What Can Be Done For My Sagging Chin And Weak Jawline?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I was wondering if I can send pictures for your opinion of a chin pad re-suspension/jaw line augmentation. I have taken some pictures from different angles. I love the fact that you are also a Doctor in dental medicine, and you have a vast understanding of the chin and mandible bones, and have plenty of experience re-suspending the chin muscles to correct the appearance of “witch’s chin”, producing natural looking results as well.  I am 46 years old and a little more heavy by 10-15 pounds so the contrast between my round face and triangle chin is now more evident. My chin and pre-jowl area are looking worse as I age. I’m looking forward for your opinion.

A: I have looked at your chin/jawline issues and there are two different directions to go. The first is to simply resuspend the chin pad back up with submental liposuction. (illustrated in Facial prediction 2) The other approach is to build the chin and jawline out with submental liposuction. (illustrated in Facial Prediction 1) I think you have always had a smaller chin being a small women so your chin pad is more likely to become ptotic with age. It would seem more anatomic to pull the chin pad back up but the stability of keeping it there is suspect when the bone support is not strong. Conversely, the concept of some chin-prejowl augmentation is a more assured result but it does create a bit of a different (new) look for you. So you have to be certain this facial change (slightly stronger chin and jawline) is one you see as better. I personally favor the buildup as it automatically takes care of the chin sagging issue. Either approach incorporates submental liposuction which is a given as an improvement need.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana