I have either a weak chin, or jaw, what procedure will be best to correct my problem?

Your questions answered by our surgeon, Lucian Ion, FRCS(Plast)

Asked on 28 July 2013

Question

I have either a weak chin, or jaw or both. Can you assess what it is that is the issue and what procedure will be best to correct my problem?

I know that I most definitely do not want (chin) implants - I'd like to correct my deficiency, not mask it.

Answer

In general terms, a small chin is a reflection of a smaller lower jaw although there are some exceptions.

If you are contemplating corrective surgery that involves reshaping the lower jaw, you have to be aware also of the fact that it involves changes in the dental occlusion (the way that the teeth from the upper and lower jaws meet) and orthodontic work (braces) to make adjustments to the occlusion.

In essence, corrective surgery for the jaw is relevant if the occlusion needs to be addressed also. If your occlusion is relatively good, changes in the contour of the chin are the best choice.

To change the chin contour it is possible to either advance the bone of the chin or to use an implant on top of it.

In more general terms, if there is an under development of the jaw, the only genuine correction would be to effectively increase the size of the jaw in all its dimensions, which is not possible with current medical techniques.

All surgical techniques that involve resizing are masking rather than truly correcting because they will typically change one defective dimension for a 3 dimensional structure that is too small. They involve bone distraction for children and osteotomies for adults.

I would be happy to see you in consultation and evaluate using 3-D imaging and simulation what it is that you would like to achieve in terms of external appearance. This can be completed with imaging for the bone structure to help understand the underlying skeletal support.

Mr Lucian Ion FRCS(Plast)
129 Harley Street
London
W1G 6BA