Receding Chin (Microgenia): Surgery, Alternatives and Costs

A receding chin — medically known as microgenia or retrognathia — appears in profile as a chin that is set back behind the natural facial plane. It can be congenital, result from a jawbone fracture, or develop with age due to bone loss. For those affected, it is not merely an aesthetic concern but can also be a functional issue.

What Causes a Receding Chin?

The lower jaw determines the position of the chin. Ideally, the forehead, lips and chin align on the same plane. A receding chin is a skeletal malalignment that can have the following causes:

Congenital malposition of the lower jaw
Jawbone fracture with subsequent malunion
Age-related bone loss
Associated with syndromes (Robin sequence, Seckel syndrome)
Developmental disorders during fetal development

In infants, a receding chin may appear temporarily and often resolves on its own within several months.

More Than Just Aesthetics: Associated Symptoms

A receding chin can cause functional problems in addition to aesthetic concerns:

Sleep apnea due to compromised airways
Restricted chewing and speech
Psychological burden from an altered appearance

If a functional jaw disorder is present, health insurance coverage may be considered in certain cases.

Surgical Correction: Profile Plasty with Chin Implant

The surgical correction of a receding chin is performed through a procedure called profile plasty. Implants are placed to allow flexible shaping of the chin region. Alternatively, autologous material — for example from the pelvic bone — can be used. The surgical access is made either beneath the chin or through the oral mucosa. The procedure can simultaneously address a double chin if one is present.

Non-Surgical Option: Hyaluronic Acid Filler

For mildly pronounced microgenia, a non-surgical treatment with hyaluronic acid filler is possible. The gel is injected directly onto the jawbone, providing volume and projection beneath the skin. The effect lasts approximately 12 months, after which a touch-up treatment can be performed. Cosmetic methods such as hairstyle choices or contouring makeup can also visually minimise the appearance of a receding chin.

Treatment Costs at a Glance

Treatment	Starting from
Profile plasty with implant (surgery)	from 3,000 EUR
Hyaluronic acid filler injection	from 400 EUR

Surgery costs depend on the complexity of the procedure. If a functional jaw impairment is documented, insurance coverage may be explored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Receding Chin Be Corrected Without Surgery?

Yes — with hyaluronic acid filler: 1 to 2 ml are injected into the chin area to create projection. Results are immediately visible and last 12 to 18 months. Advantages include reversibility and no surgical risk. However, for pronounced microgenia, implants offer more permanent and natural-looking results.

What Does a Chin Implant Cost?

Chin implant surgery costs between 3,000 and 7,000 EUR in total (surgeon fees, anaesthesia, clinic costs). Hyaluronic acid filler correction costs 300 to 700 EUR per session, repeated every 12 to 18 months. In the long term, an implant is often more cost-effective.

What Is the Difference Between a Receding Chin and a Double Chin?

A receding chin (retrognathia) is a structural condition where the chin bone is set back — the profile appears unbalanced and the jaw curve is absent. Treatment: implant or filler. A double chin is caused by submental fat tissue beneath the chin while the chin itself is in a normal position. Treatment options include cryolipolysis, fat-dissolving injections or liposuction. Both conditions can occur together.

How Long Does Hyaluronic Acid Last for a Receding Chin?

The effect typically lasts around 12 months. After this time, the body naturally breaks down the substance and a refresher treatment can be performed.

Can a Receding Chin Be Corrected Through Exercise?

No. Since a receding chin is determined by the bone structure of the lower jaw, exercise cannot correct it. Jaw exercises may strengthen the surrounding muscles, but they do not change the jaw position.

When Does Health Insurance Cover the Costs?

For purely aesthetic treatment, health insurance does not cover the costs. If a medically relevant functional jaw disorder is present — such as sleep apnea — coverage can be applied for with appropriate documentation.