What Is Non-Surgical Chin Augmentation?
Non-surgical chin augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that uses injections of dermal filler, such as a hyaluronic acid (HA) gel, to add volume to the chin and improve the chin profile. It is also called chin filler. It is nonsurgical, and the filler fades over time.
The FDA has approved specific fillers for the chin in adults over age 21. Results from HA filler are immediate, and most people return to everyday activities right after the visit. Because the body slowly absorbs many fillers, repeat treatment may be needed to keep the effect.
Non-Surgical Chin Augmentation at a Glance
| Also called | Chin filler |
|---|---|
| What it treats | A small or recessed chin and the chin profile |
| How it works | Filler gel adds volume under the skin or just above the bone |
| How it's given | Injections during one office visit, usually 15 to 30 minutes |
| How long it lasts | Temporary. In FDA-reviewed studies, many patients still had improvement at about 12 months. |
| Downtime and side effects | Little or none. Swelling, tenderness, bruising and lumps usually fade in 1 to 2 weeks. |
| FDA status | Juvéderm Voluma XC (2020) and Restylane Defyne (2021) are FDA-approved for the chin in adults over 21 |
| Reversible? | HA filler can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase |
How Does Non-Surgical Chin Augmentation Work?
Non-surgical chin augmentation works by placing filler gel under the skin of the chin to add volume and projection. Juvéderm Voluma XC is injected deep, under the skin and/or just above the bone. In its FDA chin study, most patients were treated at the front of the chin, its lower edge and the hollows beside it, with a median total volume of 2.4 mL (range 0.7 to 4.0 mL). In a 2026 systematic review, the filler studies of the chin mainly used HA or calcium hydroxylapatite.
Who Is Non-Surgical Chin Augmentation For?
Non-surgical chin augmentation is for adults over 21 who want a fuller chin or a better-balanced profile without surgery. A recessed chin doesn't stick out far enough and looks out of proportion with the forehead and nose from the side. The Restylane Defyne chin trial enrolled adults with mild to moderate chin retrusion.
Who Shouldn't Have It or Needs Extra Caution
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, age under 22 or a tendency to form keloids (safety unknown)
- Active acne, rash or infection in the area (delay until managed)
- A bleeding disorder, or a history of severe allergies or anaphylaxis
- Allergy to lidocaine or gram-positive bacterial proteins
What to Expect From Non-Surgical Chin Augmentation
Non-surgical chin augmentation is an in-office procedure with a consultation, several injections and little recovery time.
Before
Your provider examines your face, discusses goals and may take photos. Mention your medicines and supplements, because NSAIDs, blood thinners (including aspirin) and some supplements can increase bruising.
During
The skin is cleansed, and a numbing cream may be applied. You may feel stinging or burning as the filler goes in. Your provider may massage the area to even out the filler. In the Voluma chin study, 45.8% of patients had a touch-up.
After
- Wait until the next day to exercise or do strenuous activity.
- Stay out of the sun and avoid tanning beds.
- Avoid touching the area for three days unless told to massage it.
- A cold compress can reduce swelling.
Non-Surgical Chin Augmentation Results
Non-surgical chin augmentation results appear right away, and in FDA-reviewed studies of HA chin fillers, many patients still had improvement about a year later.
- Restylane Defyne: 86.1% of patients had an improved chin profile at 12 weeks, and 73.7% still did at 48 weeks.
- Juvéderm Voluma XC: 56.3% responded at 6 months on blinded photo review (91.8% on in-person review), and 57.6% still responded at 12 months.
Non-Surgical Chin Augmentation Risks and Side Effects
Most non-surgical chin augmentation side effects are mild injection-site reactions that clear within one to two weeks. In the Restylane Defyne chin study, side effects lasted 14 to 27 days in 20.7% of patients and 28 days or more in 8.6%. In the Voluma chin trial, the most common reactions were tenderness (81.1%) and firmness (75.1%).
Less common risks include nodules, infection and allergic reaction. The most serious risk is filler entering a blood vessel. The FDA says this is unlikely, but it can cause tissue death, blindness or stroke. Seek immediate care for unusual pain, vision changes, skin near the injection site that turns white, gray or blue, or any signs of a stroke.
