Erik Peterson, MD

Hi there! I’m Dr Peterson, a board-certified cosmetic and dermatologic surgeon in NYC. When getting neuromodulators in the chin, the effect is to soften the mentalis muscle and relax the contraction which can lead to dimpling in the skin. If this is not uniformly treated, you can have residual areas of non-treated muscle which can still contract and lead to dimpling.
When treating chins, I use neuromodulator but also a variety of biostimulatory fillers and lasers to smooth the area.
That’s becausefacial lines form from a combination of repetitive movement, loss of collagen, and thinning of the skin. When topical treatments and neuromodulators aren’t enough, biostimulatory fillers such as Sculptra and Radiesse can be very effective. Unlike traditional fillers that simply add volume, these products stimulate the skin to rebuild its own collagen over time, softening etched lines and improving overall support. To further smooth and refine the surface, fractional CO₂ laser rejuvenation (TotalFX) can be added — this promotes collagen remodeling in the skin’s upper layers, helping to blur residual lines and create a more even texture.

Hi there! Dr Peterson here - I’m a board-certified cosmetic and dermatologic surgeon in NYC.
When patients notice sagging skin, it’s usually the result of both collagen loss and changes in the deeper support structures of the face. Many people first try topical products, microneedling, or non-invasive devices, but sometimes those only go so far. At that point, there are a few more advanced options to consider:
• FaceTite: a minimally invasive treatment that delivers radiofrequency energy under the skin to contract tissue and stimulate new collagen.
• Fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing (TotalFX): improves laxity, texture, and fine lines by creating controlled injury that triggers collagen remodeling.
• Biostimulatory fillers (Sculptra, Radiesse): restore volume that’s been lost with age while encouraging the body to rebuild its own collagen over time.
• Facelift surgery: the most definitive option, which repositions the deeper facial layers and removes excess skin for more significant correction.

The right choice depends on the degree of laxity, skin quality, and how much change the patient hopes to see. Often, a combination approach works best, especially after more conservative measures have already been tried.

Hi,
I’m so glad to hear you’re doing well following your Mohs surgery, and it’s wonderful that the cancer was successfully removed.
While the surgical site has healed nicely overall, I understand your concern about the raised area. This is referred to as a “dog-ear” in dermatologic surgery—a common occurrence when there isn’t quite enough tissue excised to create a smooth contour, especially in areas with natural curvature like the cheek.
While lasers can be effective for improving surface texture and stimulating collagen remodeling, they typically won’t address the underlying fullness or elevation. In your case, the most effective option would be to consult with a cosmetic or Mohs surgeon experienced in scar revision. A small, well-planned re-excision can better match the natural contour of your cheek. Following that, I would recommend a combination of dermabrasion and CO₂ laser resurfacing to further refine the scar and help it blend seamlessly with the surrounding skin.