It is fascinating how subtle differences in facial proportions can have a significant impact on appearance. When we consider the lower face, for example, the “aesthetic ideals” stipulate that the distance from the bottom of the nose to the bottom of the chin should represent around a third of the whole face (from top of head to chin). So, when people appear to have overly short distances (or overly long ones), it can have a subconscious impact on how they might be perceived.

In previous blogs we have demonstrated how reducing the distance from the bottom of the nose to the lips, using a cupid bow lip lift, can subtly balance facial proportions, by giving the illusion of a shorter lower face (see here ›). In contrast, some people may feel their mouth appears generally too big, or they notice early onset neck sagging, but are not sure why. Typically they will notice that it is a family trait.

Often, this can be explained by them having a relatively small chin for their face. This “weak chin” can result in forced mouth closure, which creates dimples in the chin, is often associated with an overbite (where the bottom teeth are significantly behind the top teeth when together), and finally, if there is not much projection of the chin, then there is less support for the neck. This in turn will lead to some early sagging and loss of support for the neck.

Therefore by increasing the projection or strength of the chin, we can improve facial proportions, as well as subtly improve the contour of the neck. This is not a replacement for a neck lift, but can provide a better underlying structure to support ageing skin.

Nowadays, we have lots of options available to us. Whereas in the past, only very invasive operations existed, such as breaking the jaw bone and resetting it, or using an implant; we can now use filler injections to augment the chin. These often require two sessions to gradually build up the volume, but can increase the height as well as the projection of the chin, as you can see from the photos below.

Hyaluronic acid fillers have increasingly developed as being used for facial sculpting in this way, and can be used imaginatively in a variety of ways on the face.

To find out more, please get in touch to see if they would be suitable for you.