Can Botox help with dark shadows around my lips and chin?

Maybe you've noticed what looks like shadows around the mouth or chin. Maybe you've noticed small dimpling or a crease in the chin when you smile.  Many women think chin shadows are a discoloration of the skin. But, almost always, these shadows around the chin and the lips are related to a loss of volume. Botox by itself won't reduce the shadows but when combined with a dermal filler will often give you the results you're looking for.

These shadows around your chin and lips are due to volume loss in the prejowl area and the chin. This can cause depressions in the skin along the jawline and around the lips and nose. These shadows appear to be there all the time which is why many of us think it is a skin pigmentation issue. You probably have tried hiding them with makeup without success.

These chin shadows are very common and we treat them with dermal filler, and sometimes place Botox in the area as well. Botox relaxes the muscles to help smooth out the dimpling. Using a procedure called subcision we break the small tethers that bind the skin to the underlying tissues. This releases the skin allowing it to 'pop up'. Threads of dermal filler are then placed to fill in the spaces and correct the shadow. 

Botox helps reduce overactive muscle pull. But, dermal filler creates that smoother, more youthful appearance. You'll be amazed at the results.

• Anne Mailhot, PA-C

  Anne's aesthetic training includes several intensive trainings from nationally ranked aesthetic providers including Facial Balancing Expert, Dr. Thuy Doan, and a 6 month mentorship with Aere Aesthetics and Neekan Rivera, PA-C. Anne delivers expert treatments for Botox, fillers, and restorative oncology services.