What is chin dermal filler?
Chin dermal filler is the procedure in which it is assessed whether a change in the forward projection of the chin is possible and, where considered suitable, a dermal filler product containing hyaluronic acid is delivered into the area.
The product used is a medical device (opens in a new tab), and in Türkiye medical devices are monitored through the Product Tracking System (ÜTS) (opens in a new tab).
Two things to know first:
1. The risk of vascular occlusion. If the product enters a vessel or presses on a vessel, tissue damage may develop in the area supplied by that vessel. It is rarely seen, but it requires intervention within hours.
2. The position of the chin is related to the bite and to the structure of the jaw. A chin that is set back sometimes occurs together with a disorder of the bite, and that is a matter for the relevant specialties rather than for dermal filler. If there is a complaint relating to the bite or to the structure of the jaw, this is assessed first.
Chin dermal filler and jawline definition are different procedures: jawline definition addresses the line and border of the jawline, whereas chin dermal filler addresses the forward projection of the chin. The two are assessed together at the consultation.
Dr. Suzan Alp, Specialist in Internal Medicine, performs the procedure at the practice (opens in a new tab).
Which factors determine whether the procedure is suitable?
The decision on suitability is made at the end of the consultation. The following factors are decisive in the assessment:
- The bone structure of the chin and its current position
- Whether there is any complaint relating to the bite or to the jaw joint
- Movement of the lower lip and of the chin tip
- The condition of the neighbouring areas; the jawline, the chin muscle and the neck
- Dermal filler previously applied to the area: its type and when it was given
- Which medicines are being used, and whether there is a bleeding tendency
Where the chin is set back, the contribution expected from dermal filler may be limited; in marked cases arising from the bone structure, assessment by the relevant specialties may be required.
In which patients is the procedure not performed?
- In patients with a history of allergy to the product to be used or to its components
- In patients with a history of allergy to the dissolving enzyme (intervention would not be possible if it were needed)
- In pregnant and breastfeeding patients
- In patients under 18 years of age
Situations that require separate assessment
- Bleeding or clotting disorder, or use of blood-thinning or anticoagulant medicines
- Active infection or febrile illness (the procedure is postponed)
- Autoimmune disease in an active phase (the opinion of the relevant specialist physician is obtained)
- Treatment that suppresses the immune system (the opinion of the relevant specialist physician is obtained)
- Uncontrolled diabetes (healing may be affected)
Additional conditions specific to this area
The procedure is not performed if the following are present in the area to be treated:
- An active infection, a dental infection or an open wound
In these situations, the procedure is planned subject to the physician’s assessment:
- A disorder of the bite that has not been assessed (assessment by the relevant specialty comes first)
- Pain or locking in the jaw joint, or difficulty opening the mouth (assessment by the relevant specialty is required)
- Loss of sensation in the lower lip or the chin (this needs to be assessed first)
- A non-absorbable type of dermal filler previously applied to the area (the opinion of the relevant specialist is sought)
- Marked facial asymmetry (it is discussed in advance that it may not be corrected completely)
If dental treatment has recently been carried out or is planned, the procedure is postponed.
How is the procedure performed?
- Assessment. The bone structure and position of the chin are assessed; any complaint relating to the bite and the jaw joint is asked about. Movement of the lower lip and sensation in the area are observed. The timing of dental treatment, previous dermal filler procedures and their type, any history of allergy, bleeding tendency and current medication are recorded. Blood pressure and pulse are measured.
- Product check. The ÜTS registration, packaging integrity and expiry date of the product to be used are checked. The dissolving enzyme must be available where the procedure is carried out.
- Information and consent. The procedure, the risk of vascular occlusion, the possibility of a change in sensation in the lower lip, the limit of the contribution expected, the possibility of asymmetry and possible side effects are explained in writing and verbally; the form is signed. The symptoms for which help should be sought without delay after the procedure are given in writing.
- Preparation. There must be no make-up on the area. Antisepsis is ensured.
- Application. The product is delivered into the intended layer, in the planned amount.
- Observation and follow-up. The patient is kept under observation after the procedure; the area is checked for signs of vascular occlusion, and sensation in the lower lip is assessed. Vital signs and observations are recorded in the file. A follow-up appointment is arranged.
When is the effect seen, and how long does it last?
The appearance seen in the first few days is not the final result; the swelling is allowed to subside before the result is assessed.
