Patient's Profile
Mr B works in the public service sector and is in his 20s. Physically active and committed to regular workouts, he is also a non-smoker and avoids alcohol. Despite his healthy lifestyle, he was deeply concerned about his short chin and chunky neck, which his friends had pointed out, affecting his self-esteem.
Background
Mr B shared that he inherited a short and small chin and a "thick" neck, a trait evident in his father and brother. He felt that his face looked less masculine and less defined, impacting his confidence. When he looked at his mirror reflection, he noticed his chin and neck seemed to blend together, creating a "pancake-like" appearance. Hoping to find a solution, Mr B consulted Dr Ivan Puah in 2024 for an assessment.
Consultation and Assessment
During the consultation, Mr B voiced concerns about his short and small chin and weak jawline, which contributed to his less masculine appearance. Dr Puah's examination confirmed that Mr B had a small chin, medically referred to as hypognathism and excess fat on the jowl and upper neck. These factors created an imbalanced look and a poorly defined jawline.
Mr B was not interested in chin implantation due to the drastic change and the fear of noticeable alterations. He wants a more natural and subtle enhancement.
The Treatment Plan
Dr Puah proposed a comprehensive surgical plan involving chin, jawline, and upper neck liposuction to remove excess subcutaneous fat and create a more sculpted and defined jawline. Consent was taken, and the pros and cons of surgery and its possible risks and complications were clearly explained to the patient.
The surgery was performed at an accredited Day Surgery Center under twilight sedation, ensuring Mr B's comfort. An experienced anaesthetist and a skilled surgical team assisted Dr Puah in the procedure.
Incisions were strategically made on the chin and behind the ears, allowing anaesthetic fluid infiltration and liposuction. Mr B's challenge is his short neck; hence, when Dr Puah removes fat and sculpts the neck and jawline, he has to carefully manoeuvre his tool, taking careful steps to avoid Mr B's windpipe. Dr Puah focused on sculpting a tighter and more masculine profile while removing excess submental and upper neck fat.
The surgery, which lasted just an hour, was uneventful. The patient recovered well in the recovery bay before returning home with dressings and facial compression.
Post-Op Recovery & Results
Mr B's recovery went smoothly, with well-healed wounds. He has diligently used the anti-scar gel and applies sunblock to the incision sites whenever he goes outdoors. The before-and-after photos marked improvement four months post-surgery, revealing a more defined and masculine jawline.
Mr B is pleased with the progress, and Dr Puah reassures him that the results will continue to improve.
Understanding the Impact of Hereditary Weak and short chin
Addressing a hereditary weak and short chin is far more than a cosmetic concern; it has profound psychological implications, especially for male patients. A well-defined chin enhances facial balance, improves profile aesthetics, and contributes to a more harmonious appearance.
A strong, well-defined chin is often associated with masculinity, strength, and confidence for men. When the chin is weak, it can lead to feelings of self-consciousness and diminished self-esteem. This is particularly true in social and professional settings where appearance can impact perceptions and interactions. Men with receding chins may feel less confident, perceiving themselves as having softer, less masculine features.
Correcting a hereditary weak and short chin and removing excess upper neck fat can transform these negative perceptions. A more defined chin and jawline enhances facial proportions and bolsters a man's psychological well-being. This improvement in physical appearance often leads to increased self-confidence, allowing men to engage more freely in personal and professional environments