A chin filler injection is a nonsurgical procedure that alters the contour and definition of the chin.
Chin fillers can create a stronger jawline, making the face appear 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 its risks and benefits, so people should discuss the options with a qualified medical professional.
Read more about how chin fillers work, what to expect, potential costs, and alternatives.
Fillers can restore age-related volume loss in the face. People may choose chin filler to:
- strengthen and define the chin
- increase projection of the chin
- improve facial symmetry
- add proportion to the bottom of the face
- contour the jawline
- restore the structure of the lower face
- change the contours of the chin
- soften cleft chin
There are several types of fillers, and they can all act differently. The filler type, treatment area, and an individual’s body chemistry affect how long chin fillers last. Generally, denser products injected more deeply 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 for people trying filler for the first time.
Another short-term option is calcium hydroxylapatite, a temporary dermal filler lasting around 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, an individual should have a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon before the procedure. This visit gives them the opportunity to ask questions, discuss concerns, and learn about possible side effects. Additionally, the cosmetic surgeon will evaluate their chin and discuss medical history.
When a person returns for their 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.
Typically, people can see results immediately after receiving the injections. However, results may differ depending on the product and area of injection. Some people may experience mild swelling and bruising for a few days following the procedure.
A person can return to normal life right away, but the cosmetic surgeon may advise them to wait a day or two before exercising or partaking in other strenuous activities.
Although dermal fillers carry minimal risks, all procedures carry some risk of complications. These include:
- itching
- bruising
- swelling
- infection
- overfilling
- distortion
- scarring
- abscesses
- migration, which is when filler moves from the injection site
Sometimes, the body’s immune system treats the filler like a foreign object. This means the body may create foreign body granulomas, which are masses of tissue, or noninflammatory nodules, which are firm lumps.
In rare cases, an individual 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 likelihood of experiencing these issues.
The cost of chin filler injections may vary depending on several factors, including:
- the doctor’s expertise and qualifications
- the time and effort required
- type of filler
- type of procedure
- geographic location
Most people need multiple syringes of filler to achieve the desired results. Prices can vary, but the American Society of Plastic Surgeons lists the following prices per syringe:
Filler type | Price |
---|---|
Hyaluronic acid | $684 |
Polylactic acid | $853 |
Calcium hydroxylapatite | $717 |
If an individual prefers a permanent alternative to chin filler, they may consider the following options.
Fat grafting
Although this is an injectable filler procedure, it requires surgery.
First, a doctor harvests fat from a person’s abdomen, buttocks, or other suitable body area using liposuction. They then purify the fat and inject it into the face. This can restore volume, fill creases, or build contours.
The procedure relies on the grafted fat developing a blood supply to survive. Approximately half of the fat injected permanently survives at the new site.
Fat grafting requires specialist training to perform safely and achieve satisfactory results. Therefore, people should only choose an experienced, board certified cosmetic surgeon for their procedure.
Chin implants
A cosmetic surgeon can place a custom-fit chin implant during surgery to improve an individual’s facial balance.
Typically, a surgeon places the implant around the existing chin and bone. This will permanently adjust the person’s chin definition.
The surgery is usually an outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour to perform.
People who are unsatisfied with the appearance of their lower face may consider chin filler to enhance the contour and definition of their chin.
Chin fillers are nonsurgical procedures that involve injecting 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 of the best filler type and their suitability for the procedure.
If a person wants a more permanent alternative, they can choose from a fat graft procedure or a permanent chin implant.