A well-known malposition of the chin that is visually detrimental is a “receding chin”. A receding chin is when, in profile, the chin is clearly behind the forehead and lips on a vertical line. Visually, this gives the impression that the face is sliding backwards. Viewed from the front, a receding chin robs the face of much of its youthful dynamism. It is missing as the lower tip of the “V” shape. Therefore, a receding chin automatically makes you look older. The face resembles an “O”, as is typical for old age. The vernacular speaks, unflatteringly, of a “bird face”.
A receding chin can often be corrected with dermal filler. In this article, I will explain the details of the treatment.
These are the topics:
Chin augmentation with hyaluronic acid
Correction of A receding chin with dermal filler
A receding chin is usually congenital. In addition, it occurs as a result of injuries. Some rare hereditary diseases also include a receding chin among their symptoms. However, a receding chin frequently develops during the ageing process. The degradation of the bones and the reduction of their density cause the shortening of the chin. Gradually visible as a flying chin.
Receding chin due to ageing
With increasing age, there is a reduction in bone mass. In addition, the soft tissue mantle also shrinks. Around the chin, these depressions become visible due to muscular pull on the skin. Mostly seen as dents along the jaw-chin line (“Jawline”). Moreover, by the impression of “hanging down”. Neither is very flattering.
Chin correction with dermal filler
Today, augmenting the chin with hyaluronic acid is considered the method of choice. The hyaluronic acid fills sunken areas and thus smoothes dents. This significantly reduces the drooping impression. A receding chin is even completely remodelled with hyaluronic acid filler. A special dermal filler, which is particularly stable, is injected directly onto the bone. The tissue is thus lifted and the chin “grows” forward. The chin augmentation with dermal filler looks absolutely natural. In addition, age-typical marionette wrinkles can also be smoothed out. This further enhances the impression of a rejuvenated face.
How long does the effect last?
In the case of last generation fillers designed for modelling the chin, the effect lasts on average 9–12 months. Then the treatment must be repeated. This does not necessarily mean that the treatment is repeated from scratch. Instead, it is possible that previously injected filler which has been broken down by the body only needs to be replaced in certain areas. How quickly the body breaks down the injected hyaluronic acid varies from person to person. Therefore, it cannot be predicted exactly. For many people, the effect lasts even a full 18 months. In studies on the filler product VOLUX that I use in my treatments, 62% of patients still rated the result as positive after 18 months.
Chin augmentation step by step
chin correction – The Process
Treatment begins with cleaning and disinfection of the chin. This is followed by injecting a local anaesthetic into the treatment area. After a short exposure time, the injection with dermal filler begins. There are now special fillers for the chin area, with which even large amounts of hyaluronic acid can be modelled well into desired shapes and forms. I usually use the new filler “Juvederm Volux”. In my experience, it is particularly stable and achieves a long-lasting effect. Because of its premium qualities, it is also commanding a higher price than other HA-fillers. The treatment lasts about an hour, including consultation. The pure filler injection about 20 minutes. If desired, a “cobblestone chin” can be injected with Botox in the same session. Often, however, this is no longer necessary after the chin has been augmented with dermal filler.
Chin augmentation without regrets
Risks and side effects
After the anaesthesia wears off, the chin may be significantly more pain-sensitive than normal for 1–2 days. As with any hyaluronic acid injection, palpable nodules may form. They can usually be massaged away.
Likewise, when treating with dermal filler, it is always possible that allergic reactions follow. And often only after several months. As a first measure, it is then recommended to take anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen). If no improvement can be achieved with this, then the injected hyaluron should be dissolved with Hylase. The complaints then typically disappear within a few days.
A rare, but dangerous complication of all hyaluronic injections is accidental puncturing of a major blood vessel. And as a result, the undersupply of blood to a facial region, which may develop into necrosis. In such cases, only immediate dissolution of the injected hyaluronic acid with Hylase will help.
Prices for chin augmentation with dermal filler at LIPS and SKIN
How much does a chin augmentation cost?
A receding chin typically requires between 3 and 4ml of dermal filler. In my practice in Munich, the costs of such an augmentation thus amount to 1000-€1500. This is an indication only, actual treatment costs are charged according to the rules of the German Medical Fee Schedule (GOÄ).
