Should I reduce my chin size if it will make my nose bigger? (Photo)

Question

I have a very prominent chin, I've been told, and I have been considering reducing its size, but I'm scared that it will make my nose look too big in comparison. Should I still go through with the chin reduction? I'm hesitant to get a nose job

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

This is a very understandable concern, because the chin and nose are not viewed independently. Changing the projection or size of the chin can absolutely change how prominent the nose appears, even though the nose itself hasn't changed. Facial balance is largely about the relationship between these structures.

If your chin is genuinely prominent, reducing it can make your profile more balanced. But the important question is how much reduction is appropriate. I would be cautious about removing a large amount simply because the chin has been described as "too prominent." Chin reduction can involve reducing projection, vertical height, width, or a combination of these, and the goal should be proportionality rather than making the chin as small as possible.

What about your nose looking bigger?

Yes, that is possible. If you reduce a strongly projecting chin, the nose may appear more prominent afterward. This is a change in perception rather than the nose actually becoming larger. The opposite is also true: a strong or projecting chin can make the nose appear smaller or less prominent.

This is why I would not evaluate chin reduction in isolation. The nose-lips-chin relationship should be assessed together, particularly from the profile. Facial analysis should also consider the vertical height of the lower face, the position of the lips, the jawline, and the soft tissues—not simply whether the chin sticks out.

Do you have to get a rhinoplasty?

No. If you're happy with your nose itself and your main concern is your chin, I wouldn't assume that you need a rhinoplasty just because reducing the chin might make the nose look somewhat more prominent.

Sometimes the better solution is simply to perform a more conservative chin reduction that improves the overall proportions without dramatically changing the relationship with the nose.

There are also different ways to reduce a chin. For example, someone may need primarily horizontal deprojection, vertical shortening, narrowing, or a combination. The appropriate approach depends on the actual anatomy.

What I would be most cautious about

I wouldn't make this decision based on a single photograph or on the statement that your chin is "prominent." I'd want to see the relationship between your forehead, nose, lips, chin, and neck from multiple angles, both at rest and in animation. Three-dimensional or photographic analysis can be particularly helpful for determining how much reduction would actually improve your proportions.

If you're already hesitant about rhinoplasty, I think it's reasonable to respect that hesitation. You don't necessarily need to change your nose to achieve a more balanced profile. The goal of chin reduction should be to make the lower third of your face more harmonious—not to chase a particular measurement or create a situation where you then feel pressured to have another operation.

So, in simple terms: yes, reducing a prominent chin can make the nose look relatively larger, but that doesn't mean chin reduction is the wrong procedure for you. The key is determining the right amount and direction of chin reduction so that your overall facial proportions remain balanced.

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

Your chin projection in the profile view is good but it appears that your chin is vertically long. Reducing the height of your chin will soften your entire appearance and provide improved facial balance. The amount of reduction can be determined from a CT scan.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Facial aesthetics are primarily determined by bone structure.
Soft tissue coverage tends to be fairly consistent from person to person.
What gives each person their unique look and appearance is in fact, their facial skeleton.
Facial aesthetics is based on balance, and there are many variables to take in the consideration.
 There may be plastic surgeons who offer chin reduction surgery but in my experience it’s more commonly done by oral surgeons.
Oral surgeons tend to see things more from a skeletal perspective and plastic surgeons tend to be more soft tissue oriented.
These are some generalizations, but it seems That way to me.
Oral surgeons very in the type of surgery they do and the extent of their training.
Try to get a cephalometric assessment and get a good understanding of the balance and relationship of all your facial, skeletal primary structures.
I suggest all patients have multiple in person consultations before considering selecting a provider or scheduling a procedure.
 There are always going to be differences in skill and experience among different providers regardless of what their background is.
You may want to consult with both plastic surgeons and oral surgeons in your community though. I think you’ll find oral surgeons have more experience doing quality, cranial, facial assessments, and chin reduction surgery.
 Your chin seems to have significant vertical height, but does not have a lot of projection.
Having your chin reduced, will not make your nose bigger, but could potentially create improved facial balance. 
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Should I reduce my chin size if it will make my nose bigger? (Photo)

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