Did you know that you can change the whole shape of your face with a chin filler? Just treating this small area can have a profound effect on your looks. Read this article to find out all the versatile ways to use a chin filler.
The shape and projection of the chin is a major determinant of how our faces are perceived.1 This means our whole face can get a different aesthetic appearance with a dermal filler treatment in the chin.
Improve facial balance seen from the front with a chin filler
When aesthetic experts analyze a face, they use different means. One is the “horizontal thirds”, which means that the face seen from the front is divided into three parts.2
The upper third is from the hairline to the lowest part of the eyebrows. The middle third is from the lowest part of the eyebrows to the lowest part of the nose. The lower third is from the lowest part of the nose to the lowest part of the chin.
In a balanced face, the thirds are usually about the same length, although there is some variation between ethnicities.
A face where the lowest third is short can look very round. A chin filler can be used to elongate the face and thereby create a more balanced look.
A short lower third can also make the face look full and some may feel the fullness makes them look childish and puffy. A chin filler can reduce the fullness by creating a more oval facial shape.
Improve facial balance seen in profile with a chin filler
A means to analyze a face seen in profile is the Ricketts’ esthetic line.3
Dr. Robert Ricketts was an orthodontist who thought that corrections of teeth and jaws must be done in a way that keeps the face in balance and creates a pleasing profile.
The Ricketts’ line is a line drawn from the tip of the nose to the chin. For a balanced profile, according to Dr. Ricketts, the upper lip should be about 4 millimeters behind the line and the lower lip about 2 millimeters behind the line.3
If you draw a line this way (for example by holding a ruler towards your nose and chin) and it doesn’t touch the chin, the chin would be considered weak (also called chin retrusion). A chin filler could add projection to the chin so that it comes closer to the Ricketts’ line. Of course, it’s also a matter of personal taste. You may prefer a different type of look.
The Ricketts’ line is a rule of thumb that can be used for people with Caucasian faces. If you have another ethnic background, it might not be relevant.
If you’re middle-aged or older, you might have noticed that you have lost a bit of volume in the face. That’s a normal change that comes with age. For some, the loss of volume can lead to a slightly less defined chin. A chin filler can be used to restore lost volume and definition.
Create the feminine, or masculine, look you’re after
Chin width affects our looks too. Generally, a rounded and pointy chin is considered more feminine, whereas a broad chin and a broad jawline are considered masculine. Of course, there can be individual looks that differ from this generalization.
A chin filler can be used to enhance femininity or masculinity by shaping the chin (and/or jawline) in a more feminine or masculine way.
Treat wrinkles in the chin area
Dermal fillers can also be used to treat wrinkles and creases in the chin area.
- The chin crease, or mental crease, is the horizontal line or crease between the chin and the lips. Some people like it, others don’t. A dermal filler can be used to reduce the crease if you have a mental crease and are bothered by it.
- Other wrinkles in the lower third of the face, like the marionette lines or droopy mouth corners, can be treated with fillers as well.
Fillers that can be used
Dermal fillers with different properties can be used to treat the chin. The dermal filler is injected into the soft tissue under the skin where it adds volume.
Restylane® SHAYPE™
Restylane® SHAYPE™ is a dermal filler in the form of an innovative hyaluronic acid injectable designed specifically for the chin.4,5 It is based on NASHA HD™ technology and next gen hyaluronic acid science.5
- A clinical study showed that 95% of Restylane® SHAYPE™ patients had natural-looking results a full 12 months following their treatment.6*†
- An additional 97% of Restylane® SHAYPE™ patients would recommend the treatment they underwent to a friend.6*‡
- Treatment provides improved contours and balanced face shape.4,6
- This dermal filler delivers immediate results with minimal downtime.6,7,8*
- It is the treatment closest to the skin’s own hyaluronic acid on the dermal filler market.5,9-11
Make sure to consult a qualified healthcare practitioner if you are considering a dermal filler treatment in the chin area.
All dermal filler treatments may have side effects and there can be medical reasons why they shouldn’t be performed in some individuals. You will always have a consultation before the treatment where you will discuss your medical history and other treatment concerns. You should always be informed about risks and side effects.
* Based on a 12-month randomized study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Restylane® SHAYPE™ for augmentation and correction if retrusion in the chin region.6
† Patients who said they “agree” or “strongly agree” with question.6
‡ As assessed by the Subject Satisfaction Questionnaire (SSQ) over the 12-month study period (patients responded to the question at time points from Month 3 to Month 12).6
1. Chen, B. et al., Chin Augmentation With Hyaluronic Acid: An Injection Technique Based on Anatomical Morphology, Dermatologic Surgery 48(7):p 747-751, July 2022.; 2. Prendergast, P., Facial Proportions, July 2012, In book: Advanced Surgical Facial Rejuvenation (pp.15-22); 3. Frank Spear, F., Evaluating Facial Esthetics: The Esthetic Plane, Spear Education, March 9, 2017; 4. Restylane® Shaype™ Canadian Instructions for Use. 2023. 5. Galderma. Data on file. MA-56848. 2023. Technical data for Restylane SHAYPE. 6. Galderma. Data on file. MA-53870. 2023. Restylane SHAYPE 43BBJ2001 Clinical Study Report. 7. Murthy R, et al. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2019;30(5):395–400. 8. Pierre S et al. Dermatol Surg. 2015;41(4S):120–6. 9. Kablik J, et al. Dermatol Surg. 2009; 35 Suppl1:302–12. 10. Galderma. Data on File. MA-57561. 2023. Gel content of HA fillers. 11. Galderma. Data on file. MA-56724. xStrain and G´ including Restylane SHAYPE.