A cleft chin is a dimple or vertical groove in the centre of the chin. It is inherited and forms when the two halves of the lower jaw or the chin muscle do not fully fuse before birth. It is a normal, harmless feature. Options to change it are limited: dermal filler can soften a shallow cleft, while surgery is rarely performed and carries risks.
What causes a cleft chin?
During development in the womb, the lower jaw forms from two halves that join in the middle. If the bone, or the paired chin muscle (mentalis) that sits over it, does not fuse completely, a small groove or dimple remains. The tendency runs in families and is inherited, although the genetics are complex and it does not follow a simple pattern. A cleft chin can range from a faint dimple to a pronounced ‘Y’ shaped groove.
Is a cleft chin normal?
Yes. A cleft chin is a common and entirely normal variation. It does not affect speech, eating or health, and is not a sign of any medical problem. Many people consider it a distinctive and attractive feature. It can become more or less noticeable with weight changes and ageing, as fat and skin thickness in the chin change.
Cleft chin vs chin dimpling
A true cleft chin is a fixed groove present at rest. This is different from ‘orange peel’ or ‘cobblestone’ dimpling of the chin, which is caused by an overactive mentalis muscle and appears when you tense the chin, for example when speaking or pursing the lips. Muscle-related dimpling can be softened with anti-wrinkle injections given by a qualified prescriber, whereas a structural cleft usually cannot.
Can dermal filler soften a cleft chin?
For shallow clefts, a small amount of hyaluronic acid dermal filler placed carefully within the groove can make it less obvious. Results are temporary, typically lasting several months, and the effect is softening rather than complete removal. Deep clefts often respond less well, and overfilling can create an unnatural, lumpy appearance. Risks include bruising, swelling, lumps and, rarely, blockage of a blood vessel, which is why filler should only be performed by an appropriately trained medical practitioner.
Surgical options
Surgery to reduce a cleft chin is uncommon. It may involve releasing or repositioning the chin muscle, placing a small graft of fat or tissue into the groove, or, as part of wider chin surgery, placing an implant. These procedures can leave the chin looking unnatural, and results are unpredictable. For most people the risks outweigh the benefits, and surgery for a cleft chin is not routinely offered. Where the overall concern is chin projection or balance, this is best discussed as part of a wider facial profile assessment.
Creating a cleft chin
Some people ask for a cleft or dimple to be created. This is possible in principle but is rarely performed because results can look artificial and are difficult to reverse. An honest discussion about expectations and alternatives is important.
Cleft chin and ageing
As the face ages, fat under the skin of the chin thins and the chin can lose some projection. In some people this makes a cleft appear deeper; in others it becomes less obvious as the chin softens. Weight gain can partly fill a shallow cleft, while weight loss may make it more visible. These changes are gradual and vary between individuals. Where the whole lower face has changed with age, treating overall volume loss or skin laxity may be more helpful than focusing on the cleft itself.
Next steps
If a cleft chin bothers you, a consultation can help you understand whether filler is likely to help and what realistic improvement looks like. Filler treatment is quoted at consultation, and the £150 consultation fee is separate. Aesthetic treatments are only provided to adults aged 18 and over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cleft chin genetic?
Yes. It is an inherited feature that tends to run in families, though it can skip generations.
Can I get rid of my cleft chin?
A shallow cleft can often be softened with dermal filler. Complete removal is difficult, and surgery is rarely recommended.
How long does filler last in the chin?
Typically several months, depending on the product used and the individual. Top-up treatments are needed to maintain the effect.
Does a cleft chin get deeper with age?
It can appear more noticeable as skin and fat thin over time, though this varies between individuals.
Can anti-wrinkle injections treat a cleft chin?
They can soften dimpling caused by an overactive chin muscle, but do not fill a structural cleft.