Non-Surgical Chin Augmentation vs. Chin Implant
Non-surgical chin augmentation is a temporary injection treatment, while a chin implant is surgery meant to last.
| Chin filler | Chin implant | |
|---|---|---|
| How it's done | Injections | Surgery through an incision inside the mouth or under the chin. The implant is usually silicone. |
| Anesthesia | Numbing cream and lidocaine in the filler | General anesthesia, or local numbing with sedation |
| Recovery | Most return to daily activities right away | Back to work in 7 to 10 days. Most swelling is gone by 6 weeks. |
| How long it lasts | Temporary. In studies, many patients still had improvement at about 1 year. | Most implants last a lifetime |
| Key risks | Swelling, bruising, lumps. Rarely, a blocked blood vessel. | Infection, implant shifting, nerve injury, bone erosion |
Non-Surgical Chin Augmentation at GENEVA
At GENEVA Primary Care & Med Spa in Alpharetta, GA, a GENEVA provider evaluates your chin, facial profile, medical history and goals. Based on that evaluation, the provider recommends treatment at GENEVA or a referral to a specialist, such as a plastic surgeon. Learn more about dermal fillers at GENEVA. GENEVA serves patients from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell and Cumming.
Related Terms
- Dermal Fillers
- Hyaluronic Acid Filler
- Hyaluronidase
- Facial Contouring
- Cheek Augmentation
- Juvéderm
- Restylane
- Radiesse
- Injection Lipolysis for Fat Reduction | How It Works & Benefits
Non-Surgical Chin Augmentation FAQs
How long does chin filler last?
Chin filler is temporary, and in FDA-reviewed studies of hyaluronic acid chin fillers, many patients still had improvement about a year later. In the Restylane Defyne chin study, 86.1% of patients had an improved chin profile at 12 weeks and 73.7% still did at 48 weeks. In the Juvéderm Voluma XC chin study, 57.6% were still responders at 12 months. Duration depends on the filler material and the area injected. Because the body slowly absorbs filler, repeat treatment may be needed to keep the result.
Is non-surgical chin augmentation safe?
Non-surgical chin augmentation with an FDA-approved filler has a good safety record when a trained medical provider performs it, but it is not risk-free. Swelling, tenderness and bruising usually clear within one to two weeks. The most serious risk is filler entering a blood vessel, which the FDA says is unlikely but can cause tissue death, blindness or stroke. The American Academy of Dermatology warns never to get filler at a salon, party or someone's home. Seek immediate care for unusual pain or vision changes.
Does chin filler hurt?
Chin filler usually causes a slight pinch, sting or burning feeling rather than real pain. The FDA-approved chin fillers Restylane Defyne and Juvéderm Voluma XC both contain lidocaine, a numbing medicine, and Restylane Defyne's patient labeling says it significantly reduces injection pain and discomfort. Tenderness afterward is common: 81.1% of participants reported it in the Voluma chin trial. Tell your provider if you are allergic to lidocaine, because lidocaine-containing fillers should not be used then.
Can chin filler be dissolved?
Yes, hyaluronic acid chin filler can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. Clinicians use it for overfilling, uneven filler or a blocked blood vessel. A 2025 lab and animal study found that some types of HA filler need higher doses and repeat hyaluronidase treatments to break down. Other fillers are harder to reverse: the FDA warns that removing non-HA and permanent fillers may be difficult or impossible. An allergy to bee or wasp stings may raise the risk of hyaluronidase allergy, so mention it.
Is chin filler better than a chin implant?
Neither is clearly better; chin filler and chin implants suit different goals. Filler is temporary with little downtime, while an implant is surgery that usually lasts a lifetime, with a return to work in 7 to 10 days. A 2026 systematic review of 56 studies with 4,844 patients found fillers gave rapid improvement and high short-term satisfaction, while surgery gave more durable results with its own complications. A provider can help you weigh recovery, durability and risk.
Is there downtime after chin filler?
Most people have little or no downtime after chin filler and return to everyday activities when they leave the office. Swelling, tenderness and bruising usually fade within one to two weeks. The American Academy of Dermatology advises waiting until the next day to exercise, avoiding sun and tanning beds, and not touching the area for three days unless told to massage it. Call your provider about swelling, lumps or unevenness that lasts more than a week, or signs of infection such as fever.
Can a primary care provider do non-surgical chin augmentation?
Yes, a primary care and med spa practice can offer non-surgical chin augmentation when a licensed provider trained in filler injection performs it. The FDA advises choosing a provider experienced in dermatology or plastic surgery and asking about their filler training. At GENEVA in Alpharetta, a provider evaluates your chin, medical history and goals, then recommends treatment at GENEVA or a referral to a specialist, such as a plastic surgeon.