Lines around chin (not wrinkles). Any advice or suggestions? (Photo)

Question

Hi! I am in my 20s and am a healthy weight. However, I have a lot of fat in my face and it causes me to have these lines around my chin when I smile. I'm not sure what route to take to fix it if possible. I'm thinking masseter Botox or buccal fat removal might help but am unsure. Any advice or suggestions?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Lines around the chin, often referred to as "marionette lines" or "pre-jowl sulcus," can be addressed through various treatments. For someone in their 20s with facial fat contributing to these lines, masseter Botox (Botulinum toxin) and buccal fat removal are potential options, but they target different areas and concerns.

Treatment Options
Masseter Botox (Botulinum toxin)
Target Area: Masseter muscle.
Effect: Reduces muscle mass and can slightly improve facial contours by decreasing the prominence of the masseter muscle, which might indirectly affect the appearance of the lower face.
Duration: Temporary, lasting several months.
Usefulness for Chin Lines: Limited direct impact on lines around the chin but can help with overall facial balance.
Buccal Fat Removal
Target Area: Buccal fat pads.
Effect: Reduces cheek fullness, which can make the face appear slimmer and potentially improve the definition of the jawline and chin area.
Duration: Permanent.
Usefulness for Chin Lines: May help improve facial contours but does not directly address lines around the chin.
Other Options
Dermal Fillers: Can be used to fill in the pre-jowl sulcus or marionette lines directly, providing immediate results.
Facial Contouring Procedures: Such as chin augmentation or facial liposuction, which can more directly address the shape and definition of the chin and jawline.
It is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or plastic surgeon to determine the most appropriate treatment based on individual anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Glenn Lyle, MD · Answer

Hi! These are smile lines. It is a normal reaction when you are smiling. Since you are still young there is nothing that you should do at this point This is actually a very youthful look. As you get older, fillers will probably be an option. Buccal fat removal will not help with the lines around your chin since it’s typically more mid face. If you do chose to do Botox in the masseters then it will give the face a more slim appearance and will help with teeth clenching and/or grinding if that is an issue as well.

Kevin Francois, DDS, MD · Answer

Hi,
There are multiple things you can consider to help improve the lines around your chin. You can have botox or filler injections which would temporarily fix the issue. On the other hand, you may have a small chin which can lead to skin redundancy in the area. In that case a chin implant can help. Hard to tell from the photo. You would need to see a physician for a consultation in order to have that discussion. Hope that helps.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

The way tissues of the face position themselves during muscle activation, such as in a smile depend on the position of muscles and their attachment to the underlying bone. This is all genetically pretty determined. External treatments such as fillers or Botox will not help. love yourself the way you are because there’s absolutely nothing wrong with your smile. I hope this helps and good luck from Leonard Grossman. I’m the organic Plastic Surgery.

Lines around chin (not wrinkles). Any advice or suggestions? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Smile lines

Answer: Smile lines

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Lines around chin (not wrinkles). Any advice or suggestions? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Smile lines

Answer: Smile lines

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.