How Can I Improve My Chin Sagging After An Intraoral Chin Reduction?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had an Intraoral chin reduction in 2023 and am seeking a second opinion. I’m still unhappy with the aesthetic look of my chin after having it burred down 6mm. It totally changed the appearance from the front and side making it more pointy and projected. I’m not sure if I have excess soft tissue that could be removed or if I need another bone reduction. My chin projects further when I smile rather than resting. After my surgery I now experience sagging skin on my chin that I didn’t have before. From the side it gives off a crescent moon profile which I would hope to be corrected. I would like my chin to be shorter in length as well as less projected. What could be done to give me my desired appearance. (Photos) would this be possible and realistic outcome?

A:The problem with intraoral chin reductions, and is why I wouldn’t do them, is that it does not reduce the overlying soft chin pad. Since the chin is a solitary projecting structure any excess is a combination of bone and soft tissue. Reducing only the bone leaves the soft tissue which has very limited to no capability of shrinking down and getting smaller in size. Thus every postoperative symptom you describe is due to the residual soft tissue excess. Only a submental chin pad reduction will be effective now for improvement in both its static and dynamic shape.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon