Retrognathia, sometimes called a “receding chin,” typically happens when your lower jaw is not aligned correctly with the upper jaw. Most of the time, this is simply a cosmetic issue. However, in some cases, it might indicate underlying health concerns or jaw problems.

Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt has completed many chin procedures in Australia. Dr Hunt is a Sydney plastic surgeon who practices in Sydney and Wollongong NSW.

Plastic Surgeon Dr Maryam Seyedabadi consults at the Woollahra Clinic in East Sydney and is available now for consultations on a range of plastic surgery & cosmetic surgery.

Reasons for Chin Surgery (Genioplasty)

Before diving into the possible solutions, let’s have a look at the possible causes of retrognathia.

Some individuals are born with a severely set-back chin, and this often falls into a number of craniofacial conditions. In some cases, children can grow out of it as they age. On the other hand, a pronounced overbite can lead to a small chin and jawline. With the ongoing ageing process and bone resorption, your jawline becomes less pronounced.

If it is present from birth we call this condition congenital. It can even be dangerous if it begins to affect the ability to breathe or eat.

See how Dr Hunt Performs Craniofacial Surgery in Sydney.

Childhood Disorders impacting the chin can include:

Treacher Collins syndrome
Pierre Robin Sequence (Pierre Robin syndrome)
Down syndrome

In order to avoid malnutrition, it’s enough to adjust the child’s posture while they eat. While lying on their stomach, putting a pillow under their chest helps. Headgear can help correct the alignment of the jaw. In more serious cases such as Treacher Collins syndrome, surgery might be needed.

Types of Chin Surgery (Genioplasty)

To treat a small chin or retrognathia, you will most likely need surgery. Both implants and genioplasty involve reshaping and cutting of the lower jaw bone. Prior to opting for surgery, keep in mind that it is major surgery and can take you about six weeks or more to recover.

1. Chin Implants

Chin implants or chin augmentation, also called genioplasty, can be an option for retrogenia, a chin point that is under projected. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis. The surgeon will create an incision along the crease of the chin when the inside of your mouth meets your gum line. Post the incision, the surgeon will insert the implant and close up the stitches. The procedure is done under local and general anaesthesia.

This type of surgery can suit mild to moderate cases of retrognathia. There will be a small scar under the chin from the insertion of the implant. There is always a risk of infection and nerve damage. In some cases, patients might be allergic to implants which can create negative reactions.

2. Sliding Genioplasty

Sliding Genioplasty can be an option for severely receding chins and patients looking to not use a chin implant, but prefer to use their own bone. It will involve making a small cut inside the mouth at the base of the gum line which allows the surgeon access to the bone in the chin. This allows the surgeon to bring your bone forward. They will use a small metal plate to reposition your bone in place.

A Sliding genioplasty is performed under general anaesthesia and has the advantage that there is no scar on the outside, as it is usually hidden in the mouth on the gum line.

The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.

3. Jaw Surgery

In some cases, jaw surgery might be done along with the chin surgery (genioplasty) or separately. This option is mostly done when your chin condition is linked with specific health concerns such as sleep apnoea, difficulty swallowing, speech impediment, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ, TMD), difficulty chewing, and trouble closing the lips or jaw, difficulty breathing.

You might need to undergo upper jaw surgery, lower jaw surgery or a combination of both. The procedures require the surgeon to separate the jaw, move it, and fasten it as it heals.

Other Non-Surgical Treatment Options – Using Injectable Fillers

Fillers – such as Hyaluronic acid- that are used for lips, can be used to augment the chin and increase projection. The results are limited though and it is a procedure that works in patients who need minimal augmentation. Dermal fillers will leave you with no scarring and lead to a shorter recovery time than sliding genioplasty and implant surgeries.

The choice of treatment depends on the shape and size of your chin as well as your goals. You will see different websites advertise exercises and over-the-counter remedies for a receding chin but they typically won’t work. If the cause of your under-projected chin is linked to orthodontic issues like an open bite or overbite, you may be able to treat it with dental retainer or braces.

Your orthodontist will have to figure out whether the issue is dental or not, originating in your teeth, or whether it’s skeletal, originating in your bones. If the issue is dental, it can be fixed with orthodontics. Skeletal issues will require a combination of orthodontics combination with surgery.

Recovery after Chin Surgery (Genioplasty)

Multiple factors influence the recovery time such as the type of procedure, the extent of surgical changes, how quickly will your body heal, and potential complications. Post the implant procedure, you will be able to return back to work within 7 days.

The chin will be healed within a few weeks of the procedure. Complete recovery occurs when there aren’t any signs associated with residual swelling that can last for 3 months. People who have undergone sliding genioplasty or implant surgeries must attend regular follow-up appointments so the surgeon can monitor healing and address complications. Read more about Recovery after Chin Surgery (genioplasty).

Potential Risks and Complications of Chin Surgery (Genioplasty)

All surgical procedures carry some risk of complications and side effects. Genioplasty procedures can lead to temporary side effects, such as redness, bruising, tenderness, pain, swelling, loss of sensation, and numbness.

Other serious complications of genioplasty can include infection, damage to nerves, tooth roots, allergic reaction to filler or implant material, and changes in implant position.

Benefits of Genioplasty and Other Chin Treatments

Genioplasty procedures completely change the appearance of a misaligned chin. The shape and size of the chin play a very important role in balancing out the other facial features and contribute to overall facial harmony.

FAQ about Chin Surgery (Genioplasty)

Here is a list of frequently asked questions we get regarding under-projected chins and its possible solutions:

What causes a recessed or misaligned chin?

There are many causes of a naturally under-projected chin or retrognathia. In some cases, it comes as a natural part of the ageing process. With age, some people naturally lose a bit of bone and soft tissue around the jaw area. For some people, it comes as a part of genetics. For others, an overbite or congenial conditions can play a role.

How do you fix a receding chin?

There are many ways to treat a chin that is under-pronounced. The most common treatment options include chin implant (genioplasty), sliding genioplasty and jaw surgery. Dermal fillers may also help but are temporary.

Can you train your jaw to come forward?

The surgery used to correct a severe malocclusion from a misaligned jaw is called orthognathic surgery. This includes procedures to move the upper jaw or maxilla forward, backward, or even to widen it. It also includes procedures to move the lower jaw or mandible rotationally to correct asymmetry, forward or backward.

How do you stop a receding jaw?

Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to stop the natural shape of your jaw. To correct it, you will usually need to get surgery. Chin implants (genioplasty) and sliding genioplasty can help as it involves cutting and reshaping your lower jaw bone. Keep in mind that it is an invasive procedure and you will need at least six weeks off from work.

How can I increase my chin size naturally?

Unfortunately, there isn’t anything you can do to alter the chin size naturally. A lot of people on the internet claim that chin exercises help, but there is little to no evidence of that.

How much does a chin surgery (genioplasty) cost?

The cost of chin surgery (genioplasty) can vary based on the type of procedure, surgeon, geographical location, and experience of the surgeon. Phone the team for an estimate.

How can I alter my jawline without surgery?

Based on what you desire to be changed, there are certain options you can look into; dermal fillers to the jawline, neurotoxin to the masseter muscles, kybella injections to minimise the neck and chin fat, surgical threads to tighten loose skin, neck liposuction, and radiofrequency energy. Please note that these procedures don’t work if your jaw is misaligned and can only be fixed with chin surgery (genioplasty) or jaw surgery.

Does the chin keep growing?

Some boys only grow until about 16 years of age; others grow until they are in their early 20s. Girls usually stop growing about two years after their first menstrual period begins. Once you stop growing, your chin will stop growing, too.

Can mewing change the shape of the chin?

Mewing is a technique that proponents claim can reshape the jaw over time. Mewing involves placing the tongue on the roof of the mouth, which supposedly will reshape the jaw over time. There is currently no scientific evidence that this works.

Can braces change the shape of the chin?

If your receding chin is linked to orthodontic issues, such as an open bite or overbite, braces might be able to fix it. However, it is not always the case and you might need the help of cosmetic surgery.

Medical References about a Receding Chin

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.

Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is suitable for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and requires a personalised approach to reach their goals.

Dr Hunt has provided his one-on-one service and attention to detail to thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia.

Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education

Dr Jeremy A. Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. He completed a Fellowship at the University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from well-established and experienced plastic surgeons.

Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt

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Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.

Tag: receding chin

Surgical and Non-Surgical Solutions for Patients Considering Chin Surgery (Genioplasty)