How Can I Avoid Loose Skin After Chin Reduction?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in getting a chin reduction for the vertical height of my chin as well as making the projection smaller when you look at my profile. I also have a chin dimple right in the center of my chin that I want removed and smoothed out. I am a 23 year old female. What can be done for me to achieve this? Also, I worry about loose skin after the reduction, what can be done to avoid that? I have a very tight jawline and I do not want to lose the definition.

A: Chin reduction can only be done only one of two ways from an incisional standpoint. Either it is done from an intraoral (inside the mouth) or a submental (under the chin) approach. Which is best depends on the dimensions of the bony reduction and how much, if any, excess chin pad tissues may result. I only see a frontal view picture attached and I need a side view picture (non-smiling) to determine what the horizontal reduction needs are if any. Most effective chin reductions are done from a submental approach to address this soft tissue concern.

The chin dimple is best treated simultaneously with fat injections to try and reduce/eliminate it.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana