Having a weak chin, also known as a receding chin or retrogenia, can become a source of irritation when people see themselves in the mirror. While there is no impact of having a weak chin on someone’s ability to talk, eat or smile, the main reason why people may wish to rectify a weak chin is the effect that it has on their self-esteem and confidence. So, can you fix a weak chin?
There are a number of surgical and non-surgical treatments that may be used to effectively reduce a weak chin and improve jawline definition. Surgical chin treatments include neck lift, neck liposuction, thread lifts, chin augmentation and genioplasty. These treatments tend to offer long-lasting and dramatic results, but are also invasive and can be risky. Non-surgical treatments such as dermal fillers, botulinum toxin injections, jawline exercises, makeup and weight loss are less invasive but may not last as long.
Keep reading to find out more about what causes a weak chin and how they can be treated.
What Causes a Weak Chin?
While normally an inherited factor of a person’s appearance, a weak chin and jawline can also become worse with age. Also, if a child continues to suck their thumbs after the age of five or if adults do it, this could move the teeth which in turn may affect the shape of the jawbone. As we develop, the food we eat has an impact on our chin and jawline. If we are eating mostly soft foods growing up, it is more likely that we will develop a weak chin compared to those that are eating hard foods. Eating and chewing hard foods puts pressure on the jawbone, which helps with bone remodelling.
Can You Strengthen a Weak Chin?
So, is there a way to strengthen a chin that is already weak? There are both surgical and non-surgical methods for improving a weak chin, each with their own advantages and drawbacks. Surgical solutions for improving a weak chin tend to be more invasive and carry a higher risk of infection than non-surgical methods. Take a look below at some of the methods that can be used to tackle a weak chin.
Surgical Methods
Neck Lift
A neck lift works by lifting up the skin in the neck to leave a tighter and more contoured appearance, and may be used in conjunction with neck fat removal. This treatment will leave behind a more prominent chin or jawline.
Neck Liposuction
Fat can be a major cause for having a weak chin. The build-up of excess fat, especially in the neck area, can soften the edges of the chin and jaw. With neck liposuction, fat can be removed from the skin to permanently strengthen the chin and jaw.
Thread Lifts
Temporary structures can be sewn into the skin to tighten loose skin, giving more definition to the chin and jawline area. Specialist surgical threads physically lift the skin, working with a dual effect to both tighten the skin and stimulate collagen production.
Chin Augmentation
Implants can be used to alter the appearance of a receding chin. A qualified clinician will perform a detailed pre-operative assessment and initial consultation to establish the goals of the treatment. Using anaesthesia and incisions, implants are then precisely placed to enhance the projection and definition of the chin.
Genioplasty
Also known as chin advancement, the chin bone can be repositioned to achieve a more balanced and projected skin profile. The surgeon will carefully reshape the chin bone, and once the desired position is found, the bone is secured using plates, wires or screws.
Non-Surgical Methods
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are used to inject hyaluronic acid under the skin, providing added volume and structure to the skin. This treatment can help to enhance the appearance of the bony edge of the chin or improve jawline definition. Dermal filler treatment is a safe method for delivering tangible results, with side effects of the injections rarely exceeding mild bruising or swelling.
Botulinum Toxin Injections
Botulinum toxin injections are used to slim the edges of the face. This creates a more defined contour and improves chin and jawline strength. This minimally invasive treatment can provide noticeable results shortly after the treatment is performed, and also promises a very low chance of side effects following treatment.
Makeup
Using an effective method of applying makeup can help to contour the chin and jaw area, creating the appearance of a stronger chin. However, this will only last as long as the makeup is applied, and will rely on your own proficiency for makeup application.
Healthy Weight Loss
If a weak chin is caused by a build-up of excess fat in the neck, there are a number of ways to reduce weight in a healthy way:
- Avoiding processed food and sugar
- Eating whole grains
- Portion control
- Regular exercise
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Maintaining a healthy sleeping pattern
Do Jawline Exercises Work?
There is currently no scientific evidence to suggest that jawline exercises actually produce any tangible results at strengthening the jaw or chin appearance. Some claim that exercising the jawline with ‘chin lifts’, ‘Jaw push-ups’ and ‘neck resistance’ can help to improve jawline definition. As these exercises are free, non-invasive and require minimal downtime, there is no harm in trying, but for tangible results we would recommend considering other methods.
Book Weak Chin Treatment With Infinity Aesthetics
If you are looking to strengthen your chin and improve your jawline definition, be sure to book an appointment at the Infinity Aesthetics clinic today. We offer a range of treatments to help improve facial symmetry and appearance, such as dermal fillers. Contact us today to find out more.
Dr. Owen Thomas has been a medical doctor for more than 20 years since qualifying from Cardiff in 1999, now specialising in aesthetics in London and Swansea. After a 2 year level-7 Master’s Degree course in injectable aesthetic treatments training at Harley Academy, and additional study with Empire Medical Training in the US and other experts renowned in their field, he won a scholarship in the prestigious Aesthetic Intelligence Fellowship run over 7 months in Kensington, London and Paris.
