A receding chin can negatively impact facial symmetry while making one feel less satisfied with their front and side profiles. Fortunately, there are a number of surgical and non-surgical treatments that can help improve the appearance of the chin. It’s important, however, to first understand the potential causes of a weak chin and what exactly makes a chin “weak.”
What Is A Recessed Chin?
A chin might be considered recessed or weak if it is unusually set back, small, and doesn’t have a clear definition. According to a study published in The Canadian Journal of Plastic Surgery, an ideal chin sits 1 to 3 mm back from a straight line dropped down the margin of the lower lip. If it’s anywhere further back, it’s considered to be poorly projected – or weak.
A reason why many people seek treatments to fix a receded chin is that they might find it unattractive. However, depending on the underlying cause of the problem, it can also cause functional issues.
For instance, micrognathia or mandibular hypoplasia is a facial malformation in which the size of the lower jaw is small, which can make the chin look small as well. However, in children, this condition can also cause difficulty in breathing and feeding.
Similarly, like micrognathia, retrognathia is a facial malformation that can cause issues in breathing and food consumption. Additionally, it is linked with sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) and a class 2 malocclusion – when the teeth in the upper jaw abnormally overlap the teeth in the lower jaw (overbite).
Retrognathia occurs due to the lower jaw being set backwards in relation to the upper jaw (positioning of the jaw is unusual, unlike its size in micrognathia), which can also make the chin look weak and receded.
What Causes A Recessed Chin?
It is possible to have a recessed chin for a variety of reasons, including:
- Ageing – According to research published in the British Dental Journal, our jaw, mainly the lower one, shrinks with age. Additionally, the loss of teeth with age and the bone loss in the jaw may make the chin look smaller.
- Genetics – How your chin turns out to be can also be influenced by your genetics. You might have a small chin because it runs in your family.
- Trauma – An injury to the face may also contribute to your chin looking small.
- Double chin – Having a double chin can create the illusion of a weaker chin because the additional bulk at the back can make the actual chin appear smaller in comparison.
- Medical conditions – Certain conditions such as Pierre Robin syndrome, Treacher Collins syndrome, Stickler syndrome, Moebius syndrome, Nager syndrome, DiGeorge syndrome, progeria, cat’s cry syndrome, and achondrogenesis, among others, may also result in a weak chin.
How To Fix Receding Chin Without Surgery?
In order to “fix” a receding chin, it’s important that you first understand its underlying cause. For instance, if your chin looks small due to the presence of fat in the area, weight loss through diet and exercise might be able to help you.
Additionally, there are non-surgical fat dissolving injections, such as Aqualyx and Kybella, that can help you get a more defined chin.
Dermal fillers also offer a non-surgical and effective solution for getting rid of a small chin. These injectables will add volume to the area, which can help make your chin look more shapely and strengthened. Their results can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, after which you can get another treatment session.
Another instance in which you might be able to fix a receded chin without surgery is if the issue is with the alignment of your teeth, in which case your dentist might recommend an orthodontic treatment, such as braces.
Some people also consider “mewing” (tongue is placed against the roof of the mouth) as a way of making their chin and jawline look stronger, however, the practice can be harmful; it can cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, discomfort, and issues with the muscles in the neck and jaw. It is also not supported by scientific evidence.
Similarly, with claims about facial exercises helping a receding chin, you need to take things with a grain of salt as they’re unlikely to work.
But there’s another non-surgical way in which you might be able to adequately hide your weak chin. For one, growing a beard can work quite well as, of course, the hair will hide the shape of your chin and create the illusion of more bulk (thanks to the hair). Secondly, certain contouring techniques using makeup can also help camouflage your small chin.
What Are The Surgical Treatments For Receding Chin?
Some surgical treatments that can help with a receded chin include:
Chin Augmentation (Genioplasty)
Genioplasty is a cosmetic procedure that specifically involves reshaping the chin area. There are two ways in which it can be done:
- The placement of a chin implant (silicone or porous polyethylene material)
- Reposition the bone by sliding it forward (also known as sliding genioplasty)
The procedure can take place under either general or local anaesthesia. To place the implant, an incision is made either inside the mouth or in the chin area (so it’s well hidden), after which you’ll be stitched up. You’ll notice a difference immediately, but swelling can take a few months (around three) to subside.
If you’re getting sliding genioplasty, the incisions will be made inside your mouth (you’ll have stitches here as well). The bone is moved forward and secured in the new position using screws and a metal plate. The recovery can take slightly longer in this type of procedure, and it will be a few months before you can see the final outcome due to swelling.
Mandibular Osteotomy
When the issue is with the bones of your jaws and not the teeth in how they align with each other, you might be recommended surgery by your doctor. Mandibular (lower jaw) osteotomy (surgery in which a bone is cut) takes place under general anaesthesia.
It involves making an incision inside the mouth – into the gum behind the teeth. Following that, the lower jawbone is cut so that it can be moved and fixed into a new position using screws and plates.
Chin Liposuction
If the shape of your chin is hidden by deposits of fat that you can’t get rid of through diet and exercise, liposuction for double chin can also help.
Under local or general anaesthesia, incisions are made under the chin and behind each earlobe. A thin cannula is then used to break the fat, which is then taken out via a vacuum.
The surgery gives permanent results, but it will be 3-6 months before you’ll be able to see the contours of your chin.
Neck Lift
Folds of loose, sagging skin might also be the reason why your chin looks diminished, which can be helped with a neck lift surgery. This surgery can get rid of excess skin and fat and tighten certain muscles in the neck to improve the overall shape of the neck. In the case of a neck lift too, swelling can take 3-6 months to subside.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Receding Chin?
The cost of fixing a receding chin depends on the type of treatment you have and the location where you choose to get it.
Non-surgical treatments are, of course, going to be cheaper. For instance, fat dissolving injections might cost around £400-£1,000 in the UK (Aqualyx may be cheaper than Kybella). The prices of fillers can vary from £200 to £500; it can differ according to the type of filler being used as well as its amount.
Surgical treatments will be more expensive, such as a genioplasty may be priced around £5,000-£7,000, liposuction from £2,000-£4,000, and a neck lift from £4,000-£5,000. You can get these surgical procedures at a significantly more affordable price in Turkey due to the lower cost of living there.
Conclusion
Many people find a receding chin to be unattractive and hence seek treatments that can help improve its definition and profile. While there are a number of surgical and non-surgical solutions, it’s important to address the underlying issue. And for this, make sure that you find a qualified and experienced surgeon.
Reviewed and approved by Prof Dr Fuat Yuksel
