Comparative Analysis of Genioplasty Versus Hyaluronic Acid Injection for Chin Retrusion in Asian Chinese Female Patients

OBJECTIVEThis study compared 1-year postoperative visual attention patterns and lay-rated aesthetic outcomes after genioplasty and hyaluronic acid (HA) injection for moderate-to-severe chin retrusion in Asian Chinese women.

METHODSSixteen female patients with comparable baseline severity according to the China (Allergan) Chin Retrusion Scale (CACRS) were included, with eight patients in the genioplasty group and 8 in the HA injection group. Forty-six lay observers assessed standardized 12-month postoperative facial photographs in frontal, lateral, and 45° oblique views. Eye-tracking was used to quantify fixation duration across predefined facial regions, and the Merz Aesthetic Rating Scales (MARS) were used for structured postoperative aesthetic assessment.

RESULTSThe HA injection group showed longer fixation durations in the chin region across all three views, whereas the genioplasty group showed relatively longer fixation durations in the perioral region in the frontal view and in the periorbital region in the 45° oblique view. MARS assessment showed lower postoperative scores for symmetry and contour in the genioplasty group, with no significant between-group difference in skin quality.

CONCLUSIONSAt 1 year postoperatively, genioplasty was associated with lower MARS scores for symmetry and contour and a less chin-focused fixation pattern compared with HA injection. However, the observed fixation differences were modest and should be interpreted cautiously. Eye-tracking analysis combined with MARS may provide a quantifiable framework for evaluating postoperative facial aesthetic perception.

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