How to Inject Chin Filler for Cleft Chin 

David Fuller

Last Updated On: March 27, 2024

Even though ideals of lower face beauty have varied and evolved, a foundational concept in achieving optimal results remains constant: the comprehensive assessment of the facial structure from all angles, known as the 360-degree facial assessment. This approach acknowledges the importance of considering the entirety of the face, including the chin and surrounding areas.

In recent years, cleft chin fillers have emerged as popular options for improving the look of the lower face, offering individuals the opportunity to refine their appearance in alignment with contemporary beauty standards while respecting the principles of facial harmony and balance. Pebble chin BOTOX® injections also became a sought-after alternative for smoothing the surface irregularities of the chin caused by muscular contractions, providing a more refined aesthetic appearance.

Get prepared for patients who may come in asking how to get rid of cleft chin and how do dimple chin fillers work by reading this article. 

Key Takeaways

• Filler for chin dimples provides natural results without invasive surgery.
• Cleft chin treatment involves the use of HA or PPLA dermal fillers.
• A thorough understanding of facial anatomy and occlusal dynamics and proficiency in injection techniques are essential for the precise and effective administration of dermal fillers to address cleft chin.

Indications for Chin Filler Treatments

A cleft chin, also known as a “dimple chin” or “butt chin,” is a facial feature characterized by a visible indentation or separation in the center of the chin. On the other hand, a pebble chin is characterized by small bumps or irregularities on the chin’s surface, resembling pebbles, and can result from aging, genetics, or muscular contractions.

How Can Fillers Fix Cleft Chin?

According to one study that explored the use of dermal fillers for cleft chin, injection of HA according to the anatomical morphology of the chin is a safe and effective technique for chin treatment, resulting in high patient satisfaction.

In facial aesthetics, comprehending the anatomical structures surrounding the application site is crucial for safe and effective filler injections. Particularly, in lower-face soft tissue augmentation, understanding the position and function of key facial septums is paramount for achieving optimal outcomes. The mandibular septum, mandibular ligament, and masseteric cutaneous ligament should be carefully examined during the initial patient consultation.

While various techniques can be employed to safely inject filler into lower face areas, authors Sandre M. and Bertucci V. advocate for the use of a cannula. This preference likely stems from the reduced risk of vascular injury associated with cannula techniques compared to traditional needle injections. 

In addition to mastering injection techniques and understanding facial anatomy, it’s crucial for injectors to familiarize themselves with dental occlusion. When considering dental occlusion in the context of lower face treatment, it’s important for injectors to be aware of orthognathia, retrognathia, and underbite (prognathia).

Chin Filler for Cleft Chin: Injection Procedure

The injection procedure with cleft chin filler begins with the removal of makeup and thorough cleansing of the face, followed by the application of a topical anesthetic cream to ensure patient comfort. 

Positioned semi-recumbent, the patient undergoes antiseptic application to the treatment area before the hyaluronic acid (HA) filler is injected into the supra periosteal plane at the paragonion using a bolus technique. This technique involves the careful deposition of filler in small, controlled amounts to achieve the desired augmentation and contouring of the chin. 

Following the initial injection of 0.2-0.4ml of dermal filler, a subsequent equal amount is administered into the supra periosteal depot, with a final 0.2-0.3ml injected into the rhombic area to complete the treatment process.

How Long Does Cleft Chin Filler Last?

Patients should expect immediate initial results after chin filler injections, but full settling of the filler into the surrounding tissues may take one to two weeks, during which slight changes in chin shape and contour may occur. Therefore, it’s advisable to wait until this settling period is complete before assessing the final results and considering any necessary touch-ups or adjustments.

The duration of chin fillers’ effectiveness varies depending on the type of filler used. Hyaluronic acid fillers typically last six to 18 months, depending on the specific product utilized and individual patient response. Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers may provide results lasting approximately 12 to 18 months, with some patients experiencing extended longevity. 

Polylactic acid fillers, which stimulate collagen production, can yield results gradually over several months and may last up to two years or more. Similarly, Poly-L-lactic acid fillers, encouraging collagen synthesis, exhibit longevity ranging from one to two years. Ultimately, the longevity of the obtained effect directly depends on the filler used during the treatment and its density.

Can Chin Fillers Go Wrong?

