Most people view the chin as that facial feature that can be made either more or less prominent.
However, the development of the lower jaw is related to how the chin looks. The shape of the face determines the position and size of the chin, and hence its treatment should be individualized based on the facial features.
The “advancement-rotation concept” is investigated by a case series in Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum. This concept is based on analyzing how the mandible has developed and how much it has rotated instead of the projection of the chin only. This might be an individual method to evaluate patients with a recessed or small chin.
Facial Growth Affects Chin Position
Key takeaway: The way the lower jaw develops can influence the position and appearance of the chin.
The chin is not formed without relation to the other parts of the face. During the development of the mandible, the rotation of the latter affects the position of the chin and the formation of the face proportions.
It means that the scientific study involves the identification of two major rotation directions of the mandible – clockwise and counter-clockwise. Clockwise rotation can be connected with the increased length of the lower face and the posterior placement of the chin. However, there are other rotation patterns that result in other relations between the height of the face and the position of the chin.
It explains why two people can have similar recessed chins but differ in their facial structure.
A Recessed Chin Can Have Different Causes
Key takeaway: A chin that appears set back may reflect differences in the chin itself, the lower jaw, or the surrounding facial structure.
There are various reasons why the chin can appear small or receded. For some individuals, the problem is that they have a small chin. This is referred to as microgenia. There are other individuals who have a lower jaw that is more backward, which is called retrognathia. There could also be dental relationships and soft tissue considerations affecting the face.
This is significant since treatments that would be effective on one type of anatomy might not work well on others. In cases where there is forward projection, it will be useful, but for other problems such as jaw position and rotation, it might not be helpful.
The research suggests a need for a more comprehensive assessment of the face. Rather than looking at the chin alone, the clinicians will be able to consider the jaw, lips, lower facial height, and surrounding soft tissues.
Treatment Can Be Tailored to Facial Structure
Key takeaway: Understanding facial anatomy can help guide a more individualized approach to chin enhancement.
The principle of advancement and rotation suggests that the plan of treatment needs to take into account the facial growth pattern of the individual. This may affect the treatment in certain cases in terms of how the nonsurgical intervention is undertaken.
Thus, if treatment is intended to impact projection, then deeper treatment would be used; otherwise, other methods may concentrate on the soft tissues and contouring of the chin. It all depends on the anatomy of the particular patient, the correction needed, and the goal of the treatment.
This is a very crucial difference in the case of chin augmentation. The point of the treatment is not to enhance the prominence of every chin.
Assessment Comes Before Treatment
Key takeaway: A detailed evaluation can help determine whether a patient’s concern is suitable for isolated chin treatment.
An assessment can help identify if the issue is primarily connected to the chin or if there is something else that relates to the general relationship of the jaw and the face in terms of proportions. Assessment and clinical evaluation can help the dentist make proper conclusions in this regard.
Not all patients will benefit from the treatment. In case there are any more complicated jaw issues, functional problems, joint disorders, or unrealistic expectations about the results of the treatment procedure, the patients should undergo additional examination or referral.
As emphasized by James Olding and his colleagues, knowledge of facial anatomy is crucial for personalized treatment. A diagnosis-oriented treatment can help in the right selection of treatment options based on the specific patient’s anatomy.
Conclusion
The growth pattern of the face may affect the placement and appearance of the chin. Variations in mandibular rotation, face height, jaw alignment, and soft tissue relation may all play a part in determining the shape of the lower face.
The studies on the advancement-rotation principle provide a model by which to evaluate all of these factors. While the concept needs further investigation, it highlights an important medical rule. Treatment is more likely to be effective when it takes into account the anatomy of the patient.
Chin augmentation may, therefore, be most appropriate not only according to how much projection one wants to achieve but also according to what causes the chin to appear less projected.
Image by Alexander Krivitskiy from Pexels
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