The mentalis muscle: an essential component of chin and lower lip position

Abstract

The soft-tissue chin may become ptotic following surgery in this area. The mentalis muscles which are responsible for proper central lip motion and chin point position may be affected. The mentalis muscle origin may require resuspension at a proper level. This reattachment may be performed by means of an intraoral approach. Non-absorbable sutures are used to hold the soft-tissue chin upward. The exact method involves placing drill holes through the alveolar bone, into which sutures are passed. These sutures are then placed through the lower mentalis muscles and tightened. Chin and lip position may be corrected in certain cases. Ancillary procedures are required to correct vestibular scarring and submental scars.