Chin Enhancement Solutions

Who may consider a procedure that defines or enhances the chin?

And now for a quick anatomy recap: The chin is formed by the mental protuberance, a bony prominence at the mandibular symphysis (lower jaw). A chin pad composed of fat tissue lies just under the chin and can factor into overall appearance. The mentalis muscle (for the lower lip) inserts on the chin and connects to the overlying soft tissue. Men naturally have square, wide chins whereas females have rounded, narrower chins. Genetics, body weight, age (descent of the soft tissues), and certain medical illnesses (especially endocrine disorders) will impact chin appearance. The subcategories of chin concerns are outlined below:

• Submental Fat (a.k.a. Double Chin): This occurs when there is excess fat tissue in the submental fat pad. This can be due to body weight or genetic predisposition.
• Dimpled Chin: This most commonly is caused by a shortened, tight mentalis muscle of the lower lip pulling on the soft tissue of the chin causing an indentation. This can be categorized as static or dynamic chin ptosis.
• Drooping Chin: Usually due to natural aging as skin elastin and collagen breaks down causing skin to sag.
• Large Chin: Due to underlying bone structure being disproportionately large to other facial features and the neck. Typically genetic.
• Small or Recessed Chin: A lack of size in the mental protuberance can cause a lack of chin definition creating a small or recessed appearance.

What can you expect from chin defining procedures?

Chin surgery (a.k.a. mentoplasty) is the general term for procedures aimed at altering the chin shape and size. Both surgical and non-surgical procedures exist with varying levels of invasiveness. Depending on the concern and procedure, enhancements and corrections can be made to the bone, muscle, fat, or soft tissue of the chin area.

• Chin Augmentation: Augmentation procedures utilize fillers, injectables, and implants to enhance chin size, shape, and definition. Augmentations can also create or reduce dimples.
• Chin Reduction: A chin reduction excisional approach procedure decreases chin size or prominence by altering underlying bone and muscle tissue.
• Chin Definition: Changes to chin definition can be achieved both surgically and non-surgically. Surgical options alter underlying chin structures while non-surgical options take advantage of injectables, fillers, and sculpting techniques.

For candidates who choose to pursue a surgical option, recovery times will be longer due to the invasiveness of the procedures. Surgical options allow for greater adjustments and increased permanence. Non-surgical options are less invasive and can be equally effective in enhancing appearance with less recovery, although they will usually require maintenance.

When should you consider chin defining procedures?

As with any medical procedure, the ideal time to pursue treatment is when you are in generally good health, have ruled out underlying medical illness, and can commit to appropriate recovery.

For those whose concerns are related to genetics, treatment can be sought once the personal decision is made to create your ideal appearance. If body weight is a factor in your concern, it is important to keep in mind that fluctuations in body weight can affect results. Chin concerns related to aging will benefit from early intervention.

Why should you consider chin defining procedures?

The appearance of the chin figures strongly in both profile and looks when faced straight on. The proportions of the chin in relation to the face will affect overall symmetry and aesthetic. As with any cosmetic procedure, the decision to enhance your appearance and create your best self doesn’t really need a specific reason.