A weak chin, also known as a recessed chin or retrogenia, refers to a chin that does not have a prominent appearance on the face or jawline and may appear to slope backward from below the mouth. It is not a medical condition but rather a term used to describe when the chin is less prominent on the face. A weak chin may result from genetic factors, such as Treacher Collins syndrome, which can cause a deformity in the lower part of the jaw that causes it to be further back than it should be. In some cases, a pronounced overbite may lead to a weak chin and a weak jawline. Age might also cause a receding chin, as the jawline tends to become less pronounced and may even start to recede over time.
Facial massages, rolling devices, and jaw and chin exercises are often suggested as ways to prevent a weak chin, but their efficacy is often disputed. Losing excess facial fat may help improve the appearance of the chin area and promote a firmer outline. However, a weak chin is the result of bone and soft tissue, and exercises will not help these factors or change the appearance of the skin. Individuals interested in changing the appearance of their chin will likely require cosmetic surgery, such as chin implant or mentoplasty.
