Chin shaping - Is liposuction an option just to reshape the soft tissues? Or possibly facial fat grafting to change it? (Photo)

Hi! Dr. Peterson here —
The chin is one of those areas where small changes make a big difference in overall facial balance. Liposuction can sometimes refine fullness under or around the chin, but it won’t change the actual shape of the chin itself.
For reshaping, options like dermal fillers or biostimulatory injectables (like Sculptra or Radiesse) can add subtle volume or soften contours to bring the chin into better proportion with the rest of your face. In some cases, fat grafting can also be used, but that’s typically more invasive and less precise than injectable options.
The most important part is having this done by a board-certified dermatologist with an artistic eye for facial balancing. Rather than focusing only on the chin, a good aesthetic plan looks at the entire lower face and how the chin relates to the jawline, lips, and profile. That way, the goal isn’t just reducing size but achieving harmony with your natural features.

Here's a non AI answer. Chin reduction is done by shaping and reducing the bone and/or the soft tissues of the chin. We do it through the inside of the mouth if bone only, otherwise we go through a small incision under the chin. It can be a very helpful procedure. Watch our videos to learn more.

Thank you for your detailed question and the photo, which helps guide an individualized response.

Based on your description and image, your concerns appear to center around soft tissue contour and chin projection — specifically the subtle convexity and the small "upside-down U" shadow that can occur with tissue accumulation or structural prominence.

1. Chin Liposuction for Soft Tissue Refinement
Submental liposuction (or micro-lipo of the chin pad) can be a viable option if the issue is due to excess fat or soft tissue fullness in the chin area.

This can help refine the contour without altering your jawline, which you mentioned you like.

Candidates with good skin elasticity tend to see the best outcomes, as the skin can redrape naturally over the new contour.

2. Facial Fat Grafting – Use With Caution
Fat grafting to the face is typically used to add volume, not reduce it.

In your case, since the concern is that the chin feels too large, fat grafting would likely not be appropriate unless used very selectively to smooth surrounding contour (e.g., prejowl sulcus or submental shadow).

It’s important not to overfill, as it may further emphasize the size/shape you're trying to minimize.

3. Non-Surgical Alternatives
Chin contouring with filler (e.g., hyaluronic acid) can be used to reshape the chin with subtle adjustments — even to create the illusion of a more streamlined or elongated profile.

While this seems counterintuitive if you dislike the size, minor contouring adjustments with filler or Botox to the mentalis muscle may reduce chin dimpling and soften the upside-down U shape you mentioned.

4. Genioplasty (for structural issues)
If your concern is more skeletal than soft tissue (e.g., prominent bony projection), a sliding genioplasty may be a long-term surgical option, but this is more invasive and not usually the first line for mild aesthetic concerns.

Summary:
Chin liposuction can be a useful soft tissue-focused option to refine contour while preserving your jawline.

Fat grafting is less suitable in your case unless addressing surrounding hollow areas.

Non-surgical options like fillers or Botox may offer minor improvements to shape or tension.

Careful consultation and individualized planning are essential to ensure a subtle, balanced result.

A facial assessment needs frontal and sideways pictures.
We generally make assessments without facial expression.
It sounds like you might benefit from a chin reduction.
This is a fairly involved procedure that typically involves a skeletal and soft tissue component.
Some plastic surgeons do chin reductions, but they’re probably more often done by oral surgeons.Consider consulting with plastic surgeons or oral surgeons in your community. Pbest,
Mats Hagstrom MD