Is there anything I can do to soften my chin, side profile? (Photos)

Question

Hi. I a wondering if there is anything I could do to try and soften my profile, besides surgery? I have a very expressive lower face when i smile, talk, laugh. Just wondering if there are any suggestions. Thank you.

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

The only thing that can be achieved non-surgically is using Botox to diminish the movement of the Mentalis muscle. Your prominent chin has two components: a vertically short and prominent bone, and a thick soft tissue pad. In order to provide greater facial balance, I would recommend a reduction genioplasty with lengthening of the bone, but reduction of the projection. Next, I would reduce the submental tissue pad and perform a chin tuck from the submental crease. Both procedures can be performed simultaneously, in the office with sedation anesthesia. Most young patients are able to return to work in a week.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

What you’re noticing is something I hear about quite often: the lower face looking more “active” or prominent during expression, especially when smiling, talking, or laughing. That dynamic movement is completely normal—it just means your facial muscles are very expressive and your lower face plays a strong role in your expressions.

When we talk about “softening” the profile without surgery, what we’re really trying to do is gently adjust balance, muscle activity, and sometimes subtle volume—not change your natural structure.

1. Understanding what’s driving the look

A more pronounced or active lower face in motion can come from:

Strong mentalis (chin muscle) activity when speaking or smiling
A slightly more projected chin or defined mandibular angle
Lip–chin dynamics during expression (very common and very natural)
Minimal soft-tissue cushioning in certain areas of the lower face

The key point is that this is usually more noticeable in movement than at rest, which is why it can feel inconsistent or exaggerated in photos or video.

2. Non-surgical options that can help soften the appearance

a) Neuromodulators (like Botox)
Small, targeted doses can relax overactivity in the chin (mental crease or “pebbling” effect) and sometimes reduce downward pull that makes the chin look sharper during expression. This does not freeze your face—it just softens excessive movement patterns.

b) Strategic filler (very subtle use)
In some cases, very conservative filler placement around the chin or pre-jowl area can smooth transitions and reduce harsh angles. The goal is not to “add volume,” but to create smoother light reflection along the jawline.

c) Masseter or lower face balancing (if applicable)
If the lower face has strong muscular definition, softening specific muscle activity can sometimes create a more tapered or relaxed appearance.

3. Things that also make a big difference (often overlooked)
Lip posture and oral rest position (tongue and jaw positioning can change how the chin appears at rest and in motion)
Posture and neck alignment (forward head posture can exaggerate chin projection)
Weight stability (fluctuations can subtly change facial soft-tissue balance)
4. What surgery would do vs non-surgical options

Surgery changes structure. Non-surgical treatments like Botox or filler change how the face behaves and transitions—which is why the results tend to be more subtle and dependent on expression rather than fixed shape change.

Final thought

Because your concern is most noticeable during expression, the most effective non-surgical approach is usually a combination of very targeted muscle relaxation and subtle contour smoothing rather than anything dramatic. The goal isn’t to change your face—it’s to soften the way certain movements read visually.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

From the photos provided, there are a few relatively simple approaches to improving the lower face profile and creating greater harmony between the projections of the nose, lips and chin in profile. 
I would consider an appropriate HA Filler for elevating the mental crease (the horizontal furrow that runs below the lower lip and the upper portion of the chin.) By doing so, this would diminish the appearance of an overly projecting chin, at the same time it would give a bit of a pout to the lower lip. 
Additionally fillers can be used to enhance the vermilion borders and bodies of the lips themselves, and in so doing additionally improvie the profile and achieve a more ideal Steiner's aesthetic Line. 
You would be wise to consult and experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist filler injector expert and best of luck.

Carl Truesdale, MD · Answer

A 'strong' or 'prominent' chin in profile has three possible drivers, and the treatment differs significantly for each.
Bony chin (true macrogenia):Your chin bone projects further forward than ideal facial proportions. Treatment is sliding genioplasty in reverse &mdash; the chin bone is cut and either set back or vertically reduced. This is a definitive procedure with permanent results, performed by oral/maxillofacial surgeons or experienced facial plastic surgeons. Recovery is 2 to 3 weeks.
Soft tissue chin pad:The bone is fine but excess soft tissue or fat over the chin creates the impression of prominence. Treatment: chin liposuction or selective excision through a small submental incision. Faster recovery, less invasive.
Mentalis muscle hyperactivity:The mentalis muscle (under the chin pad) is overactive, creating dimpling or a pebble-chin appearance. Botox to the mentalis softens the muscle activity and visually rounds the chin appearance. Effect lasts 3 to 4 months.
Filler is the option people don't think about. Counterintuitively, filler in the labio-mental crease (the groove between lower lip and chin) and along the jawline can visually balance a prominent chin by softening the surrounding transitions. Doesn't reduce the chin but changes how the eye reads the profile. Reversible, lasts 9 to 18 months.
For a clear plan you need an exam that includes a profile photograph in neutral position, photo at rest vs animated, and palpation of the chin to assess bony vs soft tissue contribution.
If the chin issue is mild and you want a no-surgery trial: start with chin filler in the surrounding zones to soften transitions, plus a small dose of mentalis Botox if dimpling is part of the picture. If still bothered after that trial, then talk to a surgeon about genioplasty.

Behnoush Zarrini, MD · Answer

From the photos, I do not think surgery is your only option at all. What I see is a combination of lower face movement, mild skin laxity under the chin/jawline, and soft tissue dynamics that become more noticeable when you smile or animate. In patients like you, I usually focus on improving structural support and tightening rather than trying to “change” the face itself.
In my practice, the non-surgical options I would typically discuss include:
• RF microneedling (such as Morpheus8) to help tighten and firm the area under the chin and along the jawline• Small amounts of strategically placed filler to improve chin projection and jawline balance without creating a harsh look• Skin-tightening treatments that stimulate collagen and improve definition over time• Occasionally neuromodulators if the platysma or lower face muscles are overactive and contributing to downward pull during expression• Weight stability and skin quality optimization, because texture and elasticity heavily influence profile softness
The encouraging part is that your anatomy already has good balance overall. This looks more like a refinement case than a major correction case. The key is choosing someone conservative and anatomy-focused, because overfilling the chin or jaw is where many patients start to look unnatural. My approach is always to preserve femininity and movement while subtly improving contour and support.

Natalie Plana, MD · Answer

You have a beautifully structured lower face and jawline with excellent skin quality, which are wonderful assets to work with. That said, based on review of your x-ray and clinical images, you would likely benefit most from a reduction genioplasty as both the bony chin and soft tissue chin pad contribute to the prominence you're noticing. Nonsurgical modalities will fall short in helping you achieve your desired goal. While chin reduction is a nuanced procedure that requires careful planning, advanced techniques and technology today allow for a very satisfying result with only a couple of weeks of recovery and mild, manageable swelling and bruising. Most importantly, the expressiveness and animation you bring when you smile, talk, and laugh is truly what makes your face uniquely and beautifully yours.

Is there anything I can do to soften my chin, side profile? (Photos)

Answers (6)

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