Table of contents

• Understanding the Condition: "Receding Chin" and Its Medical Context
• Medical Procedures for Chin Augmentation: A Detailed Analysis
• Navigating Medical Tourism: The South Korean Experience
• Best Clinics in Korea for Receding Chin
• Cost Analysis: A Medical Tourist's Financial Perspective
• Patient Narratives: Outcomes, Confidence, and Reality
• Conclusion
• References

Purpose and Scope

This guide offers a detailed and evidence-based overview for anyone considering chin augmentation, especially those who have a receding chin or a "posteriorly positioned chin profile." Instead of focusing solely on aesthetics, the article delves into clinical definitions, health implications, available procedures, medical tourism logistics, and the psychological aspects of chin augmentation. Information is drawn from medical journals, clinical reports, and patient stories to provide a balanced and accessible resource for making treatment decisions.

The Expert’s Perspective

All content is thoroughly researched from a wide range of professional references, with complicated terms clarified to create a more approachable read. Patient safety and well-being are central themes, so the guide emphasizes starting with a medical diagnosis rather than a cosmetic fix. The intention is to equip readers with the right knowledge so they feel empowered to consult providers and navigate both surgical and non-surgical options confidently.

Understanding the Condition: "Receding Chin" and Its Medical Context

Defining the "Posteriorly Positioned Chin Profile"

A receding chin describes when the lower jawbone (mandible) sits further back compared to the upper jaw (maxilla), giving the chin a sloped appearance. Clinically, this is called a "posteriorly positioned chin profile," varying in severity from slightly convex to vertically or diagonally angled chins. Such deficiencies can be due to skeletal misalignment or bone resorption from aging, and may be accompanied by a rounded angle or sagging skin known as chin ptosis.

Key Medical Terms and Pseudonyms

The terms used to describe this condition can differ:

• Retrognathia / Mandibular Retrognathia: The primary medical label for a receding chin, indicating the lower jaw is significantly set back.
• Retrognathism: A synonym for retrognathia.
• Micrognathia: Refers to a particularly small chin, which may include or exclude retrognathia, and can appear in syndromes like Pierre Robin sequence.
• Common Pseudonyms: Everyday language like "weak chin," "small chin," or "deficient chin" often point to the same issue.

Table 1: Receding Chin - Common Medical Terms and Pseudonyms

Term	Medical Classification	Description
Retrognathia / Mandibular Retrognathia	Primary Medical Term	The lower jaw is set back from the upper jaw, causing a receding chin profile.
Retrognathism	Synonym	A synonym for retrognathia.
Micrognathia	Distinct Condition	An abnormally small chin, which may or may not be positioned posteriorly.
"Weak" or "Small" Chin	Colloquial Pseudonym	A layperson's term for a chin that lacks ideal projection.

Causes and Associated Health Issues

A receding chin can be present from birth (congenital) due to genetics or broader syndromes like Pierre Robin sequence, or it can develop later (acquired) due to trauma, surgical intervention, childhood habits like thumb sucking, or aging. Though often considered cosmetic, a receding chin can have significant medical consequences. For example, retrognathia is linked to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) because a backward-set jaw can restrict the airway, leading to sleep disruptions and increased risk for conditions such as hypertension, stroke, and heart failure.

Another medical link is with Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders, as jaw misalignment can result in muscle spasms, joint pain, and jaw clicking, sometimes accompanied by chewing or swallowing difficulties. The severity often matches the scale of jaw misalignment, making a professional evaluation by an ENT specialist or maxillofacial surgeon an important first step before seeking cosmetic solutions.

Medical Procedures for Chin Augmentation: A Detailed Analysis

Non-Surgical Options: The Reversible Path

For those not ready for permanent changes, non-surgical options are available. Dermal fillers using hyaluronic acid can add volume and definition to the chin and jawline, offering immediate but temporary enhancement (lasting 6–12 months). Other treatments may include Kybella or CoolSculpting to reduce chin fat, Botox to relax jaw muscles, and noninvasive procedures like Ultherapy for skin tightening and collagen stimulation. These solutions work well as a "trial run" but require ongoing maintenance.

Surgical Solutions: The Permanent Alteration

When long-lasting change is desired, surgery is the most definitive approach. The two primary procedures are chin implants and sliding genioplasty.

• Chin Implants (Mentoplasty): This involves placing a synthetic (usually silicone) or biological implant over the chin bone to increase its prominence. The process is typically quick and performed under anesthesia, with incisions made inside the mouth or under the chin. Chin implants provide immediate, noticeable results and can be paired with other facial surgeries.

• Sliding Genioplasty (Osseous Genioplasty): For greater structural changes, this procedure alters the patient's own bone. Through an incision inside the mouth, the surgeon carefully cuts the chin bone (osteotomy), repositions it as needed, and secures it with titanium plates and screws. Sliding genioplasty allows for highly customizable outcomes in projection and shape, with bone repositioning performed to avoid root and nerve injury.

A Detailed Comparison of Surgical Procedures

Choosing between chin implants and sliding genioplasty depends on individual goals, anatomy, and comfort with invasive procedures.

