How can I change the shape of my chin soft tissue? (Photos)

Question

How can I change the shape of my chin soft tissue? It becomes very square when I smile. In the picture I pinch what I assume is the muscle to simulate how I want the shape to be. I already underwent a sliding genioplasty and a year later I had chin bone shaving to slim down the sides but neither helped which leads me to believe that it isn't a bone issue. I haven't seen much info on reducing the muscle aside from temporary Botox but I want something permanent. All suggestions are appreciated.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

​I find that VASER liposuction in combination with Renuvion or ThermiRF are best for contouring the chin in those who are candidates, but Kybella can be used as an alternative and gets better results when combined with Thermage/Ultherapy/Exilis, TruSculpt iD, or Coolsculpting. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer​

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Though Botox can help to achieve the desired effect, you are right that the result would be temporary, generally lasting for 3-4 months. Dermal fillers can optimize Botox results and last longer, but would still need to be readministered on an ongoing basis.
You may benefit from chin augmentation, which can change the contour of the jawline with chin implants and/ or autologous fat transfer. I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon who can assess your aesthetic goals and suggest the best plan of action to help you achieve them.

Susan Tan, MD · Answer

The chin is structured by the underlying bone, soft tissue and mentalis muscle. A combination treatment can give you the aesthetic chin you are looking for. Specifically, the bulk of the mentalis muscle can be relaxed with botox, and this can help to reduce the width of the chin when smiling. To give the appearance of a more heart shaped or 'pointy' chin, dermal filler placed strategically in the lower face can achieve that. This combination treatment can help create more harmony in the face and improve facial proportions.

Dean P. Kane, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Ktdec5, 
Thanks for sharing your photos. It demonstrates the differences in your chin contours and your desires. A sliding genioplasty would raise, lower and project / retract a chin and only if the surgeon contoured the chin will it have narrowed as you wished. Please consider the following:
Obtain further consultations with talented and skilled, Board Certified Oral Surgeon, Plastic Surgeon, ENT Surgeon with minimally invasive and surgical experience.
A secondary surgical chin contour change.
A chin implant.
Use of Radiesse (bone-like mineral) or hyaluronic acid gel filler
Defer the use of “botox” as this injectable muscle relaxer in the chin muscles will not reduce muscle size without affecting your lower lip smile and contour. 
I hope this helps. All the best!

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

There are great many muscles that are involved in the process of a smile. The muscles of the chin keep the symmetry and balance in a smile. When one interferes with the muscles of the chin, the smile can become extremely crooked or undesirable. The speech, at the same time, can also become illegible.  I think you should accept  the shape of your chin when you smile and try not to open up a can of worms. I hope this helps and good luck from New York City Plastic Surgery

How can I change the shape of my chin soft tissue? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Changing chin contour options

Answer: Changing chin contour options

Answer: Changing the shape of the chin

Answer: Changing the shape of the chin

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How can I change the shape of my chin soft tissue? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Changing chin contour options

Answer: Changing chin contour options

Answer: Changing the shape of the chin

Answer: Changing the shape of the chin

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.