Are My Chin Reduction Goals Realistic?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I’ve seen a lot of photographs and I’m completely amused by the results of the surgeries you have performed. I’m 20 years old female and I’m very interested in chin reduction surgery as I feel that it makes my face too long and also when I smile or speak the muscle/soft tissue protrudes hence this makes it look even larger. I was wondering if I could send you some photographs of my chin so that you could consult me on what could be done to improve my appearance. I have attached photos of my chin and also the result that I would like ( using photoshop) Could you please tell me if it is even realistic to get such result from a chin reduction surgery and how it could be done.

A: Thank you for sending your imaged pictures of the desired result. Your chin concerns are that the center area if long and include both the vertical length of the bone and a soft tissue underhang. To achieve your result, which in my experience is very possible, requires a submentoplasty approach to your chin reduction. From an incision underneath the chin, the center bone could be burred down and smoothed into the sides and the soft tissue overhang could be removed and tucked up.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana