Chin correction (chin plastic surgery) is usually referring to a surgical procedure. The aim of the procedure is to optimize shape, size, and contour of the chin in order to bring facial proportions that are perceived as inharmonious into harmony.
In general, the front point of the forehead is level with that of the chin. If the chin lies behind this level, one speaks of a receding chin, whereas a chin that is far in front of this level is considered prominent or protruding. Another aesthetic problem in the chin area is the so-called double chin.
While general obesity is the cause of a double chin in most cases, both a receding and a protruding chin are caused by innate factors. Depending on the shape, the bony structures in the chin area are either underdeveloped or overdeveloped, which has a strong influence on the appearance, especially in profile view.
Correction of a Receding Chin
A receding chin, also popularly known as a “bird’s face”, is characterized by a chin that is positioned far back, which makes the nose appear larger and longer at the same time. To bring the chin forward optically, medicine offers different options.
A permanent solution is the insertion of a chin implant, which is either made of silicone, plastic, or the body’s own material, such as bone. The implant is placed in the appropriate place through an incision under the chin or in the oral vestibule under general anesthesia.
In certain cases the injection of the body’s own fat and stem cells can also be an option. The affected chin area is filled with body fat or stem cell-enriched autologous fat during an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. The result is usually durable over the long term.
Also, hyaluronic acid can be used as filler substance. However, this method has one disadvantage: As hyaluronic acid is broken down by the body over time, the treatment must be repeated regularly. In addition, hyaluronic acid can cause unsightly results due to encapsulation.
Correction of a Protruding Chin
A strongly protruding chin makes the face appear strict and severe. Especially women suffer from these masculine facial feature. In order to reduce the protruding chin, the lower jaw bone is abraded and thus shortened as part of a surgery performed under general anesthesia. For this purpose, an incision is made on the inside of the lower lip or under the jaw and bone substance is removed using a small bone bur.
If a receding or prominent chin is caused by a general misalignment of the jaw, orthodontics or, in more severe cases, orthodontic surgery can be necessary.
Treatment of a Double Chin with Liposuction
A double chin makes the face look very round and is therefore an aesthetic problem for many people affected. There are different causes for a double chin. The most common cause is obesity, but thin people can also be affected by genetic disposition. A receding chin can also lead to a double chin due to the reduced elasticity of the neck area.
If there is an increased accumulation of fat in the neck area, liposuction will help reduce the double chin. Special thin facial microcannulas ensure particularly precise and gentle liposuction. This treatment can be performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. If the double chin is less pronounced, the so-called fat-away injection (injection lipolysis) can be used. In the course of this treatment a fat-dissolving substance (lecithin) is injected into the skin.
If the double chin is caused by sagging tissue, which also makes the affected person appear older, skin tightening is suitable to make the neck area look fresher again. During the procedure, which takes place under general anesthesia, excess skin is removed with a scalpel, which can sometimes result in permanent scars. When it comes to the rejuvenating effect, skin regeneration with the body’s own stem cells is a gentle alternative to surgical skin tightening.