Surgical Creation of a Chin Dimple

Abstract

Introduction:

The purpose of this case report is to present the methods used to surgically create a chin dimple in a 23-year-old man and to document the results of the surgical technique.

Materials and Methods:

The method used begins in a manner similar to a routine incision and dissection down the symphysis for a genioplasty. Then bur holes are created in the anterior portion of the symphysis at desired level for the chin dimple. The midline is dissected between the 2 mentalis muscles with a scissors to the subcutaneous tissue, and a defect is created by removing a tissue amount approximately 2 times the anticipated width of the desired dimple using sharp instrumentation or an electrocautery cutting unit. The dermis at the desired level for the chin dimple is sutured to the bony symphysis near the previously made bur holes.

Results:

The aesthetic results are stable and pleasing.

Conclusions:

Creation of the surgical chin dimple must take into account all the paired muscle origins and insertions that compose the anatomy of the lower perioral and neck tissue in the midline region at the desired level of the dimple. Anchoring this to the symphyseal prominence creates a resistance to the workings of the muscles and thus creates a more aesthetic and natural chin dimple during facial function.