Chin Fillers

The concept of chin fillers can seem unusual at first but the chin is a really important three-dimensional feature of the face. Both men and women see positive benefits from chin fillers. In Dr Natasha’s specialist hands, many will benefit from tweaks to the chin to keep it looking its best.

How do Chin Fillers work?

Dermal fillers are injected in different parts and layers of the chin, depending on where the weaknesses are. Each person will have their own weaknesses that can be corrected with chin fillers. Some may prefer gradual changes to the chin so the transformation can go unnoticed, which is possible with chin fillers. Chin fillers often form part of a more global facial rejuvenation and enhancement plan.

What can chin fillers achieve?

The chin is assessed in three dimensions and reviewed from the front and side. Depending on your needs, chin fillers can help to:

• Increase the length of the chin. This is visible from the front and ideal if the chin is short. The rule of thirds can help guide if the chin is too short relative to the other facial features.
• Increase the projection of the chin. This is visible from the side view. It is ideal if the chin stops too short relative to the lips. This can even help retrognathia, a condition where the chin sits too far back relative to the cheeks. This can also help with microgenia, a condition in which the chin is underdeveloped. The angle between the eyebrows-nose-chin should be 165-175 degrees. If this angle is less, then the chin is not projecting enough. Another way of assessing if the chin is too far back is to look at it in relation to the lower lip. If the chin is behind the lower lip than it may benefit from a subtle enhancement.
• Reduce the chin crease. This is visible from the front and side views. Chin fillers reduce the deep crease that some people get and also stops the ‘C’ shaped hooking of the chin which happens with ageing.
• Increase or decrease the width of the bottom of the chin. Dermal fillers allow control in shaping how the chin ends.
• Build up the dips to the side of the chin if present. These are the prejowl sulcus.
• Build up the Marionette creases. Filler along the lines between the lip and chin can reduce the folds here.
• To erase a chin dimple.
• To reduce too much dimpling of the chin especially if there is an overactive mentalis muscle. Some people call this effect ‘myomodulation’. Sometimes chin fillers need to be combined with Botox injections for this complaint.

Chin Fillers Key Points

• Why: To improve the definition of the chin. The height, projection, shape, chin crease, and prejowl dips can all be addressed with chin fillers.
• How: Injections of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are placed at various levels of the chin including on the bone and in the layers just below the skin.
• The time required: Treatment takes 15 to 30 minutes
• Recovery Time: Approximately 24-72 hours after treatment
• Duration: Results last between 12 to 24 months

Benefits of Chin Fillers

The procedure using dermal fillers are temporary. The changes after the procedure are visibly instant and natural-looking compared to a more invasive surgical procedure. During the procedure, the patient is conscious throughout, and at any time can interact with Dr Natasha. There is minimal downtime post-procedure, and only very mild bruising and redness. There is no General anaesthetic, only a mild local anaesthetic is used, which makes recovery time minimal.

How is a chin filler injection carried out?

A chin filler is injected either with a cannula or with a needle. The anaesthetic in the filler injection numbs the areas as they are treated.

How many treatments will I need?

Chin fillers can be done in one or two treatments, or more gradually if desired.

How long do chin fillers last?

Chin fillers can last between 18 to 24 months. They may last longer or less than this in some people. They are not permanent as they are made up of Hyaluronic acids, which the body slowly breaks down.

Which fillers are used for chin filling?

A number of different fillers are suitable for use as chin fillers. For example:

• Teosyal – Deep Lines, Ultra Deep
• Juvederm – Voluma, Volux
• Radiesse

The most important aspect of a filler is that it is of the right consistency for your tissues and for the requirements. Fillers used for the chin are generally thicker and stiffer than fillers used for lip, for example. Thicker and stiffer fillers are said to have a higher G Prime. This means they project more. Very thick fillers give much more lift for that chiselled sharp look. However, not all chin fillers require that and a balance of filler types is required.

The benefit of hyaluronic acid chin fillers is that they can be dissolved should the need for this arise.

Do chin fillers feel natural?

Yes, because different thickness products are used in line with the tissues they are designed to replicate. A very thick product is used on the bone, which follows the natural contours. The product used under the skin blends well with the subcutaneous tissues.

Can chin fillers be combined with other treatments?

We regularly combine chin fillers with other treatments. Here are some examples:

• Jawline fillers and chin fillers. Jawline fillers give definition to the jawline and create a border that separates the neck from the face.
• Lip fillers and chin fillers. This is a popular combination. The lips are filled naturally, and the chin and chin crease are brought out in harmony.
• Cheek fillers and chin fillers. Once the cheeks are filled, and beautifully corrected, a tweak or two to chin helps the full face look proportionate.
• Non-surgical rhinoplasty and chin fillers. This is about proportions. Chin fillers are frequently combined with non-surgical rhinoplasty.
• Chin fillers and liposuction of a double chin. This is a lovely treatment for those with a lot of fat under the chin together with a small chin. The fat under the chin is removed under local anaesthetic with liposuction, while the chin is enhanced with filler.

What is the difference between chin fillers and a chin implant?

A chin implant requires a general anaesthetic procedure. An incision is made on the underside of the chin, and a silicone chin implant is placed over the bone. A chin implant is a permanent procedure which can be quite daunting for some people. A chin implant does not treat the crease above the chin nor does it treat the prejowl sulcus. The chin size can not be changed in case the lips are filled further at some point in the future. Also, as the ageing process progresses, the chin will continue to get smaller and it is not possible to add fillers to a chin implant due to the risk of infection.

The change with a chin implant is also quite significant which not all people are comfortable with. Some people may chin fillers to see if they like a larger chin before undertaking a chin implant. Many others will prefer to have chin fillers alone.

What are the risks of chin fillers?

As with all medical treatments, there are some risks though fortunately, they are infrequent. Filler injection can cause bruising which occurs in about 20% of cases. There is also a risk of swelling for a couple of days which can be lessened with cold packs.