Chin Fillers: Candidates, Results, Side Effects, Cost, and More

• Chin filler injections add definition to the chin and lower jawline.
• People who are concerned about a recessed chin, a deep dimple in their chin, or mild-to-moderate wrinkles, may benefit from these injections.
• These treatments must be repeated periodically.
• Chin fillers are generally safe and have a low risk of side effects.

Chin fillers are a cosmetic treatment for people who are looking to add definition to their chin or lower jawline area. A variety of injectable dermal filler materials are available to treat a number of chin concerns, including a deep dimple, or a recessed or weak chin. 

What Are Chin Fillers?

Chin fillers are injectable dermal fillers that are used to add definition and shape to the chin area and lower jawline. Dermal fillers are made from both natural and synthetic materials, and are injected into facial areas to fill in lines and smooth wrinkles. 

Filler material can strengthen the lower jawline, balance the profile and augment the chin. Some fillers last longer than others. For example, synthetic fillers are proven, long-lasting treatments. Other filler materials such as hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers absorb into the body over time and must be repeated on occasion.

Best fillers for the chin area

Some of the most commonly used fillers for the chin area are HA-based gel fillers such as Juvederm Voluma and Restylane Defyne. As HA is naturally produced in the body, it has a low risk of side effects.

Juvederm results are visible immediately; with Restylane, it may take a few days to see the full results. Restylane treatments last for up to 12 months, while Juvederm can last for up to two years. 

Synthetic fillers like Radiesse, made with calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), and Sculptra, made with poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), are also effect in addressing the chin and lower jawline. These materials last longer than HA-based fillers; 9–15 months for Radiesse and up to two years for Sculptra. 

A recent study found HA and CaHa to both be safe and effective for augmenting and defining the chin and lower jawline. 

Ideal Candidates for Chin Fillers

People over the age of 21 who would like to better define their jawline, strengthen their chin or fill in wrinkles or lines around the chin are good candidates for chin fillers. They should be in good overall health, have no allergies or health conditions, should not smoke and should be able to take good care of their skin post treatment.

What chin fillers can’t do

Chin fillers can’t correct severely sagging skin or deep wrinkles; instead, fillers are best for mild-to-moderate concerns. If you want more dramatic or permanent corrections, a chin implant might be your best option.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Chin filler injections are similar to other dermal filler procedures. They are performed by your provider in an outpatient setting, and there is no downtime required. 

First, your provider will disinfect the skin in the injection area. They will either apply a topical anesthetic such as lidocaine or inject the anesthetic before beginning your treatment. In some cases, lidocaine is already mixed into the dermal filler syringe. 

You’ll be allowed to sit up while your provider injects the filler, and you will be asked to remain still. During the procedure, you will receive multiple injections in your chin and jawline. Afterward, your provider may want you to return for a follow-up visit and additional injections until desired results are achieved.

Chin filler treatments take 30–60 minutes to perform, including preparation time. 

Do chin fillers hurt?

Chin filler injections are painful, but your provider will take measures to limit this pain. At the very least, there will likely be minimal pressure or discomfort associated with your injection procedure. 

Many dermal fillers are already mixed with lidocaine, which makes the treatment more comfortable. If there isn’t already lidocaine in the syringe, your provider will apply a topical anesthetic or administer anesthetic injections to the area beforehand.

The injection site will likely feel sore for a few days afterwards. 

Chin fillers aftercare

After your treatment, be sure to avoid direct sunlight, strenuous exercise and heavy physical activity for 24–48 hours. Don’t touch the injection sites, and be sure to keep your skin clean in the treatment area. You can treat discomfort with ice packs or Tylenol. 

Chin Fillers Results

Most chin filler results are visible immediately after treatment, except for Restylane, which takes a few days to see results.

Chin filler results are temporary, with some formulations lasting up to 2 years. If you’re unhappy with your results you HA-based filler can easily be reversed. Radiesse fillers could require surgery to reverse.

