Chin Microgenia: An Anthropometric Analysis on the Prevalence and Severity in a Chinese Population

BACKGROUND The chin is an important component of facial harmony, and deficient chins are associated with unattractiveness. Previous studies have reported microgenia as the most common subtype of chin deformities. OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence and severity of microgenia in a Chinese population through facial anthropometric analysis. METHODS A total of 800 Han Chinese adults from various age groups of both sexes were recruited for facial anthropometric measurements and photographic analysis. Chin deficiencies in both sagittal and vertical dimensions were evaluated using G-S-P angle, chin retrusion distance, and Sn–Vl/Sn–Me ratio criteria. RESULTS In the sagittal dimension, microgenia was present in 60.7% of men and 68.6% of women according to the G-S-P angle criterion, and the angle significantly decreased with age in women ( p < .05). According to the chin retrusion criterion, microgenia was present in 38.7% of men and 32.3% of women, and the retrusion distance significantly increased with age in both sexes ( p < .05). Vertical microgenia was present in 69.6% of men and 81.9% of women according to the Sn–Vl/Sn–Me criterion, and the ratio gradually increased with age in both sexes ( p < .05). CONCLUSION Microgenia is common among Chinese, particularly in women, and the prevalence and severity increase with age.