In the previously mentioned study, 284 patients (87.1%) out of 326 patients, 298 female and 28 male, experienced swelling and pain. Local ecchymosis occurred in 31 patients (9.5%), while asymmetry was found in 8 patients (2.5%). Except for those symptoms, there were no other complications such as infection, necrosis, embolism, nodule, or witch’s chin. All patients reported to be satisfied with the results of the HA injections. 

Other Options for Dimple Chin Correction

Dimple chin filler offers natural results without invasive surgery. Besides chin fillers for cleft chins, there is a surgical approach known as mentalis muscle imbrication mentoplasty. The surgery of the mandible carries inherent risks, such as potential damage to the mental nerve, infection, and bleeding. Within the study conducted with 45 patients, no permanent chin hypoesthesia occurred, nor chin soft tissue irregularity, loss of mentalis muscle function, nor issues with oral competence or function. Sliding genioplasty and chin implants performed by plastic surgeons and maxillofacial surgeons are also options. 

What Are the Best Dermal Fillers for Cleft Chin?

Treatments like BOTOX® or JUVÉDERM® offer a novel approach for women seeking a more feminine and youthful appearance by elongating and refining the jawline, while also addressing concerns such as reducing cleft chin. Similarly, men can also enjoy the benefits of chin fillers.

RESTYLANE® DEFYNE, RESTYLANE® LYFT, JUVÉDERM® VOLIFT®, JUVÉDERM® VOLUX®, and JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® are fillers suitable for chin area. 

Botulinum toxins like BOTOX® injections, while less invasive, offer temporary relief lasting around three months by paralyzing muscles to relax them and diminish the appearance of a cleft, often complemented with fillers for enhanced and longer-lasting results.

What is Cleft Chin Filler Cost

Incorporating dermal fillers into your medical practice can enable you to offer patients an effective solution to achieve a more defined jawline, eliminate the appearance of a double chin, or fix a cleft chin, resulting in enhanced overall facial aesthetics and satisfaction. We offer reliable fillers at wholesale prices, ensuring quality and consistency for your practice’s needs. Contact our sales representative to get more information.

Conclusion

Chin cleft resulting from bony and soft tissue factors such as prominent mandibular tubercles and hypertrophy of the mentalis muscles can be effectively addressed through innovative interventions like dermal fillers or fat grafting to fill the space between the muscles or botulinum injections to induce atrophy of the mentalis muscles. With its minimal downtime and almost immediate effects, dermal fillers present a popular choice among patients wishing to avoid cleft chin surgery.

FAQ

Can filler fix chin dimples? 

Dermal fillers can provide a natural-looking solution for chin dimples. This procedure is preferred among patients wishing for a non-surgical fix with minimal downtime.

How long does cleft chin filler last?

Duration of the effects depends on the filler used. HA fillers last from 6 to 18 months, while PLLA fillers can last up to 2 years.  

Can chin fillers go wrong?

Besides some swelling and pain, chin fillers usually don’t have negative side effects.

Does chin filler affect your smile?

If performed correctly, chin filler treatment doesn’t affect patient’s smile.

How do you fix a pebble chin?

Pebble chin can be successfully treated with Botulinum toxin injections.

What is the best filler for a dimpled chin?

RESTYLANE® DEFYNE, RESTYLANE® LYFT, JUVÉDERM® VOLIFT®, JUVÉDERM® VOLUX®, and JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® can all be used for dimple chin treatment. The exact filler choice depends on the desired results and patients’ features.

References

• Chen B, Ma L, Wang J. Chin Augmentation With Hyaluronic Acid: An Injection Technique Based on Anatomical Morphology. Dermatol Surg. 2022 Apr;48(7)
• Sandre M, Bertucci V. Soft Tissue Augmentation and Jawline. In: Carruthers J, Carruthers A, Dover JS, Alam M, Ibrahim O, editors. Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology: Soft Tissue Augmentation. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2005. Chapter 24.
• David AP, Knott PD, Seth R. Mentalis Muscle Imbrication Mentoplasty for Chin Cleft Reduction and Chin Narrowing. Published online September 27, 2022. doi:10.1089/fpsam.2022.0069.
• Hong, S.O. Cosmetic Treatment Using Botulinum Toxin in the Oral and Maxillofacial Area: A Narrative Review of Esthetic Techniques. Toxins (Basel). 2023 Feb; 15(2): 82. Published online 2023 Jan 17. doi: 10.3390/toxins15020082. PMCID: PMC9964918. PMID: 36828397.