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

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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	THE PLUS Plastic Surgery, located in the vibrant Garosu-gil area of Gangnam, Seoul, is a four-floor, full-service clinic designed to support patients seamlessly from consultation and surgery to dedicated post-operative care and skincare. Renowned for rhinoplasty and facial contouring, THE PLUS is led by internationally active, research-driven surgeons who regularly publish in academic journals and contribute to professional books while presenting at major medical symposiums worldwide. With a philosophy centered on individualized communication, safety, and results that enhance natural features, the clinic is especially well-suited for patients seeking a refined, well-balanced correction for a protruding chin as part of overall facial harmony.	- Facial contouring for protruding chin correction with expertise in facial implants for balancing chin with jawline, cheekbones, and overall facial proportions. - Harmonious, natural-looking outcomes as a core philosophy; balanced relationship among facial features. - Advanced implant insight and research credentials; board-certified, active in global plastic surgery societies, award-recognized for 3D implant research. - High-level leadership and peer recognition in the field; Dr. Jeong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, invited to speak and sit on panels. - Education-driven surgeons who train other surgeons; regular educational sessions for other plastic surgeons. - Function-and-beauty approach for facial aesthetics; outcomes refined from every angle. - Comprehensive, start-to-finish patient care in one facility; four-floor setup for coordinated care. - Strong safety culture with experienced professionals; active in academic research and medical societies.
Made Young Plastic Surgery	Made Young Plastic Surgery Clinic in Seoul’s Gangnam district is a premium clinic specializing in facial and anti-aging procedures, known for its genuine dedication and deep expertise. For patients concerned about a protruding chin, Made Young offers individualized facial contouring solutions such as chin surgery (genioplasty) and V-line approaches, guided by direct consultation and diagnosis from the medical team before any procedure. The clinic’s doctors average over 15 years of experience, bringing extensive clinical insight to treatment planning focused on balance, proportion, and natural-looking refinement. Safety and recovery are central to the Made Young experience. The clinic operates a comprehensive safety system with full-time board-certified anesthesiologists on site, including a 1:1 dedicated monitoring system and a cross-check system for rapid, coordinated emergency response, alongside full CCTV coverage of procedures for transparency. After treatment, patients benefit from a separate dedicated aftercare center providing complete and systematic post-procedure care. Made Young’s reputation is supported by official recognitions, including the 2022 Korea No.1 Award, 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, selection as an Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, and certification by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society.	- Individualized facial contouring solutions for protruding chin (genioplasty) and V-line approaches. - Direct consultation and diagnosis from the medical team before any procedure. - Doctors average over 15 years of experience; focus on balance, proportion, and natural-looking refinement. - Comprehensive safety system with full-time board-certified anesthesiologists, 1:1 monitoring, cross-check emergency response, and CCTV coverage. - Separate dedicated aftercare center providing complete and systematic post-procedure care. - Recognitions: 2022 Korea No.1 Award, 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, MIS Society certification.
Banobagi Plastic Surgery	Banobagi Plastic Surgery is a well-known and trusted plastic surgery brand in Korea, established in February 2000 by four medical professionals who are specialists in plastic surgery from Seoul National University Hospital. Built on an artisan spirit for beauty, the clinic emphasizes a warm medical philosophy alongside strong surgical skills, with the aim of becoming a hospital loved by patients and recognized for reliable results. On October 7, 2008, the entire Banobagi building was renovated into a modern medical environment, reinforcing its position as a leading plastic surgery space in Korea. For patients considering care related to protruding chin concerns, Banobagi operates as a large-scale clinic with a 6-story main building (total floor area of 600 pyeong) and a 5-story annex, organized into specialized centers including facial contouring. The clinic highlights 1:1 customized treatment planning supported by professional medical equipment, while maintaining a policy of strictly avoiding unnecessary or excessive procedures for profit. Treating each patient with the care of a family is presented as a core principle that has supported Banobagi’s growth over more than 20 years.	- Well-known Korea-brand; established 2000; four specialists from Seoul National University Hospital. - Artisan spirit for beauty; warm medical philosophy and reliable results. - Renovated building in 2008; leading plastic surgery space in Korea. - Large-scale clinic with 6-story main building and 5-story annex; specialized centers including facial contouring. - 1:1 customized treatment planning with professional medical equipment. - Policy of avoiding unnecessary or excessive procedures; family-like care as a core principle.

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

THE PLUS Plastic Surgery, located in the vibrant Garosu-gil area of Gangnam, Seoul, is a four-floor, full-service clinic designed to support patients seamlessly from consultation and surgery to dedicated post-operative care and skincare. Renowned for rhinoplasty and facial contouring, THE PLUS is led by internationally active, research-driven surgeons who regularly publish in academic journals and contribute to professional books while presenting at major medical symposiums worldwide. With a philosophy centered on individualized communication, safety, and results that enhance natural features, the clinic is especially well-suited for patients seeking a refined, well-balanced correction for a protruding chin as part of overall facial harmony.

• Specialized strength in facial contouring for protruding chin correction: The clinic’s expertise in facial contouring and facial implants supports a precise approach to balancing the chin with the jawline, cheekbones, and overall facial proportions.

• Harmonious, natural-looking outcomes as a core philosophy: Dr. Kim emphasizes achieving a balanced relationship among facial features, which is essential when addressing a protruding chin to avoid an over-corrected or unnatural profile.

• Advanced implant insight and research credentials: Dr. Kim is board certified, active in global plastic surgery societies, and award-recognized for research on 3D implants—valuable expertise when chin augmentation or implant-based strategies are considered as part of a comprehensive contouring plan.

• High-level leadership and peer recognition in the field: Dr. Jeong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, is frequently invited to speak and sit on panels at professional conferences, reflecting a level of authority and current best-practice knowledge that benefits complex facial balance cases.

• Education-driven surgeons who train other surgeons: Both Dr. Kim and Dr. Jeong run regular educational sessions for other plastic surgeons, demonstrating that their techniques and decision-making are trusted at a professional level—an important indicator for delicate facial contouring goals.

• Function-and-beauty approach for facial aesthetics: Dr. Jeong’s philosophy of combining function with beauty supports outcomes that look refined from every angle while respecting overall facial structure and long-term satisfaction.

• Comprehensive, start-to-finish patient care in one facility: The clinic’s four-floor setup enables coordinated care from evaluation through post-operative management, supporting safer recovery and more consistent results.

• Strong safety culture supported by experienced professionals: THE PLUS prioritizes safety and patient satisfaction with a team of highly experienced staff, alongside active participation in academic research and medical societies that keep clinical standards current.

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

Made Young Plastic Surgery

Made Young Plastic Surgery Clinic in Seoul’s Gangnam district is a premium clinic specializing in facial and anti-aging procedures, known for its genuine dedication and deep expertise. For patients concerned about a protruding chin, Made Young offers individualized facial contouring solutions such as chin surgery (genioplasty) and V-line approaches, guided by direct consultation and diagnosis from the medical team before any procedure. The clinic’s doctors average over 15 years of experience, bringing extensive clinical insight to treatment planning focused on balance, proportion, and natural-looking refinement.

Safety and recovery are central to the Made Young experience. The clinic operates a comprehensive safety system with full-time board-certified anesthesiologists on site, including a 1:1 dedicated monitoring system and a cross-check system for rapid, coordinated emergency response, alongside full CCTV coverage of procedures for transparency. After treatment, patients benefit from a separate dedicated aftercare center providing complete and systematic post-procedure care. Made Young’s reputation is supported by official recognitions, including the 2022 Korea No.1 Award, 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, selection as an Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, and certification by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society.

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

Banobagi Plastic Surgery

Banobagi Plastic Surgery is a well-known and trusted plastic surgery brand in Korea, established in February 2000 by four medical professionals who are specialists in plastic surgery from Seoul National University Hospital. Built on an artisan spirit for beauty, the clinic emphasizes a warm medical philosophy alongside strong surgical skills, with the aim of becoming a hospital loved by patients and recognized for reliable results. On October 7, 2008, the entire Banobagi building was renovated into a modern medical environment, reinforcing its position as a leading plastic surgery space in Korea.

For patients considering care related to protruding chin concerns, Banobagi operates as a large-scale clinic with a 6-story main building (total floor area of 600 pyeong) and a 5-story annex, organized into specialized centers including facial contouring. The clinic highlights 1:1 customized treatment planning supported by professional medical equipment, while maintaining a policy of strictly avoiding unnecessary or excessive procedures for profit. Treating each patient with the care of a family is presented as a core principle that has supported Banobagi’s growth over more than 20 years.

Find more about this clinic here: Banobagi 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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