Can my recessed chin and shadowing under my bottom lip be corrected with a chin implant? (photos)

In this case, the options you have are: the insertion of a Chin Implant, an especially chosen, anatomically-shaped implant, or the other option would be a Genioplasty, where the surgeon will be able to remodel the bone of your chin and move it forwards.

You could also looking into a Non-Surgical route, including filling this dent with Dermal Fillers – but the results are usually sub-optimal and not long-lasting.

In my opinion, a Chin Implant will provide a big improvement in both the recessed chin and to some degree, the shadowing effect you see. However, the shadowing effect may not be eliminated as it seems to be the anatomy of your lower lip.

Thank you for your question and photos. You appear to be a candidate for a chin implant to address your recessed chin and create a striking jawline contour. With an implant, the ideal size and shape can be selected to improve your side profile while also supporting the area below your bottom lip and reducing the shadowing you’re referring to.

I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon. They will be able to discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals with you to determine the best course of action.

I would highly recommend a genioplasty over an implant. A genioplasty is more versatile and allows for larger movements than an implant. Your chin is considered 'short' compared to the rest of your face, and is slightly recessed (meaning it falls back behind your lips). By bringing your chin forward and down, we would create more projection and help to balance out your profile. With that, it will also elongate your jawline, adding more definition. It will also improve the labiomental fold (crease/shadowing under your lips). During the procedure, we can also remove that indentation in the middle of your chin as well. The entire procedure is done through your mouth so there are no external incisions (no outside scarring). Although the recovery for this procedure is a little longer than with an implant, the benefits and longevity are worth it. Our office provides simulated morph photos of expected outcomes and we are happy to schedule a virtual or in-person consult to discuss things further!

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan. It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

You do have a recessed chin. A deep mentolabial fold (shadow area) sometimes indicates a short chin in the vertical dimension. The chin is easily advanced with a chin implant but any vertical lengthening requires a sliding genioplasty.

A chin implant augmentation seems to be a reasonable option for your. That will also create more balance with your lower lip. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with good reputation in facial implants is recommended. Good luck.

Based on your photos, you clearly have a recessed chin. Not just on the lateral profile but with an experienced eye, you can see you have a recessed chin from the frontal view as well. The shadowing you describe under your lip which extends laterally to define the anterior border of your jowls is the result of a underprojected chin. A chin implant or an advancement osseous Genioplasty should successfully address this issue.


I hope this helps,
best of luck !