What Type Of Chin Reduction Do I Need?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I’m contacting you regarding my chin. I have looked at many pictures of mine and my conclusion is that its too long, has too much soft tissue at the bottom, my right bottom tip is lower than the left and I think that maybe the bottom half of my lower jaw is a little too narrow and not symmetrical to the rest of my face. Also I think its too round. I have a big head and strong features and want my chin and jaw to look balanced. I noticed that my chin was too long  and pointy when I was 16 so I want to do something about it because I think it detracts from my looks and that I could look a lot better with it corrected. I would like to know what you think and what you would recommend.

A: Thank you for your inquiry and sending your pictures. Your long chin appears to be largely comprised of excessive soft tissue. There may be a slight bony excess but that clearly is not the major component. The ‘proof’ that the soft tissues are a major element of your chin problem is in how your chin looks between the non-smiling and smiling images. When excessive soft tissues are the problem with chin hypertrophy this requires a submental chin reduction approach. Only from below can the tissues be excised, tucked and closed. A small amount of bone can be burred down as well if needed.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana