Chin Sculpting Using Dermal Fillers

The U.S. dermal fillers market was valued at US $1.4 billion in 2023, and reports suggest that over 6.2 million filler procedures are performed annually.¹

Structural changes in the lower face, such as bone resorption of the mandible, soft-tissue descent, and loss of anterior chin projection, have become key targets for volumizing interventions.

There is growing clinical and anatomical literature supporting dermal filler-based chin sculpting as an effective, minimally invasive alternative to surgery. 

In this article, we summarize the current evidence, clinical indications, aesthetic and anatomical considerations, injection strategies, and risk‑mitigation techniques for chin sculpting using dermal fillers. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Dermal fillers are indicated for mild-to-moderate chin retrusion, early jowling, labio-mandibular sulcus deepening, and chin ptosis (“witch’s chin”).
• A comprehensive assessment of facial proportions, soft-tissue quality, and asymmetry is essential before treatment.
• Precise injection sites include the melomental folds, mental crease, pogonion, prejowl sulcus, mandibular body, and mandibular angle.
• Four primary filler types, HA, CaHA, PLLA, and PMMA, offer distinct volumizing and collagen-stimulating properties.
• Injection techniques such as deep supraperiosteal bolus, linear threading, fanning, and pogonion-specific boluses allow tailored lower-face contouring.
• Microcannulas reduce vascular risk compared with needles, though the overall risk of occlusion is very low.
• Dermal fillers provide minimally invasive, reversible augmentation with high patient satisfaction.

Indications for Using Dermal Fillers for the Chin

Dermal fillers are used to correct age-related and constitutional deficiencies of the chin and lower face. The following are the primary clinical indications for chin sculpting using injectable fillers:

• Mild to moderate anterior chin retrusion correction non-surgically due to age-related resorptive changes
• Inferior soft-tissue descent, contributing to blunting of the cervicomental angle
• Loss of vertical height in the anterior mandible
• Early jowling
• Labio-mandibular sulcus deepening
• Chin ptosis, often referred to as “witch’s chin,” which occurs when laxity of the soft tissues leads to a pronounced submental crease²
• Anterior and vertical projection of the pogonion
• Harmonization of lower-face proportions 

Aesthetic and Anatomical Considerations Before Administration

A comprehensive aesthetic and anatomical assessment of the lower third of the face is essential prior to administering chin and jawline fillers.

Evaluation begins with an analysis of facial proportions in both the frontal and lateral views. The lower third should ideally approximate one-third of total facial height, measured from the subnasale to the menton.

The balance of the lower face can be disrupted by age-related mandibular resorption or dental malocclusion. High-resolution imaging studies have shown progressive anterior-inferior remodeling of the mandibular symphysis with age, contributing to diminished projection in the chin.³

On lateral profile assessment, the pogonion should lie close to aesthetic landmarks such as the Ricketts E-line or the Steiner S-line. Chin retrusion may be due to congenital microgenia, skeletal Class II malocclusion, or age-related bone resorption.

Aesthetic assessment of the lower third face for fillers also includes checking for asymmetry, as even subtle discrepancies become more apparent when the chin is enhanced.

Analysis of soft-tissue characteristics, including skin thickness, degree of laxity, fat compartment distribution, and the presence of early jowling, guides selection of filler rheology and injection depth. 

Ideal Injection Sites

Precise localization of injection sites is essential for achieving predictable structural augmentation. The primary targets for chin and jawline enhancement using dermal fillers include:⁴

• Melomental folds (Marionette Lines). Age-related descent of perioral and mandibular fat compartments creates vertical depressions extending from the oral commissures.
• Mental crease (labiomental fold). A transverse depression at the junction of the lower lip and chin caused by skeletal retrusion, soft-tissue atrophy, and hyperactivity of the mentalis-orbicularis complex.
• Chin apex (Pogonion Region). The key point of anterior projection and vertical height of the lower third of the face.
• Prejowl sulcus. A concavity adjacent to the mandibular border resulting from fat pad atrophy and ligamentous laxity near the mental foramen.
• Mandibular body. The linear segment of the lower jaw contributing to lateral contour and jawline definition.
• Mandibular angle. The posterior bony prominence that’s critical for jawline width and definition. 

Types of Dermal Fillers Used for Chin Sculpting

The four widely used types of dermal fillers for chin and lower-face sculpting are hyaluronic acid (HA), calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

HA fillers are derived from naturally occurring extracellular matrix components. Their mechanism of action is primarily volumization through hydrophilic water-binding properties. 

Chin augmentation hyaluronic acid products, such as the Juvéderm (XC, Voluma, Volbella, Vollure), Restylane (Silk, Lyft, Refyne, Defyne), and Belotero families, are widely favored for chin sculpting. 

Calcium Hydroxyapatite

CaHA (Radiesse) consists of microspheres similar in composition to human bone and dentin. It provides immediate volumization while simultaneously stimulating neocollagenesis over several months. 

The material is thicker than HA, so it requires meticulous placement to avoid visible nodularity or Tyndall-like effects. Its higher elasticity and viscosity make Radiesse suitable for structural support along the mandibular body or angle. 

An observational study of 35 patients receiving CaHA for jawline enhancement showed improvement from moderate-severe to mild sagging, sustained for up to one year.⁵

Poly‐L‐Lactic Acid

PLLA (Sculptra) is a synthetic polymer that functions primarily as a biostimulatory agent. Unlike HA or CaHA, its volumizing effect is delayed. Improvement develops gradually over weeks to months as fibroblasts produce new collagen in response to the microparticles. 

Multiple treatment sessions are typically required to achieve the desired result. Since it generates diffuse, soft, and long-lasting structural support, it is useful as a global lower-face contouring dermal filler rather than precise contouring of the pogonion.

Polymethyl Methacrylate

PMMA (Artefill/Bellafill) consists of non-resorbable microspheres suspended in a collagen carrier and is considered a permanent filler. 

It produces both immediate volume and long-term collagen stimulation, with results persisting five years or longer. 

Because PMMA carries a higher immunogenic potential and the risk of delayed granulomatous reactions, allergy testing is required prior to treatment. 

Injection Techniques for Chin Sculpting

Successful chin and lower-face augmentation relies not only on appropriate product selection but also on precise, technique-driven filler placement. Different injection techniques have been validated in the literature. 

1. Deep Supraperiosteal Bolus Technique

The deep supraperiosteal bolus is the cornerstone of structural augmentation, particularly for the pogonion and mandible angle definition with HA filler. It requires depositing small volumes of a high-G’ filler directly onto the periosteum.

The needle is inserted perpendicular to the bony surface, usually at 90 degrees, and a slow bolus of 0.1-0.2 mL is delivered. Multiple boluses spaced across the chin or angle can create a uniform projection.⁶

Needle placement in deep supraperiosteal filler injection of the chin minimizes the risk of vascular compromise. However, it requires careful awareness of the mental foramen and anterior branches of the facial artery.

Pogonian projection filler technique also uses deep supraperiosteal boluses delivered at two to three evenly spaced points along the midline of the anterior chin.

2. Linear Threading and Fanning

This technique is used to address soft-tissue deficiencies and contour irregularities along the chin and jawline.

Linear threading involves retrograde or anterograde injection along a single track to correct depressions such as the mental crease or prejowl sulcus. Filler is deposited in the subcutaneous plane, with care to remain superficial enough to avoid periosteal adherence.

The fanning technique is used to evenly distribute filler across wider areas, such as the prejowl sulcus or mandibular body. You need to insert the needle or cannula in a single entry point and radiate multiple threads laterally.⁶

3. Microcannula vs. Needle Approaches

The choice between microcannula and needle delivery significantly influences safety and post-procedural outcomes.

Needles allow for highly precise bolus or linear injections that are best for supraperiosteal placement. However, they carry some risk of vascular injury, discomfort, bruising, and inadvertent intravascular injection.

Microcannulas reduce the risk of arterial penetration and minimize post-injection ecchymosis. They facilitate fanning techniques.

Current literature supports that both needles and microcannulas achieve effective chin sculpting. 

