Did you know that the chin is a unique feature to humans? It’s true – we are the only species that have this projected area of our skeletal structure. Our chins help provide symmetry, balance and additionally encourages ideal movement of the lower face. We believe that each chin deserves some love…
Knowing how to treat the chin, means both understanding the anatomy of the chin and signs of aging associated with the lower face region. While most patients are aware of the benefits in taking preventative anti-aging measures around the eyes and upper face, they often overlook the importance of the lower face, specifically the chin – but not us. Treating the chin area helps provide a subtle but harmonious youthful appearance to the face. As in all regions, a holistic approach is necessary to achieve the best results. This includes quality skin care, energy-based devices and structural support from the use of dermal fillers. Today, we will focus on softening the negative movements that we make which age us and distract from our overall appearance. Enter – Botox® and the neuromodulator family of products (Xeomin®, Dysport® and Nuceiva™).
What are the Premature Signs of Aging in the Lower Face?
- Dimpled Chin or Orange Peel Chin
- Downturn of the corners of the mouth
- Deep groove and furrow in the region between the lower lip and chin
- Fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and chin area
Remember, balance is SUPER important – that applies here as well. When we hit 30, we naturally begin to lose soft tissue in the face. As we start to lose that support our negative expressions begin to dominate, resulting in the loss of structural balance. With this balance shift, we see more prominent signs of sadness, fatigue and early aging maintained in our faces. Over time as aging and this imbalance progresses, our muscles work and amplify these early signs of aging, creating even deeper lines and the impression of sagging of the region. So, putting the brakes on the muscle activity is crucial to prevent the accelerated aging cycle.
Take a moment to look in the mirror and make some reactive expressions (smirks, grimaces, pouts etc.) you might unknowingly make throughout the day. Are you starting to see some of these early movement-related signs of aging? When did that happen? Chances are that if you are over 30 you are likely to see some of these signs.
Why are Movement-Related Signs of Aging Less Recognizable?
We all tend to carry a lot of tension in our chins. Over time the muscles in the lower face strengthen through repeated use and movements (Chewing and making expressions). The result is a constant subtle contraction/tension of those muscles. This is visually represented as the dimpling or orange peel looking texture of the overlying skin of the chin.
The corners of the mouth are also negatively affected over time by similar repetitive movements and expressions. As I am sure you have heard, it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile? The frown-like expressions we make are often habit tics done unconsciously, where we use the muscles that pull down the corner of our mouths.
In both these instances, we don’t tend to make some of the more unflattering poses in the mirror that we habitually make throughout the day, such as grimaces and frowns. We aren’t always aware of the visual effect these expressions have on our appearance. This is why these early signs of aging tend to go unnoticed until they become more prominent and ingrained.
What are Preventative Solutions?
This is where the ‘magic of Botox® for the chin’ (or Xeomin® for the chin, Dysport® for the chin or Nuceiva™ for the chin (depending on your toxin of choice)) comes in. When properly injected into the culprit muscles, Botox® has the ability to soften these movements. The result is a smoother chin, and the corners of the mouth maintain a horizontal line. Ultimately, smoother, softer, natural looking results.
What are our Targets Using Botox® for the Chin?
There are three main muscles in the chin – two of them are targets for treatment, and the one sandwiched in the middle of these two is not!
1. The Mentalis muscle - is responsible for movement of the lower lip and chin.
2. DAO (Depressor Anguli Oris) - is responsible for lowering and drawing the corner of the mouth downwards.
3. DLI (Depressor Labii Inferioris) - Our ‘NO GO’ Zone. Works with the DAO in the shared responsibility lowering the corners of the mouth.
These muscles are layered closely together and if the middle muscle, (the Depressor Labii Inferioris muscle) is treated, you will be left with an uneven smile for the duration of the medications effect. Proper targeting of the muscles is key for the goal of prevention, that is, putting the Botox® in the correct place. Proper placement not only affects the results of the treatment but also limits the risk of side effects.
Just another reason why you need to choose your injector wisely!!! Look for the best credentials combined with the most experience, and have them show you their work! Not just their best, but also their average results. Make sure you understand who is going to support you if you have complications that need attention.
If you are ready for the next step, lets book a consultation and customize a treatment plan for you. If you are not ready to take that step just yet, follow us on Instagram and continue to learn about us, our treatments and injectables in general.
