What is chin botulinum toxin?
Chin botulinum toxin is a procedure directed at the dimpled, uneven surface appearance produced when the muscle in the chin contracts. Whether any change in appearance is possible is assessed at the examination.
The substance used in this procedure, which is popularly known by a brand name, is botulinum toxin. Botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicinal product for human use (opens in a new tab) that temporarily reduces the contraction of the muscle to which it is applied. The procedure is carried out with an authorised product, within the terms of use in its authorisation, and by a physician.
The muscle in the chin plays a part in the movement of the lower lip and in speech. For this reason, a procedure in this area may temporarily affect the movement of the lower lip and speech. The area is separate from the jawline and from the neck; Jawline Botulinum Toxin is covered on a separate page.
The procedure is performed at the practice (opens in a new tab) by Dr. Suzan Alp, Specialist in Internal Medicine.
Which factors determine whether the procedure is suitable?
The decision on suitability is made at the end of the examination. The decisive factors in the assessment for this area are:
- Whether the appearance arises only when the muscle contracts, or whether it is also present when the muscle is relaxed
- How the lower lip and the chin move together
- Whether there is any complaint relating to the bite and the jaw joint
- How pronounced the movement of the chin is during speech
- Procedures previously performed in the area
If there is a complaint relating to the bite or the jaw joint, this must be assessed first; that is a matter for the relevant specialty.
In which patients is the procedure not performed?
- In patients with a disease affecting the neuromuscular junction (myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and similar conditions)
- In pregnant and breastfeeding patients
- In patients under 18 years of age
- In patients with a history of allergy to the product to be used or to its components
Situations that require separate assessment
- Muscle disease (an assessment by the relevant specialist physician is required)
- Use of medicines that affect neuromuscular transmission (aminoglycoside antibiotics, muscle relaxants and similar)
- Bleeding or clotting disorder, or use of blood-thinning or anticoagulant medicines
- Active infection or febrile illness (the procedure is postponed)
- A recent procedure in the same area (the timing is adjusted accordingly)
Additional conditions specific to this area
The procedure is not performed if the following are present in the area to be treated:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Active infection, an acne lesion or an open wound
In these situations, the procedure is planned subject to the physician’s assessment:
- A speech disorder (the opinion of the relevant specialist is sought)
- Existing asymmetry or weakness in lower lip movement
- A history of facial palsy (the opinion of the relevant specialist is sought)
- A complaint in the jaw joint (assessment by the relevant specialty is needed first)
- Wearing a dental prosthesis
- Previously applied dermal filler in the area (timing and planning are adjusted accordingly)
How is the procedure performed?
- Assessment. Whether the appearance arises when the muscle contracts is determined; lower lip movement and the movement of the chin during speech are observed. The physician asks about the bite and any complaint in the jaw joint. Any history of neuromuscular disease, current medication, allergies and previous procedures are recorded. Blood pressure and pulse are measured.
- Product check. The marketing authorisation status of the product to be used and its compliance with storage conditions are checked.
- Information and consent. The procedure, the fact that the effect is temporary, the possibility of a temporary change in the movement of the lower lip and in speech, and the possible side effects are explained in writing and verbally; the form is signed.
- Preparation. There must be no make-up on the area. Antisepsis is ensured.
- Administration. The product is administered to the predetermined point with a fine needle.
- Observation and follow-up. Vital signs and any observed findings are recorded in the file. A follow-up appointment is arranged at which the result will be assessed.
When does the effect begin, and how long does it last?
The time it takes for the effect to appear varies from person to person; the full result is assessed between a few days and two weeks. The effect is temporary, and how long it will last cannot be stated in advance. The timing of any repeat is determined at the follow-up.
What should you do before and after the procedure?
Before the procedure, report:
- A list of all the medicines and supplements you use (in particular blood thinners, painkillers and antibiotics)
- Your known allergies
- Any history of nerve or muscle disease
- Your pregnancy and breastfeeding status
Please mention any complaint relating to the bite or the jaw joint.
Come with no make-up on the area.
After:
- The area must not be massaged or rubbed on the day of the procedure
- In the first few days there may be difficulty with the movement of the lower lip and in producing certain sounds when speaking
- You are advised to take care when eating and to avoid hard and large mouthfuls for a time
- You will be asked to avoid bending forward, staying head-down for long periods and lying face down for the period specified
- Avoid hot environments, saunas, sunbeds and vigorous exercise for a time
- Temporary raised bumps, redness and mild bruising may occur at the injection site
Recommendations and time periods specific to you are given in writing at the end of the procedure.
Risks and side effects
Risks specific to this area
- A change in the movement of the lower lip and asymmetry of the lower lip
- A temporary change in speech
- Smile asymmetry
- Leakage of liquid from the mouth
- A feeling of tightness or heaviness in the chin
- Difficulty controlling the lips and the jaw while eating
- A feeling of numbness in the lower lip
General risks that may occur with any minor procedure
- Pain, redness, swelling and bruising
- Infection at the site of the procedure
- Headache
- A change in facial expression
- Allergic reaction
- Flu-like symptoms
- Vasovagal syncope (fainting)
These side effects are temporary; however, the time they take to resolve varies from person to person and may take weeks. It is not possible to reverse the effect of the botulinum toxin.
Results vary from person to person.
When should you see a physician without delay?
If you experience these symptoms during treatment, contact your physician without delay:
- Continuous leakage of liquid from the mouth
- Increasing redness, increased warmth, swelling or discharge at the site of the procedure
- A high fever
- Widespread rash, itching
In the event of difficulty swallowing, disturbance of speech, double vision, shortness of breath, widespread muscle weakness, or swelling of the lips or eyelids, go directly to the emergency department.
Frequently asked questions
Are chin botulinum toxin and jawline botulinum toxin the same thing?
No. Chin botulinum toxin concerns the muscle in the chin. The area running along the jawline is described on the Jawline Botulinum Toxin page; the two areas are different and are assessed differently.
Will my speech be affected after chin botulinum toxin?
A temporary change in speech is among the side effects reported for this area. The muscle in the chin plays a part in the movement of the lower lip and in speech; in the first few days there may be difficulty in producing certain sounds.
Will the movement of my lower lip change?
A change in the movement of the lower lip and asymmetry of the lower lip are among the side effects reported for this area. For this reason, lower lip movement and the movement of the chin during speech are observed before the procedure.
I have a complaint in my jaw and jaw joint; can I still have the procedure?
If there is a complaint relating to the bite or the jaw joint, this must be assessed first; that is a matter for the relevant specialty. Please state your complaint at the consultation.
How long does the effect of chin botulinum toxin last?
The effect is temporary and its duration cannot be stated in advance. It varies with the individual, muscle strength and the pattern of application. The timing of any repeat is determined at the follow-up consultation.
Is chin botulinum toxin carried out during pregnancy?
No. The procedure is not carried out during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Sources
- Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency, Beşeri Tıbbi Ürünler Ruhsatlandırma Yönetmeliği, Official Gazette 11 December 2021 / 31686. https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2021/12/20211211-5.htm (opens in a new tab)
- Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, Ayakta Teşhis ve Tedavi Yapılan Özel Sağlık Kuruluşları Hakkında Yönetmelikte Değişiklik Yapılmasına Dair Yönetmelik, Official Gazette 7 January 2025 / 32775. https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2025/01/20250107-3.htm (opens in a new tab)
