Chin Botox

Chin Botox is the general term for botulinum toxin injected into the chin-tip muscle (mentalis) or the jaw-angle muscle (masseter). Treatment at the chin tip softens an “orange peel” look and chin tension, while masseter Botox at the jaw angle targets teeth clenching and a wide lower face. The effect usually starts within 3–5 days and generally lasts 3–6 months, depending on the person. The examination determines which muscle is responsible.

What is chin Botox, and which muscles does it treat?

Chin Botox covers different treatments depending on the target muscle; which one suits you is decided at the examination.

• Chin tip (mentalis muscle): A small muscle running from below the lower lip to the tip of the chin. When it is overactive, it causes dimpling, an “orange peel” look and tension when you close your lips.
• Jaw angle (masseter muscle): The chewing muscle. This treatment, aimed at teeth clenching and a square jaw, is known as masseter Botox.
• Corners of the mouth: The muscle that pulls the mouth corners down can also be included, gently softening downturned corners.

This page mainly covers treatment of the chin tip. If you are looking for information on teeth clenching, bruxism or jaw slimming, you will most likely find the answers on our masseter page.

What does Botox at the chin tip do?

Botox at the chin tip reduces overactivity of the mentalis muscle and softens a bumpy, dimpled chin and chin tension.

• An “orange peel” texture that appears on the chin when you talk or close your lips
• The chin tip puckering upwards and a feeling of tension
• The line between the lower lip and chin deepening with expression

Botox does not add volume. If the chin is small or set back, or the line between lip and chin is deep even at rest, a volumising method such as chin filler may suit you better; for some people both are planned together.

How does chin Botox differ from masseter Botox?

Botox at the chin tip softens a small expression muscle, while masseter Botox reduces the strength and volume of a powerful chewing muscle.

• Goal: Chin-tip treatment targets tension and a bumpy texture; masseter treatment targets teeth clenching and the width of the lower face.
• When results show: At the chin tip the effect is noticed within days; with masseter treatment slimming takes weeks, because the muscle has to lose volume.
• Dose: The mentalis is a small muscle, so much lower doses are used.

How is chin Botox done?

After the borders of the muscle are mapped, chin Botox is given with a fine needle at one or a few points on the chin tip and takes a few minutes.

The doctor first asks you to purse or close your lips to assess the most active part of the muscle. The injections are planned to stay away from the neighbouring muscles that move the lower lip. Telling your doctor about your medications and any previous Botox treatments makes planning easier. Anaesthesia is usually not needed, and you can return to daily life the same day. At our clinic in Etiler, chin Botox is given by a doctor once the examination has made clear which muscle is responsible.

When does chin Botox work, and how long does it last?

The effect of chin Botox usually starts within 3–5 days, settles by day 10–14 and generally lasts 3–6 months, depending on the person.

The result is assessed at a follow-up visit at the end of week 2. With masseter treatment, relief from clenching is felt in 1–2 weeks and slimming of the face shows at 6–8 weeks. For rules such as not lying down or massaging the area in the first hours, see our guide on what to do after Botox.

What are the side effects of chin Botox?

Side effects of chin Botox are usually mild and temporary; the main risk is the toxin spreading to the muscles that move the lower lip.

• Common: Redness, a small bruise or slight swelling at the injection site.
• Less common: Weakness of the lower lip, an uneven lip when smiling or talking, or difficulty with certain sounds or drinking through a straw. These effects are temporary and improve as the toxin wears off.
• Rare but serious: An allergic reaction, or difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing. These symptoms need urgent assessment.

Who should not have it, and when should you see a doctor?

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, nerve-muscle disorders and allergy to the product are the main reasons not to have chin Botox.

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• People with a disorder affecting nerve-muscle transmission, such as myasthenia gravis
• People allergic to botulinum toxin
• People with an active infection or cold sore in the treatment area
• People whose concern comes from volume loss or bone structure rather than muscle movement

If after treatment you notice marked lip weakness, liquid escaping from your mouth when eating or drinking, or difficulty swallowing or speaking, contact your doctor. For how Botox works and its general safety, read our guide what is Botox.

Frequently asked questions

Are chin Botox and chin filler the same thing?

No. Chin Botox relaxes the muscle and softens the bumpy look caused by contraction, while chin filler adds volume to change the shape and projection of the chin. Depending on your needs, both can be planned together.

Who is chin-tip Botox suitable for?

It suits adults who notice clear dimpling and tension on the chin when they talk or close their lips, or a puckering chin tip. If the problem comes from a lack of volume, filler or a combined plan may be recommended at the examination.

Does chin Botox slim the face?

Botox at the chin tip does not slim the face. If you want a slimmer lower face and the width comes from a thick chewing muscle, masseter Botox at the jaw angle is considered; this effect becomes visible at 6–8 weeks.

Does chin Botox help teeth clenching?

The muscle involved in clenching is not the mentalis at the chin tip but the masseter at the jaw angle. The treatment for teeth clenching is therefore masseter Botox; relief is usually felt within 1–2 weeks.

Does chin Botox hurt?

It is given at a few points with a very fine needle and takes a few minutes. Most people feel only a brief sting, and anaesthesia is usually not needed.

How many months does chin Botox last?

The effect generally lasts 3–6 months, depending on the person. It can be repeated when it fades; at least 3 months is usually left between two treatments.

This content is for information only and does not replace a medical examination. To plan the treatment that suits you, get in touch with us.