How to improve a receding chin

Under normal circumstances, the chin refers to the mentum. Retrusion of the mentum may be caused by factors such as genetics, poor lifestyle habits, trauma, temporomandibular joint disorders, or muscular torticollis. Improvement can be achieved under a doctor's guidance through treatments including hyaluronic acid fillers, mandibular osteotomy with advancement, prosthetic implantation, medication, or sternocleidomastoid muscle release surgery. It is recommended to visit a reputable hospital and undergo these procedures under professional medical supervision to ensure effectiveness and safety. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Genetics

Genes may influence facial skeletal development. If family members have a retruded chin, offspring may have a higher risk of developing the same condition. It is important to protect the chin area in daily life and avoid external irritation. Under medical guidance, hyaluronic acid injection can be used—this involves injecting hyaluronic acid into the chin area to increase its volume and improve appearance. The typical reference price for hyaluronic acid injections ranges from 2,000 to 8,000 yuan per session. Results are usually visible within 1–2 weeks, though side effects such as skin irregularities or pain may occur.

2. Poor Lifestyle Habits

Long-term mouth breathing or biting the lower lip may lead to abnormal mandibular positioning, affecting normal chin development and causing inward retraction of the chin. Maintaining proper breathing habits and avoiding lip-biting is recommended. Under a doctor’s advice, genioplasty with advancement (osteotomy and forward movement of the chin bone) may be performed. This surgical procedure involves cutting and repositioning the chin bone forward to correct the retrusion. The typical reference cost is 20,000–50,000 yuan per procedure. Noticeable improvement generally occurs within 3–6 months, but potential complications include infection, bleeding, or nerve injury.

3. Trauma

Injury to the chin, such as impact, may damage local structures and cause abnormal bone morphology, leading to chin retrusion. Symptoms often include pain and bleeding. Under medical guidance, medications such as acetaminophen tablets, Sanqi tablets, or Dahuoluowan may be used. Alternatively, prosthetic implantation may be recommended—this involves surgically placing a silicone implant in the chin to enhance volume and create a fuller, more defined contour. The typical reference price ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 yuan per procedure. Improvement is usually seen within 2–4 weeks, though risks include infection, implant displacement, or rejection reactions.

4. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)

TMD may result from stress, malocclusion, or excessive joint loading. This disorder can affect normal jaw movement and development, leading to abnormal mandibular positioning and resulting in chin retrusion. Common symptoms include jaw joint pain, clicking sounds, and limited mouth opening. Under medical supervision, medications such as eperisone hydrochloride tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, or potassium diclofenac tablets may be prescribed for treatment.

5. Muscular Torticollis

Muscular torticollis may arise from abnormal fetal positioning in the uterus or compression of neck muscles. Contracture of the affected sternocleidomastoid muscle can cause the head to tilt toward the affected side and the chin to rotate toward the unaffected side. Over time, this may lead to relative chin retrusion. Symptoms may include a neck mass or facial asymmetry. Patients are advised to undergo sternocleidomastoid muscle release surgery under medical guidance. This procedure involves cutting the sternal or clavicular end (or mastoid end) of the sternocleidomastoid muscle to relieve muscle tension and correct torticollis. The typical reference cost is 10,000–30,000 yuan per procedure. Relief is generally observed within 2–6 months, though complications such as bleeding or infection may occur.

Maintaining proper posture in daily life—such as standing and sitting up straight and avoiding slouching—is recommended, as it may help improve chin appearance.