I once had a decent chin and jaw line, but after I turned 19-20 my chin started to receede, whether through the removal of baby fat, my chin not growing in accordance to my face, or bite misalignment is unknown. However it has gotten to a point where it makes my face looks very feminine and if I am not jutting out my lower jaw, it appears as if I don't have a chin. I know some weight loss will make my cheeks look gaunt and my jaw line more pronounced, but it doesn't help my weak chin.
Answer
Hello and thank you for the question. A visit to an orthodontist or oral surgeon should help elucidate whether corrective dental or jaw surgery will help your specific situation. If your occlusion is normal, however, an extended anatomic silicone implant will help provide definition and augmentation to the chin. This can be perfomed safely in the office simply with local anesthesia.
Dr. Giancarlo Zuliani, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
This sounds like a possible indication for chin augmentation surgery- in where I prefer to use typically an anatomical shaped chin implant. I would consult with an oral surgeon as well to evaluate possible indication for a genioplasty as an alternative, especially if there is malocclusion of your bite.
Dr. Jeffrey Epstein, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
Dear Jason,Photos would be very helpful in answering your question. You may be a candidate for a chin implant or sliding genioplasty (where the chin bone is cut, slid forward and plated in place). Of particular importance is how your teeth line up now, which is difficult to ascertain over an online forum such as this. Obtain a consultation from a Plastic Surgeon with experience in these techniques in order to come up with the best plan based on your examination. Best of luck.
Dr. Luis Macias, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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The chin implant will certainly create a more prominent chin, but it will not address the bite issues. An exam will be necessary to determine what is appropriate.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA
Dr. Kenneth Hughes, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
Chin implants are manufactured in a variety of sizes and shapes, are placed through a sub mental approach usually under local anesthesia. The implant is placed directly over the bone for cosmetic improvement and augmentation. Placing a chin implant will have no bearing on alignment of the teeth. For alignment of the teeth, a mandibular osteotomy or orthodontic braces are required.
Dr. William Portuese, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon