can fillers cause more sagging under the chin? Ask Dr. Irwin

Can Botox/Dysport under or in the chin cause more sagging under the chin?

Dr. Irwin
May 12, 2016
Hi I just left the doctors office, she put one shot of Botox underneath my chin where a little saggy skin is- no one has ever done that before and I'm afraid once it takes it will make the area sag more- I'm terrifird! I can't find any evidence on line for it other than medical indications for dystopia. Is there any cosmetic benefit to this? Should I be concerned? Please and thank you!

Generally not ………and here’s why.   If she put the Botox IN the chin muscle itself (mentalis muscle), and if it’s placed properly, it should relax those little “orange peel” dimples that many people get in the chin as we age.   If it’s not placed properly IN the chin muscle, it can pull your smile off temporarily.

If it was placed UNDER the chin, then chances are she was trying to place it in the large bands (platysmal bands) that wrap from the neck up over the jawbone.  Relaxing the platysmal bands a little will often make those bands go back up under the jaw where you want them instead of sticking out.

If she placed the Botox just in the skin, nothing will happen either good or bad because Botox isn’t active in skin …..only muscle.   The same thing applies for fat under the chin.   If the Botox/Dysport is placed there, nothing will happen because the only receptors for it are in muscle.

Hope this helps,  Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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