In a survey of 370 dermatologists reporting 1.7 million syringe injections, the overall risk of vascular occlusion was less than 1 per 5,000 syringes. Occlusion occurred in 1 per 6,410 needle injections versus 1 per 40,882 cannula injections.⁷

The study found that filler injections using either needles or cannulas carry a very low risk of intravascular occlusion, and most events are minor. Occlusions occur less frequently with microcannulas than with needles.⁷

Difference Between Dermal Filler vs. Chin Implant Outcomes

There are key trade‑offs in permanence, safety, patient satisfaction, and long-term outcomes of dermal filler-based chin sculpting vs. surgical chin implants.

The safety and efficacy profile of dermal fillers is well-established. A systematic review of non-surgical chin HA augmentation found very high patient satisfaction.⁸ Fillers offer a minimally invasive option with immediate results and high short-term satisfaction. Their only downside is that they require repeat treatments.

Chin implants (e.g., silicone or porous polyethylene) provide permanent structural augmentation. According to a systematic review of chin augmentation techniques, implants achieve high satisfaction, though they carry a non-trivial complication rate.⁹

Source Chin Fillers From Doctor Medica

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We are committed to supporting clinicians with expert guidance to select the right product, quantity, and formulation for your practice’s needs. Reach out to our sales team today to stock up on Doctor Medica dermal fillers!

FAQs

How Long Do Results From Chin Sculpting With Fillers Last?

Results from chin sculpting with dermal fillers typically last 9-12 months for hyaluronic acid, 9-12 months for calcium hydroxylapatite, and up to two years for poly‑L‑lactic acid.¹⁰

What Are the Risks of Chin Fillers?

Risks of chin fillers include bruising, swelling, asymmetry, nodules, infection, and temporary numbness. Rarely, vascular occlusion can occur. 

What Post-Procedure Care Should Be Recommended After Chin Sculpting?

Post-procedure care after chin sculpting with dermal fillers should include:

• Cold compresses for the first 24-48 hours to reduce swelling and discomfort
• Avoid pressure or massage over the treated area for at least 24-48 hours
• Limit strenuous activity, alcohol, and heat exposure for 24-48 hours
• Avoid dental procedures or facial massages for a few days
• Monitor for pain, blanching, nodules, or signs of infection, and seek prompt evaluation if they occur
• Follow-up visit in 2-4 weeks to assess results and touch up if necessary

References

1. Transparency Market Research. U.S. Dermal Fillers Market. Transparencymarketresearch.com. Published May 7, 2024. Accessed November 15, 2025. https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/us-dermal-fillers-market.html

2. Lesavoy MA, Creasman C, Schwartz RJ. A technique for correcting witch’s chin deformity. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. 1996;97(4):842-846. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/00006534-199604000-00026

3. Hussein SM, Rames JD, Shehab AA, et al. How Does the Mandible Age? Comprehensive Artificial Intelligence–Assisted Shape Analysis in the White Population. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2025;13(4):e6650-e6650. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000006650

4. Go B, Frost AS, Friedman O. Using injectable fillers for chin and jawline rejuvenation. World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. 2023;9(2). doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/wjo2.93

5. Baspeyras M, Dallara JM, Cartier H, Charavel MH, Dumas L. Restoring jawline contour with calcium hydroxylapatite: A prospective, observational study. Journal of cosmetic dermatology. 2017;16(3):342-347. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12335

6. Glasgold R, Kontis T, Smith S, et al. Volume Rejuvenation of the Lower Third, Perioral, and Jawline. Facial Plastic Surgery. 2015;31(01):070-079. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0035-1544945

7. Alam M, Kakar R, Dover JS, et al. Rates of Vascular Occlusion Associated With Using Needles vs Cannulas for Filler Injection. JAMA Dermatology. 2021;157(2):174. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.5102

8. Ou Y, Wu M, Liu D, et al. Nonsurgical Chin Augmentation Using Hyaluronic Acid: A Systematic Review of Technique, Satisfaction, and Complications. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2023;47(4):1560-1567. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-023-03335-w

9. Oranges CM, Vendela Grufman, Pietro, Fritsche E, Kalbermatten DF. Chin Augmentation Techniques: A Systematic Review. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2022;151(5):758e771e. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000010079

10. Ogilvie P, Benouaiche L, Philipp-Dormston WG, et al. VYC-25L Hyaluronic Acid Injectable Gel Is Safe and Effective for Long-Term Restoration and Creation of Volume of the Lower Face. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2020;40(9):NP499-NP510. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjaa013