What to Do about a Small or Recessed Chin
A strong, defined chin is an attractive facial feature. It balances out the nose and creates a beautiful profile. Ideally, the chin should align vertically through the philtrum, which is the junction between the nose and upper lip. Unfortunately due to genetics, not everyone is born with a strong and well-defined chin.
If you have a weak or recessed chin that you feel doesn’t match who you are on the inside, cosmetic surgery can help. Read on as Dr. Alexander Ereso explains how they can improve the look of a small or recessed chin.
Placing an Implant
The first option to enhance a small or recessed chin is to build it up with the placement of an artificial implant. Chin implants are biocompatible, meaning the body won’t reject them, and they come in all shapes and sizes to suit different faces.
Our plastic surgeons can take measurements of your face to help determine what type of implant to place. During chin augmentation surgery, they insert and position the implant through an incision inside the mouth or under the chin. The placement of a chin implant can be performed on an outpatient basis with anesthesia.
Sliding Genioplasty
Another surgical option to enhance and define a small or recessed chin is a procedure called sliding genioplasty, which “lengthens” the chin bone. The surgery involves cutting the bone and sliding it forward to accentuate the profile. The gap is then filled with the patient’s own bone or an artificial graft. Sliding genioplasty is more complex than simply placing an implant and thus requires the experience and skill of a truly talented plastic surgeon.
Removal of Submental Fat
Sometimes the problem is not a weak chin, per se, but actually excess fat underneath the chin that obscures the angle of the neck. In those cases, it may be appropriate to remove the fat under the chin (i.e., submental fat) with liposuction to create greater delineation and definition between the chin and neck. Alternatively, Kybella, an FDA-approved injectable treatment, has been proven to destroy the fat cells under your chin and improve the appearance of your neck and chin contour.
Contact Alexander Ereso Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics
Dr. Ereso would be pleased to meet with you, discuss your goals of surgery and determine the most suitable approach. Please call or email Alexander Ereso Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics today to request an appointment.
