Table of contents

• What is Chin Dimpling?
  • Common Pseudonyms
  • Underlying Causes
• Medical Procedures for Chin Dimpling
  • Chin Botox (Botulinum Toxin Injections)
  • Chin Surgery (Genioplasty & Chin Implants)
• Getting Chin Procedures in South Korea: A Step-by-Step Guide
  • Best Clinics in Korea for Chin Dimpling
  • Chin Botox in South Korea
  • Chin Surgery in South Korea
• Costs and Medical Tourism: South Korea vs. The World
  • Cost of Chin Botox in South Korea
  • Cost of Chin Surgery in South Korea
  • Comparative Costs for Medical Tourists
• Patient Journeys: Before & After Chin Dimpling Treatment
  • Outcomes of Chin Botox for Dimpling
  • Outcomes of Chin Surgery for Dimpling and Related Concerns
• Conclusion
  • References

Considering treatment in Korea? Everything you need to know e.g. — how to avoid scams, visas, interpreters, recovery tips — in our Medical Tourism Master Guide. Plan with confidence in minutes, not weeks!

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Chin dimpling, often described as "orange peel" or "cobblestone" skin, is a common cosmetic concern for many people. While it’s a natural feature for some, others may seek ways to smooth out their chin’s texture. This guide is designed to help you understand chin dimpling, explore treatment options, learn about procedures in South Korea, consider costs, and hear from real patients about their experiences.

What is Chin Dimpling?

Chin dimpling refers to an uneven, bumpy, or pitted texture on the chin, often compared to the surface of an orange peel. It can show up as horizontal creases or a “balling up” of the chin when you move your facial muscles. Sometimes, these indentations are visible even when your face is at rest.

Common Pseudonyms

You might hear chin dimpling called by several names, including:

• Cobblestone Chin
• Orange Peel Chin
• Golf Ball Chin
• Peach Pit Chin
• Peau d’Orange (French for “orange peel skin”)

While “peau d’orange” is often used to describe chin dimpling, it can also signal serious medical conditions when seen elsewhere on the body, such as inflammatory breast cancer or lymphedema. If you notice this texture on other areas, it’s important to seek medical advice.

Underlying Causes

Understanding what causes chin dimpling is key to finding the right treatment. Several factors can play a role:

• Overactive Mentalis Muscle: The main cause is usually an overactive mentalis muscle, which sits in the chin and controls movements like closing your mouth or puckering your lips. When this muscle is too active, it pulls the skin inward, creating dimples.
• Genetics and Structural Factors:
  • Cleft Chin: A genetic trait where a gap in the chin muscle creates a central dimple.
  • Recessed Chin (Retrogenia): A chin that sits back from the face can force the mentalis muscle to work harder, making dimpling more noticeable.
  • Overbite: This can make the chin less prominent and contribute to dimpling.
• Age-Related Changes: As we age, bone resorption, fat loss, and decreased skin elasticity can all make chin dimpling worse. The mentalis muscle may also change, either weakening or becoming more active.
• Synkinesis: Sometimes, nerve miswiring after trauma or surgery causes involuntary chin movements, leading to dimpling.

Table 1: Common Pseudonyms and Causes of Chin Dimpling

Aspect	Description
Common Pseudonyms	Cobblestone Chin, Orange Peel Chin, Golf Ball Chin, Peach Pit Chin, Peau d’Orange
Primary Cause	Overactivity of the Mentalis Muscle
Contributing Factors	Genetics (e.g., cleft chin), Structural Issues (e.g., recessed chin, overbite), Age-Related Changes (bone/fat loss, muscle hypertrophy), Synkinesis (nerve damage)

Medical Procedures for Chin Dimpling

Treating chin dimpling can involve non-surgical injections or surgical procedures, depending on the cause and your goals.

Chin Botox (Botulinum Toxin Injections)

Chin Botox is a popular, non-surgical way to treat chin dimpling caused by an overactive mentalis muscle.

• How It Works: Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) temporarily relaxes the mentalis muscle by blocking nerve signals, smoothing out the skin.
• Target Areas: The injections are placed precisely in the mentalis muscle. Careful placement is important to avoid affecting nearby muscles, which could cause issues like lip drooping.
• Expected Results: You can expect smoother skin, reduced “orange peel” texture, softer creases above the chin, and improved facial symmetry. Results start to show in 1–3 days, with full effects in 1–2 weeks.
• Side Effects and Contraindications: Most people experience mild swelling or bruising. Rarely, more serious symptoms like muscle weakness or allergic reactions can occur. Botox isn’t recommended for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain neuromuscular conditions.
• How Long It Lasts: Results typically last 3–4 months, sometimes up to 6 months. Repeat treatments are needed to maintain the effect.

