Protruding chin - surgical and nonsurgical options to balance my side profile? (Photos)

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. For a protruding chin, a great nonsurgical option to balance your side profile is dermal filler. I recommend using a hyaluronic acid-based filler, which can be strategically injected into the chin area to reshape and soften its appearance. By adding volume to the surrounding areas, such as the jawline, or subtly filling the chin itself, the filler can create a more harmonious profile, making the chin less prominent and improving the overall facial balance. This treatment is non-invasive, with minimal downtime, and the results are immediate, though temporary (lasting around 6-12 months depending on the filler used). If you're looking for a quick, non-permanent solution with natural-looking results, filler is an excellent choice.

From the photos provided, it would appear that the injection of a robust HA lifting filler in the mental crease (the horizontal furrow between the lower lip and the chin) would diminish the appearance of an overly projecting chin. It likewise would likely give an attractive slight flip upward of the lower lip. If necessary a small amount of a medium viscosity HA filler can be used to enhance fullness and projection of the lips, which also would likely contribute to greater harmony in the projections of the chin, lips and nose. You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist filler injection expert and best of luck.

Thank you for sharing your concerns — wanting more balance in your side profile is completely understandable, and many people feel unsure about whether the chin, jawline, or midface is contributing the most. Based on what you’ve described, here’s how I would typically think through this in a gentle, thoughtful way.

Understanding Facial Balance

A protruding or strong chin can sometimes look more pronounced if:

The midface is relatively flat or retruded,

The chin itself projects forward, or

The jawline is prominent compared to the cheeks, creating imbalance.

Often, it’s not just one area — it’s a combination that affects harmony in the profile.

Nonsurgical Options (Great for Temporary Improvement)

These can help you “preview” a more balanced profile or hold you over until you’re ready for surgery:

1. Chin and Jawline Filler

Can soften a pointy or prominent chin

Allows subtle reshaping without adding obvious bulk

Helpful to adjust asymmetry or refine the contour

2. Cheek or Midface Filler

Adds gentle volume to the midface

Can create better projection and take attention away from the chin

Often helps the entire profile look more proportionate

3. Lip Filler (When Appropriate)

Softens lower-face dominance

Can help the profile look more balanced by supporting surrounding structures

These nonsurgical treatments are reversible and temporary, but they offer real flexibility as you explore next steps.

Surgical Options (Longer-Lasting Structural Change)

If you’re thinking about a permanent improvement, these are the procedures most commonly considered:

1. Chin Reduction (Genioplasty)

Reduces projection of a prominent chin

Can reshape height, width, or forward projection

Often provides the most dramatic and natural balancing effect

2. Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery

Considered if the jaw alignment contributes significantly to the profile

Addresses the deeper skeletal structure rather than surface-level soft tissue

3. Cheek or Midface Implants

Adds forward projection to the midface

Helps the facial thirds (upper, middle, lower) look more proportionate

Often used when the chin isn’t the only contributing factor

How to Decide Which Area Matters Most

In many cases:

If the lower face appears long or the chin sticks out noticeably → chin-focused treatment is most helpful.

If the midface looks flatter from the side → midface support improves balance significantly.

If both areas contribute → a combination approach often looks the most natural.

A careful evaluation of facial thirds (upper, middle, lower face) usually guides the treatment plan.

Final Thoughts

You’re already on the right track by looking into both temporary and long-term options. Your concerns are completely valid, and there are multiple effective ways to improve harmony in your profile depending on what feels right for you — both now and in the future.

I hope this gives you a clearer sense of the possibilities and what each option can achieve.