22 Years Old, Very Self-conscious over Weak Chin, Not Sure if Chin Implant or Jaw Surgery is Best Option? (photo)

Question

I'm 22 years old and extremely self conscious over my weak chin. I had braces when i was in 6th grade and they mentioned something about jaw surgery ( but my parents said no). So i wasn't sure if i should return to an orthodontist and have jaw surgery to fix my chin, or if a chin implant would be more suitable because its mostly for aesthetic reasons. I'm in CT, and not sure where to find a surgeon or where to look. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thank you,

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

I read your concerns and reviewed your profile photo:

	If your dental occlusion is normal, I see no disadvantage in considering chin implant surgery. My personal preference is to use extended anatomical silicone implants placed through a small incision under your chin. You may require a large or extra-large implant which may be associated with a slightly higher incidence of lower lip weakness and chin numbness.

	If you're a candidate for chin implant surgery, surgery takes under an hour, and downtime is around a week. Silicone chin implants are removable, if necessary. Genioplasty surgery is more invasive, with more downtime, and possibly less precise in predicting an outcome.

	Hope this is helpful for you.

	Dr. Joseph

Elliot W. Jacobs, MD · Answer

You appear to have a severe deficiency of the lower jaw -- it requires orthognathic surgery to correct it.  Absolutely no chin implant could do for you what appropriate ortho surgery could do.

	Good luck!

	Elliot Jacobs, MD, FACS

	New York City

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Given the severity of your chin/lower jaw deficiency, you should first consult with an orthodontist and consider orthognathic surgery. (lower jaw advancement) There are chin advancement options to consider but these would secondary choices only after orthognathic surgery has been ruled out.

Manuel A. Lopez, MD · Answer

Looking at your photo you do have a significantly weak chin. I would anticipate that you have what is called micrognathia which means not only is your chin small but also your lower jaw (mandible) is set too far back compared to your upper jaw (maxilla). Microgenia is when you have a small chin but your jaws are well aligned. In either case your options include surgically advancing your lower jaw bone which can also improve your bite or just placing a large chin implant which will not affect your bite. I recommend seeing someone in your area that is comfortable doing the procedures and discussing the pros and cons of each. Asking your dentist for a good oral surgeon referral is a good place to start to get more information about the jaw surgery. Best wishes.

Stuart H. Bentkover, MD (retired) · Answer

Looking at your profile, my first reaction would be that you would require a very large chin implant, and it might not look quite normal.  Also, it depends somewhat on whether or not your bite is normal.  I would get an opinion from an oral-maxilofacial surgeon first.

22 Years Old, Very Self-conscious over Weak Chin, Not Sure if Chin Implant or Jaw Surgery is Best Option? (photo)

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22 Years Old, Very Self-conscious over Weak Chin, Not Sure if Chin Implant or Jaw Surgery is Best Option? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Weak chin

Answer: Weak chin

Answer: Chin augmentation

Answer: Chin augmentation

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chin Implant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.