I Have a Weak Chin - Do I Need a Chin Implant or Jaw Surgery?

Based on your photos, your profile would be improved by electing to have a chin implant procedure.  Please understand that this will not correct any dental/mandibular issues specifically. The cost of this type of procedure will vary based on your location, but I would first begin with a consultation from a board-certified facial plastic surgeon.  Explain your concerns and allow him/her to best guide you in person, based on your physical assessment and personal goals.  Best of luck on your journey.

Thank you for your question and photos. It does appear you could benefit from a chin implant to increase the projection of your chin and balance out your other facial features. Keep in mind that while this procedure will improve your facial profile, it will not do anything to improve your bite. That would need to be addressed by an oral surgeon with expertise in this area. I encourage you to schedule a consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon for a more detailed discussion of your concerns and goals and a comprehensive examination. This is the first step to creating a customized treatment plan that will meet your needs and goals best.

It's best to begin by consulting with a surgeon in-person to discuss your options. During your initial examination, your #chin will be evaluated along with the neck and jawline. A weak #chin implies a lack of chin support for the skin along the neck line. In younger individuals a chin implant alone is usually all that is needed to improve the appearance of the neck. Subsequently, it will also improve the overall #balance of the face and can create the illusion of a smaller nose. As a stand-alone procedure, chin augmentation can be performed in the office under local #anesthesia. For individuals with signs of #aging in the neck, a chin implant added to one of the recommended procedures above, will provide optimal results.If you are not a candidate at the time of your #consultation, your board certified plastic surgeon can recommend alternatives to address your concern. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in #face, #neck and #chin procedures is important to ensure you are receiving the best advice, care, and surgical experience possible.

It is possible to fix both your chin projection and tooth allignment in one surgery. This would involve orthognathic surgery. It's usually performed by either an oral surgeon or craniofacial surgeon. You should ask your dentist who he or she would recommend.

Chin implants or sliding genioplasty alone can help with your chin appearance but wouldn't do anything to change how your teeth come together.

A chin implant will improve your profile but will not fix your bite. I agree with Dr. Beraka that jaw surgery is a major procedure. However, this is what is necessary to both fix your bite and improve the appearance of your chin. These procedures are typically performed by Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons. The advantage of undergoing the larger jaw procedure, as opposed to just a chin implant, is that this should repair your occlusion (bite) and this will lead to better long term dental health as well as improving your appearance. However, you should balance this against the increased downtime following the procedure.
Best,Stephen Weber MD, FACS

If your teeth don't fit together well your best bet will be to start with a maxillofacial surgeon to determine if you are a candidate for orthognathic surgery. With jaw advancement and re-alignment, your functional issues (and often cosmetic!) can be improved. However, you may still require a chin implant after the final position of the bone has been set, based on your desired appearance. Good luck!

Hi there. A “strong” and well-defined jaw and chin have traditionally been attractive physical traits. As such, some patients present with concerns about a weak or recessed chin.A more aesthetic chin may be achieved by placement of a chin implant. Interestingly, a balanced chin improves overall facial appearance and may actually influence nasal projection.For example, a weak chin may increase the severity of an overprojected nose.Good overall medical health, as well as realistic expectations, are necessary. It is also key to understand all aspects of the surgery and aftercare. A pleasing, balanced profile can be achieved by inserting an implant to augment a weak chin, resulting in improved facial harmony.Hope this is helpful. Best wishes.

A chin implant would likely help to balance out your profile and give you the stronger chin you want. To improve your bite, however, you likely need jaw surgery which would be a separate procedure. 

Dear Eimes:  From your photographs, you are correct in thinking that your profile and facial appearance would be improved by a more prominent chin.  Chin implant placement is a relatively limited procedure, which can improve the "weak chin."  This procedure does not correct underlying mandibular problems or deformities. 

Since you describe prior orthodontic treatment and incomplete closure, I suspect that you have rather significant growth or development problems with your lower and / or upper jaws.  I agree that you would be best served by first seeking consultation with an Oral (Maxillofacial) surgeon.  They could show you how growth has affected your facial appearance, and suggest whether more extensive jaw re-alignment surgery would be better for you. 

After good evaluation and expert opinions, you may be well served by just a chin implant procedure.

It is common for the orthodontist to focus only on the bite and not consider the profile or real reason for the 'overbite'. The most ideal solution and look is to use a combination of repeat orthodontics to properly reposition the teeth and undergo a jaw surgery with or without a genioplasty done at the same time. In that manner, you correct both the bite and the cosmetic balance at one time. This is very common for some of us.