Table of contents

• Medical Procedures for Correcting a Protruding Chin
• Best Clinics in Korea for Protruding Chin
• The Journey of Chin Surgery in South Korea for Medical Tourists
• Conclusion
• References

A "protruding chin" is more than just an aesthetic detail—it’s a craniofacial concern that affects not only facial balance but also important bodily functions. Knowing its medical definition, causes, and potential effects is essential for those looking for solutions.

In medical terms, a "protruding chin" is called prognathism. This describes a jaw (upper or lower) that juts forward beyond the normal line of the face, causing the teeth and dental arches to not align properly.

The specifics differ based on which part of the jaw is affected:

• Mandibular Prognathism refers to a forward-positioned lower jaw and includes terms like "undershot jaw," "prominent chin," "Habsburg jaw," "Hapsburg jaw," "Class III malocclusion," and "underbite."
• Maxillary Prognathism involves the upper jaw and may be described as "overjet," "overbite," or "protruding upper jaw."
• Bimaxillary Prognathism means both jaws protrude at once.
• Pseudoprognathism, or "false prognathism" and "maxillary hypoplasia," occurs when a small upper jaw creates the appearance of a jutting lower jaw. This distinction is crucial—a professional evaluation is needed to properly diagnose the underlying jaw issue so treatment matches the true cause.

Underlying Causes and Associated Medical Conditions

Many people inherit prognathism genetically, but sometimes it's linked to medical syndromes or other health conditions. Identifying the true cause is key, since it influences the treatment needed—and ensures underlying conditions aren’t overlooked.

Conditions and syndromes associated with prognathism include:

• Acromegaly: Excess growth hormone production, enlarging the jaw (usually in adults)
• Crouzon Syndrome: Premature fusion of skull bones causing facial changes
• Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome (NBCCS): A genetic defect affecting facial growth
• Gigantism: Childhood hormonal imbalance causing rapid growth
• Acrodysostosis: Smaller upper jaw, making the lower jaw look pronounced
• Down Syndrome: Can sometimes cause excessive jaw growth
• Craniosynostosis Syndrome: Early closure of cranial sutures
• Camurati-Engelmann Disease (CED): Enlarged mandible in severe cases
• Trichorhinophalangeal Syndrome (TRPS): Bone development issues

Environmental factors—such as disturbed dental development, thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, oral injuries, enlarged tonsils, or early loss of baby teeth—can also contribute. Since prognathism often signals a deeper issue, a team approach (involving dentists, orthodontists, maxillofacial surgeons, and sometimes physicians) is recommended for optimal care.

Functional and Aesthetic Impacts

A protruding jaw can have day-to-day effects beyond how you look. Some common challenges:

• Malocclusion (misaligned teeth): Causes dental wear, enamel loss, and teeth grinding
• Chewing/Biting difficulties: Can affect nutrition and enjoyment of food
• Speech issues: Lisp or slurred speech may develop
• Breathing problems: Snoring and sleep apnea can negatively impact health
• Pain: Jaw, TMJ, and headaches may result
• Oral hygiene problems: Crowded, misaligned teeth are harder to keep clean, raising decay risks

Visually, a protruding chin can disrupt facial harmony and affect self-esteem. Fixing these issues—not just for cosmetic reasons but also for pain, function, and confidence—offers real quality-of-life benefits. Because problematic prognathism won’t resolve on its own, early dental or orthodontic evaluation (as early as age seven) is strongly recommended for children with abnormal jaw development.

Table 1: Common Pseudonyms for "Protruding Chin"

Primary Medical Term	Specific Types	Associated Terms/Pseudonyms
Prognathism	Mandibular Prognathism	Undershot jaw, Prominent chin, Habsburg jaw, Hapsburg jaw, Class III malocclusion, Underbite, Protrusive occlusion, Protrusive chin
	Maxillary Prognathism	Overjet, Overbite, Protruding upper jaw
	Bimaxillary Prognathism	Protruding upper and lower jaws
	Pseudoprognathism (Maxillary Hypoplasia)	False prognathism, Underdeveloped upper jaw

Medical Procedures for Correcting a Protruding Chin

Treating a "protruding chin" often calls for surgery, with the type and extent determined by the underlying problem.

