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When discussing orthodontic surgery for mandibular prognathism, surgeons often explain that the procedure involves setting back the mandible while advancing the chin to create a more aesthetically pleasing profile.
Many people react with skepticism, wondering if, after correcting the jaw protrusion, we're just pushing the chin forward again to start over. What's the real difference between a protruding chin and an attractive one?
I believe the key distinction lies in the labiomental fold.
An attractive chin first curves inward just below the lower lip before protruding outward to form a defined chin line. From the side, it resembles an 'S' shape, whereas a protruding chin often appears flat and straight without those subtle curves.
Take John, for example. He had lived with his protruding chin for a long time and felt self-conscious about it. When I suggested advancing the lower part of his jaw, he was incredulous, thinking it would undo the surgery. After explaining that the goal was to sculpt a beautiful chin curve, he agreed. Six months post-surgery, he was thrilled, finally understanding the difference between a chin and a protrusion!