The effect is temporary. The product used is absorbed over time; the duration varies from person to person, by area and by product, and cannot be stated in advance.
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 herbal products)
- Your known allergies
- Your pregnancy and breastfeeding status
Come with no make-up on the area.
For this area, also state the following:
- Do you have any complaint relating to your bite or your jaw joint?
- Do you feel any loss of sensation in your lower lip or your chin?
- Have you had dental treatment recently, or are you planning any?
- Have you had dermal filler in this area before? When, and of what type?
After:
- Swelling and bruising are to be expected
- The area must not be massaged or rubbed
- You are advised to avoid hard foods and foods that are difficult to chew for a period
- You are asked to avoid sleeping face down and putting pressure on the area for a period
- The period given for hot environments, saunas, sunbeds, swimming pools and intense exercise must be observed
- You are asked to keep the written list of warnings you are given
Recommendations and time periods specific to you are given in writing at the end of the procedure.
Risks and side effects
Requiring urgent assessment
- Vascular occlusion. The signs: pain that is more severe than expected and increasing, blanching of the skin, a purple-red change in colour in a net-like or spotted pattern, coldness of the area, and crusting and sores at a later stage
- Tissue loss in the skin (necrosis)
- Infection and abscess at the site of the procedure
- Loss of sensation in the lower lip or the chin that does not resolve
Other risks specific to this area
- Temporary change in sensation or numbness in the lower lip and the chin area
- Asymmetry
- Firmness, irregularity or a nodule that can be felt by hand
- Displacement of the product over time
- A feeling of heaviness or tightness in the area
- A feeling of discomfort in the area when chewing
- The expected change not being seen (in marked cases arising from the bone structure, the result is limited)
General risks that may occur with any minor procedure
- Swelling, bruising, pain and tenderness
- Allergic reaction
- Swelling and redness appearing at a late stage
Results vary from person to person. No guarantee can be given as to a result or a duration.
When should you see a physician without delay?
If you experience these symptoms during treatment, contact your physician without delay:
- Loss of sensation in the lower lip or the chin that does not resolve
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Increasing redness, increased warmth, swelling or discharge in the area
- A high fever
- Crusting or the formation of sores on the skin
- Widespread rash, itching
In the event of pain that is more severe than expected and steadily increasing, blanching of the skin, a purple-red change in colour in a net-like or spotted pattern, or coldness or paleness of the area, contact your physician at once; if you cannot reach them, go to the nearest emergency department. In the event of any change in vision, or rapidly increasing swelling of the lips and eyelids, go directly to the emergency department.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between chin dermal filler and jawline definition?
Chin dermal filler addresses the forward projection of the chin, whereas Jawline Definition assesses the line and border of the jawline. The two are considered together at the consultation, where it is decided which is to be performed and to what extent.
My chin is set back — will dermal filler be enough?
Where the chin is set back, the contribution expected from dermal filler may be limited. In marked cases arising from the bone structure, assessment by the relevant specialties may be required. Which of these applies is determined at the consultation.
My bite is not right — can the procedure be done?
In those with a disorder of the bite that has not been assessed, assessment by the relevant specialty is required first. The position of the chin is related to the bite and to the structure of the jaw; this is not a matter for dermal filler.
Will I have numbness in my lower lip?
A temporary change in sensation or numbness in the lower lip and the chin area is among the side effects reported for this area. In the event of loss of sensation that does not resolve, a physician should be consulted without delay.
How long does the effect of chin dermal filler last?
The effect is temporary; the product used is absorbed over time. The duration varies from person to person, by area and by product, and cannot be stated in advance.
I am having dental treatment — can chin dermal filler be carried out?
In those who have recently had, or are about to have, dental treatment, the procedure is postponed. If there is an active dental infection in the area, the procedure is not carried out. State your dental treatment plan at the consultation.
Is chin dermal filler performed during pregnancy?
No. The procedure is not performed during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Sources
- Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency, Tıbbi Cihaz ve Ürün Takip Sistemi (ÜTS). https://www.titck.gov.tr/faaliyetalanlari/tibbicihaz (opens in a new tab)
- Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency, Tıbbi Cihaz Yönetmeliği, Official Gazette 2 June 2021 / 31499 (repeated). https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr/mevzuat?MevzuatNo=38657&MevzuatTur=7&MevzuatTertip=5 (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)