While dermal fillers can add volume to the chin, Botox is usually the best choice for muscle-induced dimpling. A proper diagnosis is essential to choose the right treatment.

Chin Surgery (Genioplasty & Chin Implants)

Chin surgery, also called mentoplasty or genioplasty, is a surgical option for reshaping the chin and improving facial balance. It’s often used for structural issues like a recessed or asymmetrical chin, which can worsen dimpling.

• Chin Implants:
  • Procedure: Performed under anesthesia, a small incision is made (often inside the mouth in Korea), and a silicone or Medpor implant is placed over the chin bone.
  • Pros: Quick procedure, minimal downtime, and permanent results.
  • Cons: Limited ability to adjust width or height, rare risk of shifting or infection, and some may not like having a permanent implant.
• Sliding Genioplasty:
  • Procedure: Under general anesthesia, the chin bone is cut and repositioned, then secured with titanium plates and screws.
  • Pros: Allows for more comprehensive changes to chin shape, uses your own bone, and results are permanent.
  • Cons: Longer recovery, more swelling and discomfort, and a slightly higher risk of complications.

Surgical procedures are usually part of a broader facial contouring plan, especially if a recessed chin is making dimpling worse.

Table 2: Chin Botox vs. Chin Surgery: A Quick Comparison

Aspect	Chin Botox (Botulinum Toxin Injections)	Chin Surgery (Implants/Genioplasty)
Procedure Type	Non-surgical injection	Surgical bone repositioning or implant
Primary Target	Overactive mentalis muscle	Bone structure and chin shape
Invasiveness	Minimally invasive	Invasive
Downtime	Minimal (hours to 1 day)	Weeks (1–6 weeks)
Longevity	Temporary (3–6 months)	Permanent or long-lasting
Adjustability	Limited to muscle relaxation	Full control over width, height, projection
Foreign Material	Botulinum toxin (protein)	Silicone/Medpor implants or titanium plates
Cost	Lower	Higher

Table 3: Chin Implant vs. Sliding Genioplasty: Detailed Comparison

Aspect	Chin Implant	Sliding Genioplasty
Procedure Type	Implant placement	Bone repositioning
Materials Used	Silicone or Medpor implant	Titanium plates and screws
Recovery Time	1–2 weeks	4–6 weeks
Ability to Adjust Width/Height	Limited (mainly projection)	Full control
Foreign Material	Yes (implant)	Yes (plates/screws)
Cost	Lower (standard implants)	Higher (complexity, time)
Scarring	Minimal, often hidden	None (intraoral incision)
Risk of Shifting	Low but possible	None (bone is fixed)
Durability	Permanent, may change over time	Permanent (bone fuses)

Getting Chin Procedures in South Korea: A Step-by-Step Guide

South Korea is a top destination for cosmetic procedures, thanks to advanced technology, skilled surgeons, and competitive prices. Here’s what to expect if you’re considering chin treatments there.

Best Clinics in Korea for Chin Dimpling

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for chin dimpling:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
Hev Clinic Website	Dermatologist-led clinic focused on natural-looking facial refinement; board-certified dermatologists active in domestic and international academic societies; same attending dermatologist manages the process from consultation through completion, ensuring responsible technique and cohesive aesthetic results; safe, personalized care grounded in precise skin analysis and thorough consultation; treatment planning supported by injectables (Botox and hyaluronic acid fillers), Sculptra, PRP, skin boosters, stem cell therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.	Botox; hyaluronic acid fillers; Sculptra; PRP; skin boosters; stem cell therapy; hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Episode Clinic Website	Seoul-based aesthetic dermatology clinic dedicated to non-surgical facial refinement with a toolkit for precise lower-face contouring and natural-looking detail work; comprehensive non-surgical technologies under one roof for injectables, energy-based lifting, and skin resurfacing; customized, staged approach to chin refinement rather than a one-size-fits-all fix.	Botulinum Toxin (Botox); hyaluronic acid dermal fillers; Ultherapy (HIFU); thread lifting; microneedling; PRP; laser-based rejuvenation
Muse Clinic - Gimhae Website	Muse Clinic – Gimhae provides personalized aesthetic care to enhance facial harmony, including concerns that may accompany chin dimpling; offers advanced face-lifting options such as Shurink Universe ultrasound lifting and Inmode lifting; jaw Botox to refine the jawline, lip filler and lip corner Botox to add volume and subtly lift the mouth corners; PicoSure laser for tone and collagen support, and Aquapeel for deep pore cleansing and hydration.	Shurink Universe ultrasound lifting; Inmode lifting; jaw Botox; lip filler; lip corner Botox; PicoSure laser; Aquapeel

