Can A Submental Chin Reduction Make The Chin Stiff?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have a question regarding the submental chin reduction procedure for a horizontally protruded chin. Specifically, I would like to understand whether the process of bone burying might lead to scarring that could result in tissue stiffness or skin dimpling. Would these changes be noticeable when the patient’s face is at rest, during conversation, or while smiling?

Thank you for your insights on this matter

A: Chin pad stiffness is not a postoperative issue that patients have ever mentioned to me. The most likely postop ‘problem’ is the potential for some chin pad dimpling when smiling…but this potential effect is usually mitigated with the removal of some of the soft tissue chin pad through the submental approach. (excision and tightening)

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon