: seven per cent increase
* Facelift: five per cent increase

(Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons Statistics)