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

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

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.

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.