A cleft chin, also called a booty chin, is not a dangerous health condition. Some people with a cleft chin seek solutions for removing the crease in their chin for aesthetic purposes.
Understanding Cleft Chin
Everyone has a chin, and each chin is different. Some chins have a dimple or crease, called cleft chin. It may be prominent or barely noticeable, and it appears in men and women equally. It may be referred to as the “butt chin” or "booty chin" if the crease is significant.
The cleft chin is a genetic trait that develops in the womb. Your lower jawbone may have two small, rounded ends that stick out. However, this doesn’t cause a booty chin, and even people without a chin dimple can have the same bumps.
Instead, it is the muscles in your chin contributing to a cleft appearance. If the muscles have a separation, it creates a groove in your skin. The visible crease may be larger or smaller based on the degree of muscle separation.
Causes of Cleft Chin
Cleft chins are considered an autosomal genetic trait. This means it is passed down through generations through your DNA. The sequencing for a cleft chin appears in only one copy of a gene.
Having one parent pass down this genetic mutation gives you a 50% chance of developing a cleft chin. Men and women have an equal chance of passing down the trait. Sons and daughters are equally likely to develop this. If both parents pass down the genetic mutation, your chances of developing the trait increase.
Procedures for a Booty Chin
If the appearance of your cleft chin bothers you, there are cosmetic options to improve or alter the appearance. These procedures vary in:
- How permanent the results are
- The invasiveness of the procedure
- Length of your healing time
- How much the procedure costs
Botox. This type of injection is less invasive, but it also doesn’t last as long as other options. Botox works to paralyze your muscles, relaxing them into a position that makes a cleft less noticeable. Results last for around three months, but Botox is often combined with fillers for more prominent, longer-lasting results.
Dermal fillers. This is one of the least invasive options. A cosmetic surgeon injects synthetic fillers into the soft tissue under your skin. Your doctor decides how deep the injection needs to go based on the severity of your cleft. The procedure takes only a few minutes and can be reversible if you have any negative side effects. You can expect results to last six to twelve months or longer.
Fat grafting. If you want a filler with more permanence, fat grafting is an option. Your doctor uses liposuction to remove a tiny amount of fat from your stomach to inject into your chin. Keep in mind that although it has a high rate of success, this procedure may increase your overall chin size.
Genioplasty. This is a chin surgery that is the most invasive option for addressing your booty chin. Depending on the severity of your condition and your desired results, your doctor may modify your jaw bone and adjust your chin muscles. Your doctor may also insert a chin implant for more pronounced results.
The results of a genioplasty for cleft chin are permanent. However, it is the most expensive option and has a longer healing time, too. Keep in mind that a very prominent cleft chin may be difficult to change completely while maintaining a natural appearance.
What to Expect
The results of any option may be obscured by swelling immediately following the procedure. Your bone structure and your body’s reaction to the methods may affect your results. If you don’t get the results you expected following an initial procedure, a second one may be necessary. Follow-ups are common, especially when you use fillers.
Even if you feel okay staying active, take time to rest following any procedure. Follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully when you go home. Pay attention to signs of an allergic reaction or complication, which may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Changes in your heartbeat
- Redness or swelling that increases and doesn’t improve
Call 911 for any chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling in the mouth or throat, or if you have an abnormal heartbeat after your injection or procedure.
Before pursuing any option, do your research and talk to a professional. Ensure that your cosmetic surgeon is board-certified with experience with chin surgery. Consider consulting with several different surgeons to find the best fit for you. After all, it’s important that you feel comfortable with the person helping you address a very visible part of your body.
