Dimpled Chin: Causes and Treatment Options

Dimpled or textured chins affect many Australians, presenting as uneven skin texture, horizontal creases, or cleft formations. While some individuals embrace these unique facial features, others seek correction for cosmetic concerns.

The primary cause of chin dimpling is the complex interaction between facial muscles and skin. The mentalis muscle controls the chin and lower lip movements and plays a crucial role in forming dimples and textural irregularities. This muscle attaches directly to the skin of the chin and helps with facial expressions, especially those involving the lower face, like closing the mouth or puckering the lips. When the mentalis muscle is overactive, it can pull the skin inward, creating a characteristic dimpled or “orange peel” appearance.

The connection between muscle fibres and skin is particularly important in understanding chin dimpling. The muscle fibres of the mentalis are directly connected to the skin, which means that when the muscle is active, it can pull the skin inward, leading to a bumpy or uneven appearance. These indentations can become more permanent and pronounced over time, or with excessive muscle activity.

Genetics significantly influence chin appearance and dimpling patterns. A cleft chin, often referred to as a “butt chin” or “dimpled chin,” is a genetic trait resulting from a small gap in the chin muscle. This inherited characteristic creates a distinctive dimple or indentation in the centre of the chin.

Structural factors also contribute to chin dimpling. A recessed chin, where the chin appears to be set back from the rest of the face, can exacerbate dimpling. When the chin is recessed, the mentalis muscles must work harder to maintain mouth closure due to reduced bone support, increasing muscle tone and making dimpling more pronounced. Conditions like overbite and retrogenia (an underdeveloped lower jaw) can lead to a less prominent chin, affecting overall facial harmony and potentially contributing to dimpling issues.

The aging process significantly impacts chin appearance. As we age, several changes occur:

1. The jawbone undergoes bone resorption, particularly in the pre-jowl area underlying the chin, leading to loss of jawbone height and a shortened chin.
2. Loss of superficial and deep fat exacerbates facial volume depletion and alters chin contours.
3. Skin loses elasticity, making it more susceptible to wrinkles and indentations.
4. The mentalis muscle may either weaken, shrink chin appearance, or hypertrophy (enlarge) and become hyperactive, causing the chin to “ball up” and shorten with movement.

These age-related changes can transform an initially smooth chin into one with dimpling, creases, or an “orange peel” texture.

The most common first step in treating chin dimpling is muscle-relaxing injections (we can’t use specific product names because of regulations). These injections use a purified protein to relax the overactive chin muscle (mentalis) gently. The treatment smooths out the dimpled skin on the chin by softening this muscle’s pull.

The procedure typically involves:

• Small injections using a very fine needle into the chin area
• Usually about 2-4 injections targeting the mentalis muscle
• A quick treatment lasting approximately 15-30 minutes
• Minimal discomfort, which can be further alleviated with ice or topical numbing cream
• Results appearing within 3-5 days
• Effects lasting approximately 3-4 months

Here at The Cosmetic Studio Noosa, we recommend a consultation with one of our Registered Nurses before treatment. This consultation will include a detailed assessment of your facial structure and pattern of muscle movement to ensure personalised results. Post-treatment effects may include mild swelling and redness at injection points with occasional bruising, but normal activities can typically be resumed immediately.

Dermal fillers represent another popular non-surgical option for addressing chin dimpling in Australia. These medical-grade injectables add volume to the chin area, filling indentations and creating a more even appearance. The strategic placement of fillers can:

• Smooth out existing dimples and creases
• Enhance chin projection in cases of recessed chins
• Restore volume lost through aging
• Create more balanced facial proportions

Fillers can be used alone or with anti-wrinkle injections for comprehensive treatment, particularly for deeper creases or significant dimpling. While providing immediate results, fillers are temporary and benefit from maintenance treatments to sustain the effects.

We follow a methodical approach to treating chin dimpling, emphasising thorough assessment before recommending interventions. A typical consultation includes:

• Detailed examination of facial anatomy and chin structure
• Assessment of dimpling patterns and severity
• Evaluation of muscle activity during facial expressions
• Review of medical history and previous treatments
• Discussion of aesthetic goals and expectations
• Photographic documentation to track results

Our Registered Nurses assess whether the primary issue is chin dimpling, horizontal creases, or a combination, and identify contributing factors to develop a personalised treatment plan.

At The Cosmetic Studio Noosa we emphasise that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to treating chin dimpling. Treatment plans are customised based on:

• The specific type and pattern of dimpling
• The underlying causes (muscle hyperactivity, structural issues, or aging)
• The patient’s facial anatomy and proportions
• Previous treatments and responses
• The patient’s preferences regarding invasiveness, downtime, and cost

We may recommend a combination approach, using both anti-wrinkle injections to address muscle hyperactivity and dermal fillers to restore volume and projection for optimal natural-looking results.