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[ARTICLES] Witch’s Chin: Achieving a Natural Chin Line Through Customized Surgery Considering Muscle Structure and Incision Method

A “witch’s chin,” where the chin extends downward and creates a sharp impression or disrupts facial balance, is more than just a cosmetic issue—it can also cause functional discomfort. It may arise not only from congenital factors but also as a side effect of procedures such as facial contouring surgery, chin fillers, or fat grafting. The primary causes are displacement of the chin muscles and imbalance in the surrounding soft tissues. As a result, the chin can appear longer when speaking or smiling, disturbing the overall harmony of the face. The core of witch’s chin correction surgery lies in muscle repositioning. By restoring and fixing sagging muscles upward, surgeons can reestablish the chin’s natural curve and refine the facial contour for a softer, more balanced appearance. In particular, the choice of incision site should not be limited to intraoral approaches alone. It is crucial to conduct a precise assessment of each patient’s condition and select the most effective meth...

[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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