My Chin Enhancement Journey
Before 2024, I never gave much thought to my chin. That year, the media coined the term “snatched jawline,” and like many others, I sought to enhance my facial profile with fillers. While the treatment did refine my jawline and create a clearer distinction between my jaw and neck, I remained unsatisfied with my overall appearance, particularly in photographs. Despite maintaining a healthy BMI and regular exercise, my face seemed disproportionately heavy and short, even after undergoing procedures like buccal fat removal. I yearned for a more slender, heart-shaped face.
I recognized that aging signs contributed to my dissatisfaction, as my cheeks had noticeably dropped. However, I couldn't pinpoint exactly what was bothering me. After consulting several doctors about chin liposuction—a procedure I initially thought might help despite lacking significant fat in that area—I realized my discontent stemmed from the protrusion of my slightly recessed chin. I experimented with chin fillers, which provided some improvement but failed to deliver the desired protrusion and were only temporary.
Reviewing old photos from my 20s, I noticed that while I never had the robust bone structure I desired, my chin wasn't as weak or invisible from the front view as it appeared now. I learned that women often lose bone along their chin and jawline with age, making it logical to address this issue and provide structural support to the lower third of my face, especially as I approached 40.
Diving into online plastic surgery forums, I researched chin enhancements extensively. While some doctors recommended chin implants for their ease and quick recovery, I was wary after reading about complications like implant shifting and bone resorption. Additionally, I sought both horizontal protrusion to move my chin forward and slight vertical elongation to lengthen my face. Opting for a sliding genioplasty, a surgical procedure reshaping the chin bone, seemed the best fit. This surgery involves cutting the bone, sliding it into a new position, and securing it with plates and screws.
Despite the challenging recovery compared to implants, I felt confident in my ability to endure it, given my work-from-home situation and high pain tolerance. I consulted Dr. Barry Eppley, a board-certified plastic and oral-maxillofacial surgeon in Carmel, Indiana, renowned for his expertise in this surgery. Initially skeptical after hearing about his acceptance within the incel community, I found him knowledgeable and reassuring, validating my realistic expectations for chin protrusion.
Months later, I checked into a hotel the night before my pre-op consultation. The following afternoon, I met with Dr. Eppley to revisit my goals. I expressed a desire for moderate horizontal enhancement and slight vertical advancement. He took front and side profile photos, explaining the ideal female chin: neither recessed nor overly protruded, typically aligned just behind the nose, and balanced. Agreeing with this aesthetic, I left with prescriptions for antibiotics and pain meds, advised to fast for eight hours before surgery.
Arriving at the surgical center at 5 a.m., anxious yet drowsy, I met Dr. Eppley again. Deciding on a conservative horizontal enhancement, I was content with the vertical protrusion visualized the previous day. Despite his mention of some female patients opting out of vertical advancement, I felt a slightly elongated face complemented my tall frame. After meeting the anesthesiologist, I was guided into the operating room.
Awakening in the recovery room, a nurse fed me applesauce as I drooled a mix of saliva and blood from the incision site. Bandaged and escorted out, I spent the day sleeping, medicating, and consuming smoothies and cold soups. The next morning, Dr. Eppley confirmed a smooth surgery, moving my chin 5.5mm horizontally and 4mm vertically. Swollen and speech-impaired, I was cleared to fly home, warned that swelling would peak by day three. Instructions included continued icing, elevated sleeping, and a liquid diet transitioning to soft foods.
Day three brought the most discomfort due to heightened swelling and aching. Though swelling decreased, I remained uneasy, tiring of the liquid diet and experiencing jaw pain with speech. Managing pain with over-the-counter meds, arnica, and ice packs, I strictly adhered to my face wrap and stayed indoors. Despite headaches and discomfort, I worked intermittently.
The psychological toll was the most challenging. The swelling and drastic facial change made me anxious and depressed daily. Feeling like I'd made a mistake, my face appeared boxy and masculine, akin to “Handsome Squidward.” My prominent chin disrupted facial proportions, making my lips seem smaller. I questioned my decision, driving my boyfriend to distraction with queries about possible reversal. Comparing my results to those online, I realized I wouldn't see immediate improvement.
Four weeks post-surgery, I'm pleased with the results. While some swelling remains, soft tissues have settled, aches have mostly subsided, and my bite and smile are normalizing. About 90% of swelling has dissipated, with full results expected in six months. Meeting friends, no one suspects surgery, indicating subtle yet significant changes. Adequate chin protrusion and a defined side profile now complement my face, eliminating the need to jut my chin in photos. Despite the challenging recovery, I'm delighted with the outcome and would do it again. Excited to see final results as swelling improves and the chin bone heals.
