Options to fix recessed lower face and jowls? (Photos)

Question

I'm a 30-year-old Southeast Asian male. I got a chin implant back in 2019 to address a weak chin and some imbalance in my facial profile. While it helped at first, I noticed the results haven’t held up over time. I still have visible jowls, and my lower face remains quite recessed compared to the rest of my features. Recently, my orthodontist did a 3D scan and mentioned that the implant I have is the smallest he’s ever seen in his career - which makes me wonder if it was ever really adequate for my facial structure in the first place. I’m now exploring whether jaw surgery is my only option, or if there are other procedures that could improve the balance and projection of my lower face, like a bigger chin implant. Are there any treatments that might realistically help in my case? Or is jaw surgery the only long-term solution for skeletal issues like this?

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Since your implant is small, replacing it with a larger one may improve the projection of your lower face. This change could enhance the appearance of your chin and jawline, improve soft tissue support, and create better overall facial proportions. 
However, there are several other options that your surgeon may consider after assessing your situation. If projection alone is insufficient and you also have concerns about width or vertical height in the jaw, your surgeon might consider using wrap-around jaw implants. These implants augment both the chin and the angles of the mandible, providing a more comprehensive lower facial enhancement.
Orthognathic surgery may be the most effective solution if your concerns are skeletal and involve both the chin and jaw, such as a retruded mandible, malocclusion, or poor bite alignment. This procedure can reposition the entire jaw forward, correct facial proportions at a skeletal level, and enhance both function (bite and airway) and aesthetics. 
I recommend scheduling a consultation with a facial or maxillofacial surgeon who can evaluate 3D scans and your facial proportions.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

If the implant is small then it is possible that you have a larger implants.  The implants come in small, medium, large and x-large.  Traditionally, men usually use large or x-large routinely.  If you occlusion is proper then you may not need jaw surgery.  However, jaw surgery is an option to pull the mandible more forward.  In your frontal view, the corners of your mouth are quite low and give you a sad expression.  You may want to consider a lip lift.  A lip lift does 4 things: shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip, increases the mucosa of the upper lip, increases the incisor show and pulls up the corners.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, the chin implant did not provide adequate horizontal projection of your chin. You are still extremely recessed. I would recommend having the chin implant removed and undergo a sliding genioplasty of 10 mm. This will balance your lower face.  The surgery is performed in the office with intravenous anesthesia. You can return home the following day.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

There is no doubt that you need larger, extended chin implant. An anterior neck lift to reshape your anterior neck muscles, treat jowls and create visible jaw line should be considered. Good luck.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

You can consider a genioplasty which involves making cuts in the mandible bone and setting it forward with screws and plates. This procedure is usually performed when the teeth are significantly out of alignment. It is performed by an oral surgeon under general anesthesia in a hospital setting with an overnight stay at the hospital, and is in more invasive than a chin implant.
If your teeth are in relatively good position, and you just wanna cosmetic improvement, then consider placement of a chin implant, which can be done under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure in the office setting which takes about 30 minutes. The implant is placed through a small incision underneath the chin.

Options to fix recessed lower face and jowls? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Larger, extended chin implant, possibly neck lift

Answer: Larger, extended chin implant, possibly neck lift

Answer: Options to fix recessed, lower face

Answer: Options to fix recessed, lower face

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.

Options to fix recessed lower face and jowls? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Larger, extended chin implant, possibly neck lift

Answer: Larger, extended chin implant, possibly neck lift

Answer: Options to fix recessed, lower face

Answer: Options to fix recessed, lower face

Browse related questions

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.