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[ARTICLES] The “Witch’s Chin” That Becomes Prominent When Smiling—Restoring Natural Expression Through Mentalis Muscle Repositioning

The so-called “witch’s chin,” a condition in which the chin appears excessively elongated, pointed, or pulled downward when smiling, is not merely a cosmetic concern. In many cases, it originates from abnormal tension and misalignment of the mentalis (chin) muscle. While it may be unnoticeable at rest, facial expressions such as smiling or speaking can cause the chin to sink inward or be drawn downward, a result of overactivity of the mentalis muscle and imbalance with surrounding facial muscles. Recently, mentalis muscle repositioning surgery has gained attention as an effective solution for this condition. Rather than altering bone structure, this procedure repositions and re-fixates the overactive chin muscle to its proper anatomical location, structurally correcting the distortion that appears during facial expressions. Because it can address the witch’s chin deformity without bone resection, patient satisfaction has been notably high. Dr. Jang Yong-jun of ARC Plastic Surgery e...
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[ARTICLE] Should You Remove Old Pins from Facial Contouring or Two-Jaw Surgery? Precision Diagnosis Is Key

An increasing number of people who have undergone facial contouring or two-jaw (orthognathic) surgery in the past are now considering whether to have their surgical pins removed. Pins are typically used in procedures like zygoma reduction, mandibular angle reduction, and chin reduction to fix repositioned facial bones in place and ensure proper bone healing. Pin removal is generally possible at least six months after surgery. However, many patients delay the procedure, and in some cases, several years may pass. Dr. Soonbeom Kwon, Chief Director of ARC Plastic Surgery Clinic, advises, “If more than 10 years have passed since surgery, the pins are likely to have adhered to the bone or surrounding tissues. Therefore, a detailed evaluation using 3D CT scans is essential to precisely determine the pin’s location and the bone condition before proceeding carefully.” It’s important to note that pin removal is not always necessary. However, it may be considered in the following cases: if the patient wishes to hide evidence of prior surgery, if metallic materials show up during health screenings and cause discomfort, if there is ongoing pain or a foreign body sensation around the pin, or if trauma or impact poses a potential risk. Dr. Kwon explained, “Even if a long time has passed since the initial surgery, pin removal can be performed safely with accurate analysis and skilled surgical technique. However, if the pin is heavily adhered to surrounding tissues, the procedure may become more complex—making the judgment of an experienced surgeon especially important.” After pin removal surgery, patients may experience temporary pain or swelling. It is recommended to avoid hard or chewy foods and to get sufficient rest. Dr. Kwon added, “During recovery, it’s best to refrain from strenuous activities and to keep the surgical site clean, which helps promote proper healing.” – Medical Today, Reporter Seongwoo Cho (ostin0284@mdtoday.co.kr)
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