[Chin Correction Surgery] Implants and Genioplasty: Real Patient Cases and How They Work

Hello. I am Dr. Jo Hyun-woo of 입체성형외과.

Today, let’s talk about surgical methods for correcting a short chin and a recessed chin.

A recessed chin means that the tip of the lower jaw is set back compared to the upper jaw bone, making the chin look short and the mouth appear relatively protruded, which creates a somewhat blunt impression.

In addition, the lower jaw is small and short, and when the lips are closed, tension builds at the chin tip, making it look uneven.

Along with this, a recessed chin with an unclear jawline and a chin that seems to be missing can make the lower face look weak and unstable.

When the lower jaw is set back and the mouth appears relatively protruded, orthodontic treatment or chin surgery can produce significant results.

Chin surgery to improve this condition is broadly divided into two methods: implant insertion and genioplasty.

First, let’s look at implant insertion.

Chin implant surgery involves making an incision inside the mouth and inserting an implant beneath the periosteum that covers the chin.

The various implants shown in the photo above are selected and shaped to match each patient’s chin shape and size before the surgery is performed.

In some cases, titanium screws are used to secure the implant safely.

Chin implant surgery is a short procedure lasting about 15 to 20 minutes, and it can be a suitable option for those who want a simple operation.

It is also easy to remove if you are dissatisfied after surgery. However, if an implant that is too large is inserted into the chin, excessive pressure may cause the bone to become compressed, so an accurate diagnosis and preoperative plan are necessary.

230-degree zygoma reduction, chin implant insertion (left) before surgery (right) after surgery

Next, let’s look at genioplasty.

In cases of a recessed chin, depending on how the teeth align, the condition can be divided into two types: cases where the teeth align well but only the chin is small (Microgenia), and cases where the entire jaw is small and the teeth do not align properly (Micrognathia).

If only the chin is small (Microgenia), genioplasty can be performed by cutting the chin bone and moving it forward.

If the entire jaw is small and the teeth do not align properly (Micrognathia), orthognathic surgery is performed together with orthodontic treatment.

In the case of genioplasty, it can create a slimmer and more refined chin shape that suits the facial proportions from a short, blunt chin, and it is also possible when a significant amount of lengthening is needed at the chin.

Since no implant is inserted, the chance of feeling a foreign-body sensation is low, and there may also be less concern about infection.

Genioplasty, double chin liposuction (left) before surgery (right) after surgery

Both chin implant surgery and genioplasty are good methods for correcting a recessed chin.

Rather than saying one method is better than the other, it is more important to choose the right surgical method based on your chin shape and individual circumstances.

Thank you.