Overview of Chin Surgery (Genioplasty/Mentoplasty) and Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)

There are two main surgical paths:

• Chin Surgery (Genioplasty/Mentoplasty): Reshapes just the chin bone, often for cosmetic reasons or localized issues, not broader jaw problems. Suitable for those whose jaw growth is complete and who don’t have significant jaw misalignment.
• Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery): Fixes more severe jaw misalignments—done for skeletal issues or malocclusion and often coordinated by orthodontists and maxillofacial surgeons once jaw growth is finished.

The decision between genioplasty and orthognathic surgery—or using both—depends on a complete analysis of whether the chin, jaw, or both need correction. Sometimes, genioplasty is performed with jaw surgery for more precise results.

Detailed Surgical Techniques for Protruding Chin Correction

For a significantly protruding chin, reduction techniques include:

• Sliding Genioplasty (Osseous Genioplasty / Inferior Border Osteotomy): Incisions are made inside the mouth; the surgeon repositions or removes part of the bone and secures it with plates or screws. Variations are:
  • Horizontal Reduction Genioplasty: Bone wedge removal, backward bone movement
  • Semicircular Ostectomy: Removes a curve of bone for better contours
  • Coronal-Splitting Genioplasty: 3D corrections, preserves muscle attachments
  • Bone Burring: Gentle smoothing for minor adjustments
• Chin Reduction Surgery (Chin Shaving Surgery): Removes extra bone/tissue to reshape the chin, with incisions inside the mouth or under the chin.

For underlying jaw misalignment:

• Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy (BSSO): Realigns the lower jaw by cutting and repositioning the bone, secured with plates or screws.
• Combined Procedures (Double Jaw Surgery): Both jaws repositioned using Le Fort I osteotomy (upper) plus BSSO (lower), sometimes including genioplasty for finer balance.

Pre-surgical planning uses state-of-the-art imaging like CBCT and digital simulations for precision. Most procedures use general anesthesia, with local and sedation for less involved surgeries.

Goals of the Procedures: Functional and Aesthetic Improvements

The goals are both cosmetic and functional:

• Aesthetic: Achieve facial balance, better profile, enhanced chin and jawline, symmetry, and youthful proportions.
• Functional: Restore proper bite, improve chewing, reduce dental damage, fix speech, alleviate breathing issues (such as sleep apnea), and decrease jaw pain.

Potential Risks and Expected Recovery Process

Common risks include infection, bleeding, nerve changes (numbness/tingling), swelling, asymmetry, bite changes, and (rarely) relapse or implant issues (if used). However, thanks to modern techniques, complications are rare.

Recovery involves:

• First 1-2 weeks: Hospital stay (if jaw surgery), swelling, mild pain (often less than wisdom tooth removal!), soft diet, saltwater rinses, rest.
• Weeks 2-6: Swelling lessens, bone heals, gradually resume firmer foods, minimal discomfort.
• Months 2-6: Full healing, bone consolidation, final facial results become clear, orthodontic treatment (if needed) is fine-tuned.

Staying in close contact with your care team is important, especially if unusual symptoms arise.

