1. Introduction
- The chin region plays a central role in facial balance, attractiveness, and jawline definition.
Even small variations in chin size, projection, contour, or soft-tissue tone can influence the perception of:
- Facial harmony
- Neck–jawline sharpness
- Lower-face proportions
- Youthfulness and definition
Because the chin is anatomically connected to the mandible, jawline, submental fat, platysma and neck skin, any structural or soft-tissue change can alter the overall aesthetic appearance.
At MACS Clinic, we offer a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment of chin and lower-face aesthetics and provide tailor-made solutions ranging from minimally invasive treatments to advanced surgical procedures.
2. What Affects Chin Aesthetics?
A. Small or Retruded Chin
A naturally small chin reduces jawline projection and may give:
- A round face appearance
- Weak profile
- Ill-defined neck contour
- Relative prominence of the nose
Management: Chin augmentation with implant, fat transfer, filler, or sliding genioplasty.
B. Sagging Soft-Tissue Envelope
Even with an adequate bony chin projection, loose or redundant soft tissue can compromise jawline definition.
Causes include:
- Age-related tissue descent
- Laxity of the platysma
- Fat redistribution
- Loss of collagen
- Genetic predisposition
Management: Lower-face lift, neck lift, platysmaplasty, or skin tightening procedures.
C. Excess Submental Fat (‘Double Chin’)
Fat deposition under the chin creates:
- Blunted cervico-mental angle
- Heavy lower face
- Loss of youthful contour
Management: Liposuction or energy-assisted fat reduction or Debulking of fat using a small cut underneath chin.
D. Midline Loose Neck Skin (‘Turkey Gobbler’ Deformity)
This occurs due to:
- Redundant lower-neck skin
- Weak or separated platysma muscles
- Fat accumulation
- Loss of elasticity
Management:
Platysmaplasty, midline debulking, Z-plasty skin tailoring, or full neck lift.
3. Clinical Assessment at MACS Clinic
A structured assessment includes:
A. Facial Proportions
- Chin projection relative to the lips and nose
- Facial thirds and profile balance
- Mandibular width and contour
B. Soft-Tissue Quality
- Skin elasticity
- Redundancy
- Laxity of platysma
- Presence of banding
- Mobility of the skin
C. Submental Fat Distribution
- Superficial vs. deep fat pockets
- Gland prominence (submandibular gland ptosis)
D. Functional & Structural Anatomy
- Dental occlusion
- Mental nerve position
- Underlying skeletal deformities
4. Treatment Options
A. Chin Augmentation
1. Silicone Chin Implant
- Predictable shape and size
- Immediate enhancement
- Suitable for moderate projection deficits
Advantages:
Stable, reversible, low complication rate with correct pocket dissection.
2. Autologous Fat Transfer (Multistage)
- Uses patient’s own fat (abdomen/thighs/ flanks)
- Natural result
- Improved soft-tissue quality
Limitations:
Variable fat survival → may need repeat sessions.
3. Dermal Filler Augmentation (Absorbable HA)
- Minimally invasive
- Immediate result
- Good for mild–moderate projection
- Reversible
Duration: 6 months requires regular top ups
4. Sliding Advancement Genioplasty by maxillofacial experts
- A bony osteotomy where the chin bone is moved forward
- Suitable for significant retrusion, asymmetry, or vertical height adjustments
Provides permanent structural correction.
B. Submental Liposuction (Chin & Lower Face Liposuction)
Indicated for:
- Double chin
- Fullness below the mandible
- Blunt cervico-mental angle
Anaesthetics : Local anaesthetics and sedation as a day case
Benefits:
- Sharpens jawline
- Defines neck contour
Short recovery
C. Lower-Face Lift and Neck Lift
Indicated for:
- Soft-tissue ptosis
- Jowls
- Lax jawline
- Loose neck skin
Features:
- Repositions SMAS
- Tightens skin envelope
- Enhances cervico-mental angle
D. Platysmaplasty & Midline Neck Debulking
Indicated for:
- Turkey-gobbler deformity
- Vertical platysmal banding
- Redundant midline skin
Procedure:
- Midline approach
- Plication (tightening) of the platysma
- Removal of excess fat
- Debulking of redundant skin
Z-plasty or tailored skin closure to minimise tension lines
5. Post-Operative Care
General Care
- Head elevation for 48–72 hours
- Cold compress (as advised)
- Analgesics and antibiotics
- Avoid strenuous activity for 2 weeks
- No pressure on the chin region
- Keep incisions clean; follow dressing instructions
Specific Aftercare
- After liposuction: compression garment for 2–4 weeks
- After implant or genioplasty: soft diet for 3–5 days
- After neck lift/platysmaplasty: neck movement precautions
- After fillers: avoid deep massage for 48 hours
After fat transfer: avoid ice directly over the area to maintain fat survival
6. Complications & Limitations
Possible Complications
- Swelling, bruising, temporary numbness
- Haematoma or seroma
- Infection (rare)
- Implant malposition
- Asymmetry
- Irregular contouring following liposuction
- Hypertrophic or stretched scars (rare with Z-plasty)
- Over- or under-correction Asymmetry
- Altered sensations and weakness of facial muscles related to nerve damage
Limitations
- Fat transfer volume retention may vary
- Fillers are temporary
- Skin laxity may recur with ageing
- Significant skeletal deficiencies often require genioplasty rather than fillers or implants
- Submandibular gland prominence may not fully reduce with liposuction alone
Revision Surgery and Maintenance
Some patients may require refinement or additional contouring, especially after fat transfer or soft-tissue procedures.
7. Summary Table: Indications → Signs → Procedures → Treatment Purpose
Indication | Clinical Signs | Recommended Procedure(s) | Purpose |
Small/retruded chin | Weak profile, short chin, poor jawline | Implant, fat transfer, filler, sliding genioplasty | Increase projection, improve profile balance |
Sagging soft tissue | Jowls, lower-face heaviness | Lower-face lift, neck lift, SMAS tightening | Restore contour, lift tissues |
Excess submental fat | Double chin, fullness | Liposuction | Sharpen cervico-mental angle |
Turkey-gobbler deformity | Redundant midline skin, platysma bands | Platysmaplasty, midline debulking, neck lift, Z-plasty | Tighten neck, improve definition |
Loss of jawline sharpness | Blunt angle, undefined border | Combination of chin augmentation + liposuction | Recreate youthful neck-jaw transition |
Asymmetry of chin | Uneven projection | Sliding genioplasty or tailored implant or contouring with differential Volumising procedure with dermal fillers or fat grafting | Correct asymmetry |
8. Conclusion
Chin aesthetics are crucial for achieving balanced facial proportions, a defined jawline, and a youthful neck profile.
At MACS Clinic, each patient receives an individualised assessment integrating the bony chin structure, soft-tissue envelope, skin quality, fat distribution, and neck anatomy to recommend the most appropriate aesthetic plan.
We offer the full scope of treatments—from fillers and fat transfer to implants, liposuction, platysmaplasty, and safe neck-lifting techniques—ensuring natural and harmonious results.
Contact MACS Clinic
- Phone: 020 7078 4378
- WhatsApp: 07792 648 726
- Email: enquiries@macsclinic.co.uk
- Website: www.macsclinic.co.uk
BOOK a FREE Video Consultation: https://calendly.com/macsclinic/free-video-consultation?month=2025-01
