How Should a Cleft Chin, Split Chin, or Butt Chin Be Treated?

Hello, I’m Dr. Jo Hyun-woo, Director of Ipsik Plastic Surgery.

A butt chin is a concern for many people because of the dimple-like shape that appears on the tip of the chin.

Since it is located at the center of the face, it can be especially noticeable.

There are several reasons why a butt chin develops, but they can largely be divided into three main causes.

Today, I’ll take a more detailed look at these three causes and explain the appropriate treatment methods for each one.

A butt chin caused by bone structure

One of the most common causes of a butt chin lies in the structure of the jawbone.

If there is a naturally occurring depression in the jawbone, the skin and muscle above it follow that shape, making the chin appear indented on the outside as well.

The most certain way to address a butt chin caused by bone structure is to correct the jawbone through surgery.

The front chin bone can be directly corrected to create a smoother bone contour.

In most cases, the lower jaw bone is reshaped or a T osteotomy is performed to remove and bring together the sunken bony area.

A case of correcting a butt chin through T osteotomy

A case of correcting a butt chin through T osteotomy

A case of correcting a butt chin through T osteotomy

A case of correcting a butt chin through T osteotomy

A case of correcting a butt chin through chin bottom edge reduction surgery

A case of correcting a butt chin through chin bottom edge reduction surgery

The advantage of this bone surgery is that it can greatly help improve not only the butt chin but also the overall jawline.

However, there may be swelling and bruising after surgery, so a recovery period is definitely needed.

A case of correcting a butt chin with a chin implant

In addition, the shape of the front chin can also be changed using an implant.

When inserting the implant, it can be placed at a slight diagonal angle to cover the bony area that appears uneven.

Because only the smooth surface of the implant is visible externally, it has the advantage of shaping the chin without touching the bone.

However, because implants can also cause bone erosion, delicate surgical technique is necessary.

A case of correcting a butt chin through chin filler

If you do not want surgery or prefer a minor correction, filler injections can be considered.

Filler can simply be injected to fill in the indented area at the chin tip.

Because filler contains hyaluronic acid and is naturally absorbed by the body over time, it has the drawback of requiring repeat treatments later. However, it has the advantage of immediate results and allowing you to return to daily life right away after the procedure.

A butt chin caused by a muscle issue

The second cause of a butt chin is a problem with the chin-tip muscle.

When the mentalis muscle, located in the front chin, contracts excessively or is unstable in position, wrinkles or dimples can appear at the chin tip.

In particular, the chin often looks sunken when speaking or smiling.

A butt chin caused by a muscle issue can be easily treated with Botox.

Relaxing the overcontracted front chin muscle with Botox can improve the sunken area at the chin tip.

The effects of Botox last about 3 to 6 months, so periodic treatments are necessary.

Also, because muscle movement is greatly reduced, those who want to maintain natural facial expressions should carefully adjust the amount.

Looking at the before-and-after Botox photos, it is easy to see how much smoother the front chin can become.

Dimples or wrinkles caused by muscle issues can be simply treated with Botox.

A butt chin caused by fat distribution

Lastly, a butt chin can also be caused by problems in fat distribution.

If too much fat accumulates at the chin tip or is distributed unevenly, the chin tip can appear indented.

In such cases, it can be treated by removing fat or, conversely, adding fat.

If too much fat has accumulated at the chin tip, it can be treated with liposuction.

Liposuction is a method of directly removing fat from the front chin to refine the contour of the chin tip.

On the other hand, if a butt chin is caused by a lack of fat, volume can be restored through fat grafting.

Fat grafting involves harvesting fat from the body and transplanting it to the needed area, which can add natural volume to the face.

In particular, it can naturally fill in the sunken area at the chin tip, making it effective for addressing a butt chin.

However, not all of the transplanted fat may survive, so additional treatments may be needed.

A butt chin can be treated in various ways depending on the cause.

If the problem is the bone structure, surgical correction may be necessary, while muscle-related issues can be addressed with Botox.

Fat-related issues can be corrected through liposuction or fat grafting.

If you find the right treatment method based on your facial condition and needs, you can achieve a smooth, confident jawline.

Thank you.