Chin implants offer a less complex, more affordable path with quicker recovery (1–2 weeks), but the implant is foreign to the body and could potentially shift, become infected, or cause bone erosion over time. Removal or replacement may be necessary.

Sliding genioplasty is more invasive, requiring 2–4 weeks of recovery due to bone healing, but yields permanent, natural results using the body's own bone. It's more customizable in terms of chin shape and less prone to shifting, although there's a risk of numbness from nerve proximity.

Table 2: Chin Augmentation Procedures - A Comparative Analysis

Feature	Chin Implants	Sliding Genioplasty
Surgical Technique	Placing a synthetic implant over existing bone.	Cutting and repositioning the patient’s own chin bone.
Customization	Limited to available implant shapes and sizes.	Highly customizable; allows for lengthening, shortening, or reshaping.
Permanence	Permanent intent but may need replacement.	Permanent solution; no expected future adjustments.
Recovery Time	1–2 weeks	2–4 weeks (bone healing)
Common Risks	Implant shifting, infection, bone erosion.	Nerve damage, bone healing complications, numbness.
Cost	$3,000–$7,000	$6,000–$15,000

Navigating Medical Tourism: The South Korean Experience

Best Clinics in Korea for Receding Chin

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

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery	Located in Garosu-gil, Gangnam; led by internationally recognized specialists; state-of-the-art, four-floor facility; comprehensive care from consultation to post-op; focus on patient safety, satisfaction, and natural results; doctors active as educators and researchers.	Advanced 3D implant research; facial contouring expertise, including chin augmentation and shaping; innovative, personalized procedures for harmonious facial balance.
Made Young Plastic Surgery	Located in Gangnam; team with over 15 years average clinical experience; direct surgeon consultations; multiple national awards; full-time board-certified anesthesiologists; dedicated monitoring and aftercare; full CCTV transparency.	Surgical genioplasty; V-line contouring; non-invasive jawline improvements; robust safety and cross-check monitoring systems.
DM Plastic Surgery	Board-certified plastic surgeons with 10–20+ years experience; Yonsei University alumni; leadership at Gangnam Severance Hospital; personalized 1:1 consultations; members of the Association of Plastic Surgery Medical Doctors; focus on individualized, long-lasting, natural results.	Scientific anatomical analysis; advanced facial contouring including recessed chin correction, bimaxillary surgery, jaw reshaping.

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

THE PLUS Plastic Surgery clinic, located in the vibrant Garosu-gil area of Gangnam, Seoul, stands at the forefront of advanced facial contouring and cosmetic surgery, with an exceptional reputation for treating conditions like receding chin. The clinic is helmed by a distinguished team of specialists: Dr. Kim Taek Kyun, an internationally recognized expert in rhinoplasty and facial contouring, is celebrated for his pioneering research in 3D implants and passion for achieving harmonious facial balance. Dr. Jeong Jae Yong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, is lauded for integrating beauty with optimal function, and frequently shares his expertise at major industry panels worldwide. Together, they set rigorous standards for patient safety, satisfaction, and natural results, solidifying THE PLUS as a destination for those seeking transformative yet balanced aesthetic outcomes.

Boasting a state-of-the-art facility across four dedicated floors, THE PLUS offers a comprehensive suite of services, from initial consultation to surgery and meticulous post-operative care. The clinic’s doctors are not only seasoned surgeons with decades of clinical experience, but are also committed educators and researchers whose contributions elevate the medical community globally. Their reputation for excellence in facial contouring—including chin augmentation and shaping procedures—makes THE PLUS a premier choice for those addressing a receding chin. This relentless pursuit of innovation, together with personalized patient communication, ensures each client achieves results that enhance their natural beauty while maintaining facial harmony.

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

Made Young Plastic Surgery

Made Young Plastic Surgery Clinic, located in Seoul’s esteemed Gangnam district, stands as a premium destination for facial and anti-aging procedures, including specialized treatments for receding chin. Distinguished by a team of verified medical professionals with an average of over 15 years of clinical experience, Made Young offers direct consultations and diagnoses from its expert surgeons, ensuring each patient receives meticulously tailored care. The clinic’s comprehensive approach is backed by numerous awards, including the 2022 Korea No.1 Award and Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, reflecting its reputation for exceptional outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Patient safety and aftercare are at the heart of Made Young’s philosophy. The clinic features a robust safety system with full-time board-certified anesthesiologists and a unique 1:1 dedicated monitoring protocol during all procedures. This is supplemented by a sophisticated cross-check system, guaranteeing immediate and precise responses to any emergency. Transparency is maintained through full CCTV coverage, while a dedicated post-procedure aftercare center ensures comprehensive and systematic recovery. Whether through surgical genioplasty, V-line contouring, or non-invasive options, Made Young Plastic Surgery delivers expertise and peace of mind for anyone seeking an improved jawline and profile.

