What Type Of X-Ray Do I Need Before Chin Reduction Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Looking through the internet about “chin ptosis” (I just find out this is the medical name) I found a blog in which you provided some valid points and and your views on patients with the same “issue” that I have. I had no idea that I was not alone about this, usually I always hear about “chin enhancements” such as implants or fillers to make it prominent but never to make it smaller or “reduction”, so I was very happy when I read about it and find out about you. Im still not sure what procedure would be best for my unique case because it seems that the bone in my chin is way short, and the “pointy” or “prominence” comes from a “fatty ball” that is seating on the bone, I am aware that I need probably an x-ray, but what kind of x-ray should I request? Do I need a prescription? Or this is something that its include on the examination? Or maybe a referral? I have many questions,  concerns and doubts that I’m sure it could resolve with an initial  consultation. Please I will be so happy to hear from you soon. 

A: Thank you for your inquiry and sending your pictures. The one simple x-ray that shows best the relationship of the chin bone to the overlying soft tissues is a lateral cephalometric x-ray. This is a very common x-ray done in any orthodontists office. Whether the bone has any contribution to the appearance of your chin and the thickness of the overlying soft tissue pad of the chin will be revealed in this classic lateral facial x-ray. That piece of information will be critical for our virtual consultation.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana