A weak chin is a term used to describe a facial appearance that has a less prominent chin. Most people consider a pronounced chin a desirable facial feature, so while it may not be a medical condition, it’s a cosmetic issue that can be a big problem if you are conscious about your physical appearance.
If you are in a group that wants to do something about it, this guide can help you understand everything you need to know to fix it, from its definition to what causes it and the applicable fixes.
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Causes Of A Weak Chin
“A weak chin has a lot to do with genetics. If people in your family line have weak or receded chins, their chances of passing it over to you can be pretty significant,” says Ohio-based plastic surgery expert Dr. Jennifer Greer. Sometimes, it can result from genetic deformities such as Treacher Collins syndrome, which causes a deformity to the lower jaw, a condition known as retrognathia. In extreme cases of retrognathia, a person may need additional support for feeding and breathing.
A receding chin can also be a result of aging. As you age, you start losing facial volume, and if you lose significant volume around your jaws, you will tend to have a receding chin.
There is a common misconception among people with a weak chin that exercise can help improve the appearance of a weak chin. The problem is exercises only help in muscle toning, but a weak chin results from bone structure or soft tissue problems that exercises won’t fix.
Weak Chin Fixes
Chin Implant
Plastic surgery is an effective option for correcting a weak chin, and a chin implant is among the most common corrective procedures for the problem. It involves placing an implant on the chin to help increase its size and even out the jawline’s appearance. Sometimes, you may want to combine it with liposuction to make the effects look more pronounced.
A chin implant is major surgery, so you do not want to entrust it to a practitioner whose history you can’t authenticate. The risks of getting the procedure from an unqualified practitioner include reaction to anesthesia, poor scarring and healing, infections, shift in implant position, and hematoma.
Surgical Genioplasty
Surgical genioplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that a doctor may recommend for fixing a receding chin caused by an illness, trauma, or genetic deformities. It involves making incisions to expose the jaw, cutting the jawbone, and repositioning it to make the face symmetrical.
The procedure is quite invasive but also effective and relatively safe. However, like a chin implant, you want to have it done by a qualified and licensed practitioner. Some unpleasant side effects of the procedure include nerve damage, pain and swelling, infection, and reaction to anesthesia.
Non-Surgical Alternatives
If your weak chin is not as pronounced, you can try non-surgical alternatives such as Botox and dermal filler injectable. Botox and dermal fillers are temporal fixes lasting between a few months for Botox and up to two years for dermal fillers. This means you may have to get the procedure after some time, which can be time-consuming and expensive in the long run.
For men, facial hair can help mask the appearance of a weak chin, so you could work with that. Makeup artists have also become quite good at changing facial features. So, if you want a temporal fix, contouring with up can offer a quick fix.
