How Can I Fix My Chin Asymmetry?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have an unaligned chin and I would like to correct it. I’ve seen a general dentist who said my previous orthodontic work looks great so it’s a cosmetic concern. As a child, my chin seemed to be aligned for the most part but after I had braces, my chin moved significantly to the left. I’d like to discuss options for correcting this concern.

A: Thank you for sending your pictures  and x-ray. Your chin asymmetry is very clear and your panorex x-ray shows a considerable shift to the left side….which also has a underdeveloped jaw on that same side which is undoubtably why the chin is shifted (see attached panorex analysis). In the correction of any bony chin asymmetry  the question always is….do you shorten the longer right side to match the shorter left or lengthen the left shorter side to match the longer right? That choice is one of aesthetic preference.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Plastic Surgeon