The chin plays a central role in lower face aesthetics, influencing facial harmony, profile balance, jawline definition, and gender characteristics. With the rise of non-surgical profile balancing, chin augmentation using hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers has become one of the most impactful yet technically demanding procedures.
The chin is not a uniform structure; it is a complex interplay of bone, deep and superficial fat pads, muscular attachments, and ligamentous support. These elements determine how filler behaves, how projection is achieved, and where complications may arise. A precise understanding of this anatomy allows injectors to tailor their technique to the patient’s needs while minimising the risk of vascular compromise or contour irregularities.
This blog synthesises anatomical evidence to guide injectors in safe and effective chin augmentation. For practical clinical guidance, the Acquisition Aesthetics curriculum integrates this evidence into hands-on training.
The mandible forms the foundation of the chin. Key landmarks include:
Age-related bone resorption occurs at the mandibular symphysis, reducing chin projection and height. This contributes to:
Deep, periosteal filler placement can compensate for these structural changes by restoring projection and support.
Cadaveric studies have identified distinct fat compartments in the chin region that influence filler behaviour and aesthetic outcomes. Pilsl and Anderhuber (2010) demonstrated in 30 cadaveric specimens that the chin contains a well-demarcated superficial fat compartment bordered superiorly by the mentolabial groove, inferiorly by the submental ligaments, and laterally by the labiomandibular grooves. Suwanchinda et al. (2018) further characterised the layered anatomy of the jawline, describing the deep fat compartments and their relationship to the SMAS and periosteum.
Deep compartments are the safest and most predictable planes for structural augmentation. Braz and Eduardo (2020) described cadaveric injection into both the superficial subcutaneous and deep submuscular/supraperiosteal planes, demonstrating that deep placement integrates well with minimal risk of surface irregularities.
The superficial chin fat is divided into central and lateral components. These layers are thinner and more prone to irregularities if filler is placed superficially.
Hyperactivity of the mentalis can cause:
Botulinum toxin is often used adjunctively to optimise results.
The chin is supplied primarily by:
Li et al. (2023) used 3D CT angiography in 40 cadaveric specimens to map the arterial distribution of the chin, finding that superficial arteries vastly outnumbered deep arteries (163 vs 58 of 221 total vessels crossing the sagittal plane). Importantly, the density of arteries decreased with distance from the lower lip vermilion border, confirming that the inferior chin is a relatively safer zone compared to the area immediately below the lip.
High-risk zone: The area directly over the mental foramen is at increased risk of vascular compromise and should be approached with caution.
Safer zones:
These areas have fewer major vessels and provide predictable filler placement.
Ideal for projection, elongation, masculinisation, and profile balancing.
Technique:
Requires careful assessment of mentalis muscle tension, depth of crease, and dental occlusion. Combination therapy with toxin may be beneficial.
Used to widen the chin, feminise or masculinise, and correct asymmetry. Deep lateral compartments provide safe and stable augmentation.
Braz and Eduardo (2020) advocate a lateral cannula approach to the chin as a safer alternative to needle-based midline entry, noting a lower risk of vascular adverse events with this technique.
• The chin is a multilayered structure with distinct deep fat compartments ideal for safe augmentation (Pilsl & Anderhuber, 2010; Suwanchinda et al., 2018).
• The mental artery and mental foramen represent key high-risk zones requiring anatomical precision. Superficial arteries significantly outnumber deep arteries in the chin region (Li et al., 2023).
• Deep periosteal injections provide predictable projection and contouring.
• Superficial injections risk irregularities due to thin soft tissue and muscular movement.
• Combining filler with neuromodulators can optimise outcomes in patients with mentalis hyperactivity.
| Learn Chin Anatomy Through Hands-On Clinical Training Understanding chin anatomy — the fat compartments, the mental foramen, the muscular dynamics — is what separates precise, confident injectors from those relying on guesswork. At Acquisition Aesthetics, vascular anatomy, complication avoidance, and layered injection strategy are built into every level of our training. Whether you’re new to injectables or refining your technique, our courses are designed to give you the anatomical foundation for safe, aesthetic outcomes. ➤ Explore Our Courses and Book Your Place acquisitionaesthetics.co.uk/courses |
Braz A, Eduardo CCP. Reshaping the lower face using injectable fillers. Indian J Plast Surg. 2020;53(2):207–218. PubMed
Li XR, Hong WJ, Li ZH, Luo CE, Jiang XY, Luo SK. Clinical anatomy of the chin evaluated by 3-dimensional tomography and cadaveric dissection: implications for safety and optimal injection techniques in Chinese. Dermatol Surg. 2023;49(3):237–241. PubMed
Pilsl U, Anderhuber F. The chin and adjacent fat compartments. Dermatol Surg. 2010;36(2):214–218. PubMed
Suwanchinda A, Rudolph C, Hladik C, et al. The layered anatomy of the jawline. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018;17(4):625–631. PubMed