Table 2: Summary of Key Chin and Jaw Surgery Procedures for Protruding Chin

Procedure Name	Primary Purpose	Key Techniques	Typical Anesthesia	Recovery Highlights	Main Goals	When Recommended
Sliding Genioplasty	Reshape/reduce chin projection	Osteotomy, bone reposition/removal, fixation	General/Local+Sedation	2-week swelling, soft diet, mild discomfort	Facial balance, symmetry, contour	Isolated chin issue, skeletal maturity, no major jaw disorder
Chin Reduction Surgery	Reduce chin size, contour	Shave/burr bone/tissue, intraoral/submental	General	2-week swelling, soft diet, mild discomfort	Reduce chin prominence, improve profile	Mild/moderate excess, isolated chin concern
Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy (BSSO)	Realign lower jaw (mandible) position	Sagittal bone cuts, reposition, fixation	General	Hospital 1–2 nights, weeks of swelling, 6-week soft diet	Corrects underbite, improves bite/speech/breathing	Severe jaw misalignment, after jaw growth stops, with orthodontics
Combined Orthognathic Surgery	Realign both jaws	Upper (Le Fort I) and lower (BSSO) osteotomy	General	Hospital 1–2 nights, weeks of swelling, extensive ortho	Total facial harmony, bite/function improvement	Major and multi-jaw discrepancies, syndromic cases

Best Clinics in Korea for Protruding Chin

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for protruding chin:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery	World-renowned team of board-certified specialists; Frequent lecturers and authors; 4 dedicated floors of state-of-the-art facilities; Comprehensive care from consultation to aftercare; Safety, results, and patient-centered philosophy; Convenient Gangnam location	3D implant research; Customized procedures for facial harmony; Advanced post-operative skincare; Innovative techniques for protruding chin correction
Made Young Plastic Surgery	Over 15 years’ experience per doctor; Verified results in facial contouring and chin reshaping; Rigorous safety with full-time anesthesiologist and full CCTV; Dedicated aftercare center and thorough follow-up; 2022 Korea No.1 Award winner; Official recognitions in surgical excellence	Personalized diagnosis and direct surgeon consultations; Minimally invasive techniques; Systematic cross-check safety and 1:1 monitoring; Targeted anti-aging and facial aesthetics systems
DM Plastic Surgery	Board-certified surgeons with 20+ years’ experience; Former heads at Gangnam Severance and Yonsei; Individual 1:1 consultations; Strong safety and satisfaction track record; Multidisciplinary team for full-spectrum care	Vivid-line Surgery; 3D facial contouring; Advanced chin reduction/reshaping techniques; Scientific facial analysis and tailored surgical plans; Expertise in complex facial bone surgeries

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

Nestled in the vibrant Garosu-gil area of Gangnam, Seoul, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery stands out as a leading center for advanced cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. The clinic boasts a team of highly skilled surgeons, including Dr. Kim Taek Kyun, Dr. Jeong Jae Yong, and Dr. Lee, each recognized for their distinct expertise and commitment to patient safety and satisfaction. With its state-of-the-art facilities spanning four dedicated floors, THE PLUS provides comprehensive care from consultation to surgery and follow-up treatments. The clinic’s reputation is built on a foundation of academic excellence, medical research, and continuous innovation, with its directors renowned for their educational contributions and thought leadership in plastic surgery. Their philosophy centers on achieving harmonious, natural results tailored to each individual, making THE PLUS the top choice for those seeking correction for facial concerns like a protruding chin.

Why THE PLUS Plastic Surgery is the Best Clinic for Protruding Chin:

• World-renowned team: Led by board-certified specialists Dr. Kim and Dr. Jeong, internationally recognized for expertise in facial contouring and rhinoplasty.
• Unmatched credentials: Surgeons are frequent lecturers at global conferences, authors of industry-defining literature, and recipients of awards for research in 3D implants.
• Integrated care: The clinic delivers full-spectrum service under one roof, from in-depth consultations to advanced post-operative skincare.
• Customized approach: Procedures are precisely planned, prioritizing facial harmony and natural enhancement, ensuring each protruding chin correction complements surrounding features.
• Emphasis on safety and results: Over a decade of clinical experience, active engagement in medical societies, and ongoing academic research ensure the highest standard of care.
• Global leadership: Surgeons educate other professionals and contribute to raising worldwide plastic surgery standards, ensuring patients receive the latest, safest techniques.
• Patient-centered philosophy: THE PLUS places communication and tailored treatment at the core of its practice, guiding patients confidently through their aesthetic journey.
• Convenient location: Centrally located in Gangnam, the clinic is accessible and designed for patient privacy and comfort.

