Last updated November 2022

How can the chin be enhanced non-surgically?

Before fillers, surgery was the only option available to enhance the chin. This included chin implants and mandibular osteotomies (fracturing and repositioning the jaw).

The advent of dermal fillers, particularly hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, saw the introduction of a less invasive method of chin enhancement. Injections of dermal filler can add volume to enhance and project the chin forwards. In addition to fillers, anti-wrinkle injections can be used in the chin to relax the mentalis (chin) muscle, allowing it to settle into a more forward position.

These non-invasive procedures can improve the shape and forward protrusion of the chin and have minimal discomfort without the same downtime associated with surgery.

What are the benefits of chin filler?

Although the results from chin filler are not permanent and are generally more subtle than surgery, their benefits include the following;

  • Less risk and downtime than surgical chin enhancement 
  • Instantaneous results
  • An improved profile and balance with other parts of the face
  • An improvement in the profile and contours of the neck
  • The option to progress to surgery in the future if a more significant or permanent result is desired

It should be noted that chin filler has less risk and downtime than surgery, but the results are not as long-lasting. See further down below for more information on possible risks and side effects.

Who is a candidate for chin filler?

Chin filler is suited to those who want to enhance their chin and have one or more of the following concerns:

It is suited to those who do not wish to have surgery or would like to try less invasive options first. Individual suitability for this treatment will be assessed in your initial consultation appointment.

What does the procedure involve?

The chin filler procedure is similar to other dermal fillers and requires less downtime than its equivalent surgical options, for example, chin implant surgery.

First, your practitioner will disinfect the skin in the injection area. A small amount of local anaesthetic may be utilised to numb the entry points for the filler.

The filler is usually injected into the front of the chin to project it forward. The sides of the chin, or the pre-jowl sulcus, are often filled to blend the chin with the rest of the jawline.

An ultrasound may also be used to determine the surrounding arteries’ location before the filler injection. Injection of filler into these arteries may cause occlusion and subsequent blood flow restriction to the surrounding area. Ultrasound can also be used during the procedure to further visualise the location of the needle or cannula to reduce the risk of arterial filler injection.

 

Post-treatment recovery

After the chin enhancement treatment, you may have minor swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the injection sites, which is quite familiar with all dermal fillers. Typically, these issues resolve themselves within a few days. Any significant discomfort after the procedure, especially if associated with skin colour changes, needs to be seen urgently, as this may be a sign of arterial injection of filler.

Usually, we do not encourage massage of chin filler post-treatment.

How soon will I see the results?

With dermal filler injections, some results can be seen immediately. With natural swelling, you’ll likely see more volume right after your chin injection. The final results will be evident within a few weeks after the swelling subsides.

Results vary depending on the amount of filler, your anatomy and how your body reacts.

 

How long does chin filler last?

This may vary depending on the type and amount of filler used in the chin. The augmentation seen immediately after filler injection may reduce, possibly due to the filler settling and swelling subsiding.

In this case report of a long-term study of filler using MRI, it was found that hyaluronic acid chin filler completely degraded after 19 months.

 

Non Surgical Chin Enhancement Case Studies

Case Study 1

This patient presents with concerns about chin recession. Dermal fillers helped to improve the forward projection of the chin and helped enhance her side profile. The appearance of the under chin area was improved also as a result.

non surgical chin enhancementnon surgical chin enhancement after

Case Study 2

This patient had concerns about the size of her chin. The enhancement improved the forward protrusion of the chin and helped balance the overall appearance and shape of the chin. 

chin after

Possible side effects

As with any dermal filler, there are a few temporary side effects with very low risk, which tend to occur around the injection area. Common side effects include:

  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Asymmetrical placement of filler
  • Over or under-correction

Less common side effects include:

  • Infection
  • Granulomas – an immune reaction to the fillers 
  • Injection of filler into the nearby arteries leads to insufficient blood supply to the surrounding tissues and skin. Changes in the skin colour associated with discomfort may be indicative of this complication.

FAQs

How much does chin filler cost?

See current filler pricing.

How much filler do I need for the chin?

Ultimately, this will depend on the degree of recession, as well as the ability of the filler to project the chin. We typically advise 1mL or less, as we have found that greater volumes may not further benefit, especially given the temporary nature of filler. Surgical methods for enhancing the chin may be preferred for greater enhancement or permanency.

 

Chin augmentation technique and aesthetics

Chin enhancement with dermal fillers should be performed with proper technique and aesthetic judgement;

Technique – A cannula or needle can be used to administer dermal fillers to the chin area. Cannulas are more suited for the sides of the chin, with the advantage of reducing the risk of puncturing a blood vessel, causing bruising or more severe complications. Cannulas can be challenging to pass through the chin as it has a blunt tip. However, needles are better suited for the centre of the chin, as the chin is a fibrous and muscular area, and needles can pass through with ease. A combination of both is often used during treatment.

Aesthetics – Ideally, when looking at the profile view, the bridge of the nose should be in line with the front edge of the chin. The key to chin enhancement is to achieve this balanced profile. Dermal fillers can be used to project the chin forward to match the projection of the nose bridge in this position.

Why choose Victorian Cosmetic Institute as your provider of chin fillers?

At Victorian Cosmetic Institute, our doctors and nurses have performed chin filler since 2005. We have extensive training in injection techniques and specialise in non-surgical facial shaping and contouring with fillers.

Contact us for your initial consultation, where we will discuss with you what is a realistic and achievable outcome and what to expect from your treatment.

You can book online or phone us directly on 1300 863 824.