Plastic surgeons performed more than 20,000 chin augmentation procedures last year, according to new statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

The statistics show that chin augmentation is the fastest growing trend in plastic surgery, across all major patient demographics. The society says the trend may be driven in part by increased usage of video chat technology, which is being used by aging baby boomers who want to maintain success in the workplace.

In 2011, chin augmentation grew more than breast augmentation, Botox and liposuction combined. A significant increase in procedures were seen in both men and women. The largest increase (77 percent) was seen in patients age 40 and older.

As a manager for a major software company, Lizette Stephens often finds herself face-to-face with people all over the world. And while she loves how technology keeps her in touch, she didn’t always like how it made her look.

“I do a lot of video chats and I’m in a lot of photos and noticed that my double chin was very pronounced. It really, really bothered me. I wanted to do something about it to get a more profound profile and more definition in my chin area,” said Stephens.

ASPS Surgeons Comment on Chin Augmentation Trend

“The chin and jawline are among the first areas to show signs of aging. People are considering chin augmentation as a way to restore their youthful look just like a facelift or eyelid surgery,” said ASPS President Malcolm Z. Roth, MD. “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. Chin implants can make a dramatic difference.”

Lizette Stephens (seen in the video) had chin augmentation with Darrick Antell, MD, based in New York City. Dr. Antell has reportedly studied the facial profiles of successful people. “We know that CEOs tend to be tall, attractive, good-looking people,” he comments.” We now know that these people also tend to have a stronger chin. As a result, people subconsciously associate a stronger chin with more authority, self-confidence and trustworthiness.”

Read more about Chin Augmentation in Mobile, AL.