Chin filler injection is a non-surgical procedure that changes the contour and definition of the chin.
Chin fillers can create a stronger jawline, making the face look more youthful. These injections can also add more definition between the face and neck.
Chin filler injections are relatively simple procedures that doctors perform in an office or clinic.
Chin fillers involve injecting temporary dermal fillers, which are gel-like substances, into the soft tissues of the jaw. They are an alternative to permanent chin implant surgery.
Anyone considering chin filler injections should speak with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon. There are many fillers available, each with their own risks and benefits, so people should discuss options with a qualified medical practitioner.
Read more about how chin fillers work, what to expect, possible costs and alternatives.
Fillers can restore age-related volume loss in the face; People can choose a chin filler to:
- strengthen and define the chin
- increasing chin projection
- improvement of facial symmetry
- add proportion to the bottom of the face
- the outline of the jaw
- restoration of the structure of the lower face
- change the contour of the chin
- soften the cleft chin
There are different types of fillers and they can all work differently. The type of filler, treatment area and a person’s body chemistry all affect the lifespan of chin fillers. In general, thicker products that are injected deeper last longer.
However, this is not always the case.
Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most temporary option, usually lasting 6-12 months. Therefore, doctors may recommend these options to people trying fillers for the first time.
Another short-term option is calcium hydroxylapatite, a temporary dermal filler that lasts approx. 12 months.
Soft tissue fillers are not FDA approved for chin augmentation, so this use is considered off-label.
Doctors typically perform chin filler injections during an office visit.
However, a person should have a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon before the procedure. This visit gives them a chance to ask questions, discuss concerns, and learn about possible side effects. Additionally, the cosmetic surgeon will assess your chin and discuss your medical history.
When a person returns for the chin filler procedure, the cosmetic surgeon cleans the area and may apply a numbing cream. They then inject a specific amount of filler strategically into the soft tissues of the chin.
Usually, people can see results immediately after receiving the injections. However, results may vary depending on the product and the area of injection. Some people may experience mild swelling and bruising for a few days after the procedure.
A person can return to normal life immediately, but the plastic surgeon may advise them to wait a day or two before exercising or participating in other strenuous activities.
Although dermal fillers carry minimal risks, all procedures carry some risk of complications. These include:
- itch
- bruises
- swelling
- contamination
- overfilling
- deformation
- scars
- abscesses
- migration, which occurs when the filler moves from the injection site
Sometimes, the body’s immune system treats the filler as a foreign object. This means the body can create foreign body granulomas, which are masses of tissue, or non-inflammatory nodules, which are firm lumps.
In rare cases, a person may experience complications such as:
- soft tissue damage
- blindness
- Stroke
Choosing an appropriately qualified healthcare professional who screens people for relevant medical issues helps reduce the chance of these problems occurring.
The cost of chin filler injections can vary depending on several factors, including:
- the expertise and qualifications of the doctor
- the time and effort required
- type of filler
- type of procedure
- geographical position
Most people need several refills to achieve the desired results. Prices may vary, but the American Society of Plastic Surgeons lists the following prices per syringe:
If a person prefers a permanent chin filler alternative, they can consider the following options.
Fat grafting
Although this is an injectable filling procedure, this requires surgery.
First, a doctor harvests fat from a person’s abdomen, buttocks, or other appropriate area of the body using liposuction. Then they clean the fat and inject it into the face. This can restore volume, fill in creases or create contours.
The procedure relies on the grafted fat developing a blood supply to survive. Approximately Half of the injected fat survives permanently in the new site.
Fat grafting requires special training to perform safely and achieve satisfactory results. Therefore, people should only choose an experienced, certified cosmetic surgeon for their procedure.
Chin implants
A cosmetic surgeon can place a custom chin implant during surgery to improve a person’s facial balance.
Typically, a surgeon places the implant around the existing chin and bone. This will permanently adjust the definition of the person’s chin.
The surgery is usually an outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour to perform.
People who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their lower face may consider chin filler to improve the contour and definition of their chin.
Chin fillers are non-surgical procedures that involve the injection of temporary dermal fillers into the soft tissues of the chin. People considering chin filler injections should contact a board certified cosmetic surgeon who can advise them on the best type of filler and their suitability for the procedure.
If a person wants a more permanent alternative, they can choose from a fat grafting procedure or a permanent chin implant.
