What can I do to fix the mental crease in my jaw? Does it look good this way? Would it look better with a straight line? (Photo)

Question

Im really insecure abt the mental crease but I’m unsure if a straight line would make it better bc that would make my recessed jaw more visible probably and would make my face seem longer but I’m not an expert so I would greatly appreciate actual help :)

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

First, I want to reassure you that the mental crease (the horizontal fold between the lower lip and the chin) is a normal anatomical feature. Almost everyone has some degree of it, and in your photo it does not look unusual or unattractive. What I notice more is that you have a soft, balanced lower face, not a severe deformity.

I think your concern is very understandable, especially because when we focus on one feature in the mirror or in photos, it can start to feel much more prominent than it appears to others.

Why the Crease Is Visible

A mental crease is influenced by several factors:

Chin projection
Muscle activity of the mentalis muscle
Skin thickness
Bite and jaw position
Overall facial proportions

You mentioned that you may have a slightly recessed jaw, and that’s actually an important observation. In many people with a somewhat retrusive chin or jaw, the mentalis muscle works a little harder to keep the lips comfortably closed, which can make the crease appear deeper or more defined.

Would a Straight Line Look Better?

Not necessarily.

A completely straight, flat transition from the lower lip to the chin is often not a natural female facial feature. If that area were made totally smooth, it could indeed:

make the chin look longer,
draw more attention to jaw retrusion,
and create a slightly stiffer or less expressive appearance.

In your case, I would be cautious about trying to create a perfectly straight line, because I agree with your intuition: it could make the recessed jaw appear more noticeable rather than less.

What Usually Looks Most Attractive

For most women, the goal is not to erase the mental crease completely, but to create a soft, gentle transition between the lower lip and the chin while preserving natural facial movement.

What Can Help If It Truly Bothers You

Depending on the cause, there are a few options:

Botulinum toxin (Botox/Dysport) if the mentalis muscle is overly active and causing dimpling or folding when you speak or close your lips.
A very small amount of hyaluronic acid filler placed in the chin or the crease area to soften the fold and improve support.
Chin augmentation (filler or implant) if the underlying issue is primarily lack of chin projection, though this is a much bigger decision and not something I would jump to based on your photo alone.
My Honest Impression

Looking at your photo, I do not think the mental crease is the feature that stands out. If anything, your lower face appears harmonious and youthful. A completely straight lower-face contour would probably not provide the dramatic improvement you’re imagining, and there is a real possibility that it would make your face look longer and the chin more prominent relative to the jaw.

If I were advising a friend with your photo, I would say:

Your current contour already looks normal and aesthetically pleasing.
Avoid chasing a perfectly straight line.
If the crease causes significant insecurity, think in terms of subtle softening rather than complete elimination.

Sometimes the most beautiful results in facial aesthetics come from preserving the natural character of the face while making very small refinements, and I think your situation fits that principle very well.

Giancarlo Zuliani, MD · Answer

Hi,
This is a very common area of concern for many individuals. Looking at your profile you would benefit from a combination of Neuortoxins and filler.
Neurotoxin in the mentalis muscle will help to soften the deep mental crease. Along with neurotoxin, filler can be placed in the mental crease. Filler will help to give some volume to this area so the crease is not as prominent. Filler in this area will also give support to your lower lip. In addition to filler in the crease, you could have filler placed in specific areas of the chin to give more elongation of the lower face, thus balancing your profile nicely.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin. This is a great question. I highly recommend scheduling an in-person consultation in order to better assess your areas of concern and discuss an appropriate treatment plan to help achieve your aesthetic goals. Our office phone number is: (312) 944-0117. I hope this helps and best of luck!

What can I do to fix the mental crease in my jaw? Does it look good this way? Would it look better with a straight line? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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