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

DM Plastic Surgery

DM Plastic Surgery stands out as the premier clinic for receding chin correction in Korea due to its distinguished medical team, advanced techniques, and commitment to individualized care. With two board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in their respective fields, DM Plastic Surgery ensures that each patient benefits from over 10 to 20 years of combined expertise, scientific analysis, and refined aesthetic judgment honed through decades of practice. The surgeons are alumni of the prestigious Yonsei University Hospital and have held leadership positions at Gangnam Severance Hospital, demonstrating their authority and dedication in the field of plastic surgery. The clinic is renowned for its personalized 1:1 consultations that allow for precise, tailored treatment plans, utilizing the latest techniques in facial contouring, such as recessed chin correction, bimaxillary surgery, and jaw reshaping. As respected members of the Association of Plastic Surgery Medical Doctors, DM Plastic Surgery’s specialists exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and patient-focused care, making it the top destination for anyone seeking natural, harmonious, and lasting results for a receding chin in Korea.

Find more about this clinic here: DM Plastic Surgery Website

The Allure of South Korea

South Korea stands out globally for cosmetic surgery, attracting many international patients by blending technological innovation, skilled surgeons, and personalized post-op care. Facilities often feature advanced imaging (like 3D CT and AI planning) and offer logistical support such as airport pick-up, hotel arrangements, and interpretation services, making the patient journey as seamless as possible.

The Patient’s Journey: A Step-by-Step Process for International Clients

• Research & Consultation: Patients begin by researching accredited clinics—looking beyond reviews to industry recognition and patient testimonials. Many centers offer online video consultations to discuss needs and expectations in advance.
• Planning & Logistics: A finalized surgical plan allows for travel preparations, with many clinics or agencies offering comprehensive packages that cover lodging, airport transportation, and translation services.
• On-Site Preparation: Upon arrival, patients undergo thorough evaluation and imaging. International coordinators and interpreters help smooth out any language gaps.
• Surgery & Post-Op Care: Surgeries take place with detailed preparation and immediate recovery room monitoring. Innovative pain management and attentive care are standard.
• Recovery: Daily checkups, dressing changes, and swelling reduction treatments are routine. Patients typically stay two weeks post-surgery before returning home, with access to follow-up care for complications.

While clinics curate a highly supportive experience, it’s essential to communicate aesthetic preferences clearly, as local surgeons may default to the "Korean beauty standard," which could differ from each patient's desired look. Prospective clients should confirm their surgeon’s international experience and clinic certifications.

Cost Analysis: A Medical Tourist's Financial Perspective

Cost of Chin Surgery in South Korea

Surgery in South Korea tends to be more affordable than in Western countries. Here are average prices:

• Chin Implant: About $7,000, with a general range from $1,900 to $8,000.
• Sliding Genioplasty: Roughly $4,000 on average, ranging from $3,000 to $5,000.
• Chin Liposuction: Averages $1,683, with quotes from $1,000 to $2,000.

Surgical packages typically cover pre-op tests, the procedure, medications, and standard aftercare, though extended hospital stays for recovery or complications will increase costs.

A Global Cost Comparison

The lower fee in Korea is offset by travel and living expenses for medical tourists. Ancillary costs—like flights and accommodation—should be added to the total budget.

Table 3: Estimated Chin Surgery Costs – South Korea vs. Other Destinations

Country	Chin Implant (Estimated Range)	Genioplasty (Estimated Range)
South Korea	$1,900–$8,000	$3,000–$8,000
The USA	$4,900–$10,000+	$8,000–$15,000+
Turkey	$2,000–$10,299	$2,000–$3,900
Thailand	$1,400–$2,000	$4,457–$5,348
India	$1,500–$1,800	$1,500–$1,800

Savings can be significant—up to 60% for genioplasty and 70% for chin implants compared to U.S. prices—but a two-week stay can add $1,330–$3,600 to the final bill. Prospective patients must weigh these factors to decide if medical tourism fits their financial expectations.

Patient Narratives: Outcomes, Confidence, and Reality

The Physical Transformation

Patient experiences routinely highlight dramatic improvements in facial profile and symmetry, especially after sliding advancement genioplasty, which can bring the bone forward by 6–9mm. Even in severe cases (like pronounced microgenia), chin implants can deliver satisfying, balanced results. Many combine chin augmentation with ancillary procedures, such as rhinoplasty or neck liposuction, to enhance overall facial harmony.

The Impact on Confidence and Self-Esteem

Patients report significant boosts in confidence and well-being after chin augmentation. Those who felt self-conscious due to a weak chin often describe the procedure as "life-changing," helping them stop worrying about their looks and engage more freely socially and academically.

The Recovery Experience: A Realistic Look

Recovery takes patience. Initial weeks bring swelling, bruising, and temporary numbness in the chin or lower lip. Patients typically follow a soft or liquid diet and avoid strenuous activity for four to six weeks. Visible results take months to fully mature, reinforcing the need for realistic expectations and a patient outlook during the healing process.

Conclusion

A receding chin can have profound effects on both appearance and health, making a professional medical assessment the first step toward treatment. Options range from non-surgical fillers to more permanent surgical procedures like chin implants and sliding genioplasty, each with its trade-offs in invasiveness, permanence, and customization. South Korea is a leading destination for chin surgery, but patients should weigh all expenses and ensure clear communication with providers. Ultimately, with thorough research and realistic expectations, chin augmentation can deliver lasting physical and psychological benefits.

References

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