Would a chin implant or jaw surgery be most effective to correct my retrusive chin? (photos)

Hello, and thank you for your question. Based on your photo, it looks like you have a weak chin and may benefit from a chin augmentation procedure. While a more thorough evaluation is needed to determine the best procedure, typical treatments include chin implant surgery (an anatomically shaped implant is placed around your existing chin) or non-surgically through dermal fillers. Fillers can instantly restore lost volume and enhance the contours of your chin, bringing balance to your facial profile. To learn more about these procedures and your eligibility to undergo them, I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with a reputable board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Your surgeon can properly assess your face, determine the best procedure, and ensure the best possible results.

A formal evaluation would be needed to determine what's best. Many of my patients try to avoid surgery, so we perform a non-surgical chin augmentation treatment with injectable fillers. Fillers like Radiesse, Voluma, BellaFill as well as Sculptra are injected into the area, improving the overall appearance of the lower face and balancing the jaw and lip harmony. We use cannula injections to meticulously contour and project the chin, soften the chin along the jawline and improve the chin crease.

Implants are still a great option once you are 100% positive that you are ready for a permanent enhancement.​ I suggest getting a consultation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist and facial sculpting expert; our practice is located right here in Los Angeles. Best, Dr. Emer

Dear jaols810,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photo, it looks like you would benefit from chin implant. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

It is clear by just the one picture you have shown is that, at the least, chin augmentation would be of benefit. Whether that should be done by a chin implant to a sliding geniopalsty and how much projection looks good to you requires a more in depth discussion and computer imaging of potential chin projection changes.

Jaw surgery is performed when the teeth are significantly out of alignment. This procedure is performed by an oral surgeon under general anesthesia in the hospital setting with an overnight stay at the hospital. Placement of a chin implant can be performed under local anesthesia which takes approximately 30 minutes and is much less invasive.

I suggest having consultations with oral surgeons or plastic surgeons with cranial facial surgery backgrounds.

On your profile picture your upper lip has significantly more forward projection on your lower lip so most likely you have a significant overbite.

Augmenting the front of the chin will not address your dental position or dental occlusion.

Advancing your mandible may be a better option.

Consult with surgeons who can offer all the alternative procedures even if you opt for something less complex.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD