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The chin is one of the most distinguished features on the face. Some smooth, some pointy, the chin centers and balances the face and plays an important role in aesthetics and physical attraction.
“For a simple bony prominence, the chin gets a lot of attention,” says Dr. Miriam Hanson, board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic expert in Austin, Texas. “Especially if there is a dimple or cleft.”
Chin dimples can be subtle or appear as deep upside down ‘Y’ shaped folds over the center of the chin. “In some cultures, a cleft chin has been regarded as a mark of beauty and love.” However, Dr. Hanson also notes that this can be a significant cosmetic concern for patients. “Patients are self-conscious. They complain their chin resembles an orange peel or golf ball, with a bumpy and uneven surface. A cleft chin may be considered distinguished and chiseled in a man, but too masculine for a woman.” Thankfully, this cosmetic concern has a simple and effective solution.
“Clefts in the chin have actually been studied from a genetic perspective,” says Dr. Adam Mamelak, board-certified dermatologist at Sanova Dermatology. The dimples and creases created in the chin result for the position of the mentalis muscle on the lower face. “The localization of these muscles is actually inherited and passed down from our parents.” Because they result from our muscle position, chin clefts can be considered similar to other lines of motion on our face.
“Just like a bench press or bicep curl, repetitive movements build muscle,” explains Dr. Mamelak “Whether it’s between the eyebrows or crows feet, these enlarged muscles and definition result in dynamic rhytides, fine lines and wrinkles in the skin created from repetitive movement.”
Dimples and creases on the chin can be accentuated by common activities such as eating, frowning, smiling, and even talking. “Obviously, it’s hard to ask someone to stop these activities,” says Dr. Hanson, “but a small amount of neurotoxin can easily relax the muscles in the area, decreasing the muscle tension and contractions that lead to dimpling.”
Whether it’s Botox, Dysport or Xeomin, treatment with these injectables helps to soften these textural irregularities and creases while preserving the natural movement in this area. Softening the chin can be added to other facial rejuvenation strategies, especially for those who already use Botox or dermal fillers for facial lines.
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