With their collaborative, forward-thinking approach and technical mastery, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery offers superior results for individuals seeking correction for a protruding chin, earning its place as one of Korea’s premier plastic surgery destinations.

You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website

Made Young Plastic Surgery

Made Young Plastic Surgery Clinic, located in the heart of Seoul's renowned Gangnam district, sets the gold standard in facial aesthetics and anti-aging treatments. Recognized for its premium care and emphasis on safety, Made Young specializes in addressing complex concerns like the protruding chin with a blend of clinical expertise, advanced technology, and patient-centered service. The clinic distinguishes itself with a team of doctors averaging over 15 years of experience, a rigorous safety protocol featuring on-site anesthesiologists, and a systematic aftercare program—all within a state-of-the-art facility. These qualities, paired with industry accolades and a sterling reputation, make Made Young the clinic of choice for anyone seeking the most advanced and reliable solution for a protruding chin.

Why Made Young Plastic Surgery is the Best Clinic for Protruding Chin:

• Verified Medical Team & Expertise • All procedures performed by highly skilled surgeons with an average of over 15 years’ experience. • Extensive, proven clinical results in facial contouring and chin reshaping. • Direct physician consultation and personalized diagnosis for each patient.

• Comprehensive Safety System • Full-time, board-certified anesthesiologists present at all times. • 1:1 dedicated patient monitoring during procedures, ensuring continuous care. • Cross-check safety system and full CCTV coverage guarantee transparency and emergency preparedness.

• Thorough Aftercare System • Separate, dedicated aftercare center for post-surgical support and recovery. • Comprehensive follow-up programs to ensure optimal healing and results.

• Awards & Official Recognitions • Winner of the 2022 Korea No.1 Award and Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place. • Recognized as an Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. • Certified by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society.

At Made Young, patients seeking solutions for a protruding chin benefit from unrivaled expertise, safety, and satisfaction—making it Korea’s leading choice for transformative facial surgery.

You can check out their website here: Made Young Plastic Surgery Website

DM Plastic Surgery

DM Plastic Surgery is a leading clinic in Korea renowned for its sophisticated approach to aesthetic plastic surgery and its dedication to patient-centered care. The clinic is run by two board-certified plastic surgeons, each an expert in their field, who collectively bring over 20 years of experience to their practice. The medical staff, alumni of the prestigious Yonsei University Hospital, not only possess extensive expertise and artistic skill but also engage in scientific analysis to provide the most accurate and personalized treatment plans. With a commitment to excellence rooted in years of clinical experience and continuous education, DM Plastic Surgery is recognized as a model institution in the medical industry, particularly well-suited for complex procedures such as correcting a protruding chin.

Why DM Plastic Surgery is the Best Clinic for Protruding Chin:

• Surgeries performed exclusively by board-certified plastic surgeons with decades of experience.
• The medical team includes former heads of plastic surgery from top-tier hospitals like Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University.
• Specialists in facial contouring, including advanced chin reduction and reshaping for optimal facial balance.
• Personalized 1:1 consultations with scientific facial analysis to design tailored surgical solutions.
• Proven track record in complex facial bone surgeries, including chin, jaw, and bimaxillary procedures.
• Commitment to patient safety, natural results, and satisfaction through every stage—from consultation to post-operative care.
• Up-to-date on the latest surgical innovations and internationally recognized practices as active members of professional medical associations.
• Exclusive techniques like Vivid-line Surgery and 3D contouring to achieve harmonious, aesthetic outcomes.
• Comprehensive care with a multidisciplinary team covering all aspects of facial and body surgery, ensuring seamless and coordinated procedures if needed.

