Alternatives to botox for chin dimpling without adding volume? (photo)

I have been injecting Botox for aesthetic reasons since 1991. At first it was used for the "eleven lines" between the eyebrows; since then its uses have expanded to include treating crow's feet around the eyes, forehead worry lines, gummy smiles, "necklace lines" and ropey cords on the neck, crepey skin in the decolletage region and yes, dimpling chins. Since that time, we've garnered enormous experience with Botox and its competitors Dysport and Xeomin and have found that with the amounts and concentrations we use for aesthetic reasons (even when all the above areas are treated at one time), there is no evidence of any poisoning whatsoever. I treat myself and my family  with it all the time (for many years already)without any such concern. So, you would do well to reconsider this very effective and safe treatment option, especially if your dimples worsen with chin movement. And, from what I can see in the photo, if you do not wish volume, the individual dimpled areas can be elevated and smoothed by subcision, with or without the addition of a simple filler, which would not add volume to the whole chin. Make sure that you consult with a board certified aesthetic physician. Best of luck.

​Treatment for chin dimpling ("pebble chin" or "orange peel") is Botox injected into the mentalis muscle. This typically gives great improvement to the appearance of the chin. Results take about 1 to 2 weeks​. I suggest getting a formal evaluation with a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer​

Thank you for your question and for providing a photo. Both Dysport and Xeomin are great alternatives to Botox. I would suggest scheduling a consultation with an experienced physician for optimal results. All the best.

Hi Rachel, when we review the risks of Botulinum Toxin Type A, patients are often concerned that it is a "poison".  It is a drug and many drugs are toxic to the body....when given in the wrong dose.  The amount of cosmetic Botox injected into the chin is hundreds or thousands of times less than would be required to have an adverse effect on you.  In addition, Botox (Dysport, Xeomin) is designed to bind to the muscle it is injected to, so it stays where it is injected.  If the dimpling in the photo is due to muscle contraction while you are pressing your lips together then Botox (Dysport) is the right product.  If the dimple is from something else like a scar or surgery, then filler would be the best option.  The amount of volume added would be tiny to affect the kind of change you are looking for.  

Remember what Botox does: it simply paralyzes muscles (by preventing the nerve endings from releasing acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter). That effect is related to the dose administered. The dosages we use in the face are much too small to cause any systemic, body-wide issues even if it did spread. The greatest issue with it spreading when used around the eyes, for example, is getting a temporary eyelid drop. Used around the chin, there is essentially nowhere meaningful for it to spread to.All the best,--DCPPearson Facial Plastic Surgery®

The use of fillers is an effective way to rejuvenate the skin. It will add volume where needed and contour the face especially in areas that lost fullness due to aging and other causes. Fillers, contrary to some misconceptions, may make facial features appear smaller or contoured when injected appropriately.