Overview
Chin dimpling describes a pebbled, puckered, or orange-peel texture of the skin over the chin. It often becomes most noticeable during speech or expression, when the mentalis muscle, the small muscle that lifts the center of the lower lip, contracts strongly.
For some people the dimpling is mainly dynamic and related to muscle activity, while for others it reflects loss of soft-tissue volume, thinning skin, or changes in the position of the chin and lower lip over time. The underlying chin and jaw structure can also contribute.
Because the cause shapes the treatment, evaluation focuses on whether the dimpling is driven by muscle activity, skin and soft-tissue changes, or chin proportions, so that any treatment is matched to the reason for it.
Symptoms
The chin may look bumpy or pebbled, with small dimples that deepen during expression. Some people notice it only with movement, while others see surface irregularity even at rest.
The appearance can be associated with a sense of tightness in the chin and, over time, with changes in the position of the lower lip and chin pad.
Living with chin dimpling? The next step is a quiet, unhurried conversation.
Causes and contributing factors
A common contributor is an overactive or strong mentalis muscle, which puckers the skin when it contracts. Loss of soft-tissue volume, thinning skin, and aging changes can also make the surface less smooth.
The underlying chin and jaw proportions can influence the appearance as well, particularly when the chin is small or set back, which places more strain on the soft tissue.
How it is evaluated
Evaluation is based on examining the chin at rest and during expression to see whether the dimpling is mainly dynamic, related to the skin and soft tissue, or related to the chin structure.
Photographs and a discussion of goals help match treatment to the cause, since muscle-related dimpling, volume loss, and skeletal proportion are addressed differently.
Treatment options
Treatment is individualized and may include:
- Botulinum toxin to relax an overactive mentalis muscle
- Soft-tissue fillers to smooth surface irregularity in selected cases
- Skin care and supportive measures for mild changes
- Mentalis resection or repositioning for persistent muscular dimpling
- Sliding genioplasty when chin proportion is a factor
Many people start with the least invasive option that fits the cause, with surgery reserved for cases where other measures are not enough.
When to seek care
Chin dimpling is generally not dangerous, so care is usually sought when the appearance is bothersome or when it changes noticeably. A consultation can clarify the cause and realistic options.
New lumps, firmness, skin changes, or numbness in the chin are different concerns and should be evaluated rather than assumed to be simple dimpling.
Clinical references
Medical review
This page is a patient-education resource reviewed by the responsible Norelle Health clinician before publication. It does not replace an in-person evaluation. If symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, seek immediate medical care.
Specialists who treat chin dimpling
Dr. Moustafa Mourad
MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Head & Neck and Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Dr. Moustafa Mourad is a double board-certified head and neck and facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who cares for the full range of cosmetic and complex conditions affecting the face, head, and neck.
- Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery
- Head and neck cancer surgery
- Microvascular free-flap reconstruction
- Facial trauma and reconstruction
Also caring for this area
Not sure who to see? Our patient coordination team can help match you with the right specialist.
(212) 444-8006Frequently Asked Questions
The most common contributor is a strong or overactive mentalis muscle that puckers the skin during expression. Loss of soft-tissue volume, thinning skin, and the underlying chin shape can also play a role.
It is usually a benign cosmetic concern rather than a sign of disease. New lumps, firmness, skin changes, or numbness are separate issues that should be evaluated.
When the dimpling is driven mainly by mentalis muscle activity, botulinum toxin can relax the muscle and soften the puckering. The effect is temporary and is repeated periodically.
Surgical options such as mentalis resection or repositioning, or a sliding genioplasty when chin proportion contributes, may be discussed when nonsurgical measures do not provide enough improvement.
Soft-tissue fillers may help smooth surface irregularity in selected cases, particularly when volume loss contributes. Whether fillers are appropriate depends on the cause identified during evaluation.
It can become more noticeable as skin thins and soft-tissue volume changes, but this varies from person to person. An evaluation can clarify what is driving the change.
The right approach depends on whether the dimpling is mainly muscular, related to the skin and soft tissue, or related to chin shape. Examination at rest and during movement helps match treatment to the cause.
Related Procedures
1 of 2 · Mentalis Resection
Request a consultation for chin dimpling
Schedule an evaluation with our team to review your symptoms and the appropriate next steps.