Find more about this clinic here: DM Plastic Surgery Website

The Journey of Chin Surgery in South Korea for Medical Tourists

South Korea has become a top medical tourism spot, especially for facial and craniofacial procedures. The country’s blend of technical advancement, affordability, and excellent patient care makes it an attractive choice.

Why South Korea is a Preferred Destination

South Korea’s reputation comes from:

• Advanced technology and expert surgeons: Clinics use 3D CT and digital simulation, ensuring high precision.
• Affordability: Costs are 40-65% lower than in the West, with no drop in quality.
• Easy accessibility: Agencies help with travel logistics, visas, housing, and language barriers, making medical trips stress-free.
• Excellent patient care: Surgeons are accustomed to patients from around the world, making sure individual needs and preferences are honored. Clinics prioritize patient safety and personalized follow-up.

Step-by-Step Process for International Patients

1. Initial Consultation & Virtual Planning: Online consults, photo reviews, and virtual assessments help set expectations.
2. Pre-op Prep: Medical tests (bloodwork, scans), surgery specific instructions, and sometimes pre-surgery skincare.
3. Travel and Visa: Visa-free stays or C-3 tourist visas suffice for most; longer stays may require a G-1 medical visa. Agencies can handle all travel and clinic arrangements.
4. The Procedure: General or local anesthesia; incisions are almost always hidden inside the mouth, bones reshaped or repositioned as needed.
5. Aftercare & Follow-up: 1-2 night hospital stays for jaw surgery, same-day discharge for genioplasty. Swelling/bruise fades in 2 weeks; soft diet recommended initially. Post-op appointments are included for monitoring and advice.

Cost Analysis: Chin Surgery in South Korea vs. Global Destinations

South Korea stands out for quality and value. Here’s a look at typical costs:

• Chin Surgery (Genioplasty): $4,960 – $8,000
• Orthognathic Surgery: $11,000 – $14,000
• Total trip (with flights, hotel, expenses): Around $6,020 – $12,510

How does this compare?

Country	Genioplasty/Chin Implant (USD)	Orthognathic Surgery (USD)	Notes
South Korea	$4,960 – $8,000	$11,000 – $14,000	Full service, advanced tech, highly experienced
United States	$2,500 – $10,000	$20,000 – $50,000+	Highest costs, variable by location/surgeon
UK	$4,100 – $7,500	N/A	Higher than Korea, less variety than Turkey/Mexico
Mexico	$900 – $3,600	$5,500 – $13,300	Affordable, popular for tourism
Turkey	$2,000 – $10,299	$3,000 – $15,000	Package deals, very competitive
Thailand	$741 – $3,062	From $28,666	Cheap for implants, higher for jaw surgery
Australia	$2,800 – $10,320	$20,000 – $40,000	Similar to US costs
Canada	N/A	$18,000 – $36,000	High cost
Brazil	N/A	$4,740 – $17,000	Averages about $10,371

South Korea offers advanced care for less—plus the full-service support from travel to surgery to aftercare.

Patient Experiences and Outcomes

People undergoing chin and jaw surgery for a protruding chin often report improved appearance, comfort, and self-confidence. Those treated for underbites or jaw imbalance consistently point to better chewing, easier speech, less pain—even relief from sleep apnea and headaches. Satisfaction rates are very high (over 95% with current planning techniques). The physical, functional, and psychological boosts are long-lasting; bone techniques like sliding genioplasty integrate naturally and avoid the drawbacks of implants. Most wish they’d had surgery sooner and stress the difference it’s made to their daily lives.

Conclusion

A "protruding chin" (prognathism) is a complex condition that affects both looks and health. Proper diagnosis and tailored treatment—whether through chin or jaw surgery—can resolve both functional and aesthetic concerns. South Korea stands out as an affordable, advanced destination for these procedures, offering reliable outcomes and strong support for international patients.

References

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