Before and afters

Safety and Side Effects of Chin Fillers

Dermal fillers are generally considered safe to use, with a relatively low risk of side effects and adverse events. Side effects, when they do occur, are usually mild and only last for a few days post treatment.

Bleeding, bruising and swelling

Minor bruising, swelling, bleeding and redness are normal after you’ve received treatment. These side effects are more likely to occur if you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder. 

Less common side effects of chin fillers

Some individuals experience some other, less common adverse outcomes or side effects of cheek fillers. These include: 

• Developing a sensitivity reaction post procedure (sometimes long after it’s over)
• Infections, which good skin hygiene may prevent
• Allergic reactions to lidocaine or dermal fillers; allergy testing before treatment can help you avoid this
• Nerve damage as a result of incorrect placement of the injection, which may cause numbness or pain
• Damage to the skin as a result of poor injection technique; incorrect filler placement can cause tissue death (necrosis) and other skin damage
• Bumps, lumps, or asymmetrical areas (which may be caused by a provider with inadequate experience)

Chin fillers gone bad

It’s possible to experience a negative outcome with chin fillers, such as an overfilled or unnatural-looking chin. Selecting a board-certified provider with extensive experience administering chin filler injections will give you your best chances for a satisfying outcome.

HA-based fillers can be reversed if you’re not happy with the results and they offer more consistent results than synthetic fillers. Synthetic fillers are more likely to migrate from the original injection site, forming bumps, lumps or uneven areas. It’s also more difficult to reverse any filler other than HA – and doing so may require surgery.

How Much Do Chin Fillers Cost?

Costs of dermal fillers depend on the material used and the number of syringes required, in addition to your provider’s fees and location. You’ll also want to factor in an estimate of how often you’ll need to repeat the treatments. 

Chin Filler Brand	Type of Filler	Cost Range per Syringe	How Long It Lasts
Juvederm Voluma XC	HA	$1,000	Up to 2 years
Radiesse	CaHA	$650–$800	9–15 months
Restylane Defyne	HA	$895	Up to 12 months
Sculptra	PLLA	$70–$1,000	Up to 2 years

This procedure isn’t covered by insurance because it is considered to be a cosmetic treatment. However, your provider may offer financing options to help you manage the cost.

Alternatives

If chin filler injections aren’t for you, there are alternative treatments and approaches that can help you achieve the results you’re looking for. 

Chin implant surgery

Chin implant surgery is a permanent solution to chin-related concerns such as a recessed chin or a deep dimple. However, it’s more invasive and more expensive than chin filler injections, costing an average of $2,300. If you’re unhappy with your results, a chin implant may be removed, but you’ll require a second surgery to achieve this. 

Facelift surgery or skin tightening procedures

Facelift surgeries can help treat the appearance of severe jowls and are longer lasting than many other approaches. But like chin implants, they’re more costly and have a higher risk of side effects and adverse reactions. The average cost of facelift surgery is $7,700.

Skin tightening procedures might be ideal for someone seeking to reduce the appearance of wrinkles or other mild-to-moderate signs of aging on or around the chin and lower jawline. These approaches include ablative and nonablative laser skin resurfacing, radiofrequency skin tightening and ultrasound skin tightening. 

How to Select a Provider

To select a provider for chin filler injections, choose a provider you feel comfortable with, and who is board-certified by the American Board of Medical Specialists. If you want, you can interview your prospective provider to find out more about their experience injecting the chin filler you’re interested in. Request before and after images of satisfied patients to see the results.

Takeaway

Chin fillers are generally safe and minimally invasive. They can add definition to your lower jawline and strengthen your chin, balancing your profile. 

Synthetic fillers such as Radiesse and Sculptra are long lasting; unfortunately, if you’re unhappy with the results, reversing these fillers may require surgery. HA-based fillers are a naturally-derived option, and they’re easily reversible if you’re not happy with your results.

To get the best results, select a provider who has extensive experience injecting chin fillers. Take the time to consider whether a filler injection is best for you, or if you could benefit more from a more invasive, but one-time procedure such as a chin implant.