Hev Clinic

Hev Dermatology Clinic in Sinsa stands out as an excellent choice for chin dimpling treatment in Korea because it is a dermatologist-led clinic focused on natural-looking facial refinement backed by advanced regenerative and lifting expertise. With board-certified dermatologists who actively participate in domestic and international academic societies, Hev emphasizes safe, personalized care grounded in precise skin analysis and thorough consultation—an especially important approach when designing a subtle, balanced chin dimple that suits your facial proportions. Treatment planning can be supported by a wide range of proven modalities, including injectables such as Botox and hyaluronic acid fillers for contour refinement, collagen-stimulating options like Sculptra, and regenerative programs like PRP, skin boosters, stem cell therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy to help promote healthy skin quality. Most importantly, Hev maintains consistency and trust by having the same attending dermatologist manage the process from consultation through completion, ensuring responsible technique, careful dosing and placement, and a cohesive aesthetic result.

You can check out their website here: Hev Clinic Website

Episode Clinic

Episode Clinic Jamsil stands out as the best choice for chin dimpling in Korea because it is a Seoul-based aesthetic dermatology clinic dedicated to non-surgical facial refinement, with a strong toolkit for precise contour changes and natural-looking detail work in the lower face. Chin dimpling concerns often involve subtle balance between skin texture, soft-tissue volume, and muscle movement, and Episode Clinic’s injectable expertise—especially Botulinum Toxin (Botox) for targeted muscle relaxation and hyaluronic acid dermal fillers for immediate, adjustable contour refinement—allows clinicians to tailor results conservatively and accurately. When chin dimpling is influenced by surrounding laxity or jawline definition, the clinic’s lifting and contouring options such as Ultherapy (HIFU) and thread lifting can support a cleaner lower-face silhouette, while skin-quality treatments including microneedling, PRP, and laser-based rejuvenation help improve overall texture so the area looks smoother and more even. With comprehensive, non-surgical technologies under one roof—from injectables to energy-based lifting and skin resurfacing—Episode Clinic Jamsil is well-positioned to create a refined chin appearance with a customized, staged approach rather than a one-size-fits-all fix.

Find more about this clinic here: Episode Clinic Website

Muse Clinic - Gimhae

Muse Clinic – Gimhae clinic provides personalized aesthetic care for patients who want to enhance their facial harmony and overall appearance, including concerns that may accompany chin dimpling. The clinic offers advanced face-lifting options such as Shurink Universe ultrasound lifting, which targets deeper skin layers to stimulate collagen and improve elasticity, and Inmode lifting, a radio-frequency treatment known for firming, tightening, and facial contouring.

For balanced facial proportions, Muse Clinic also provides jaw Botox to refine the jawline, as well as lip filler and lip corner Botox to add volume and subtly lift the mouth corners for a brighter expression. To support a smooth, refreshed complexion, the clinic offers PicoSure laser for clearer, more even tone and collagen support, and Aquapeel for deep pore cleansing and hydration. Patients can visit Muse Clinic in Gimhae for consultations tailored to individual goals and treatment plans.

Find more about this clinic here: Muse Clinic - Gimhae Website

Chin Botox in South Korea

• Consultation: Meet with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to assess your chin and discuss your goals.
• Preparation: The area is cleaned and marked. Numbing cream or ice may be used.
• Injection: Botox is injected into the mentalis muscle. The process takes 5–15 minutes.
• Aftercare: Avoid rubbing the area for 12–24 hours, keep your head elevated, and avoid strenuous activity for a day. Minor swelling or redness is common but fades quickly.
• Results: Improvements start in 3–7 days, with full results in 10–14 days. Effects last 3–6 months.

Table 4: Step-by-Step: Getting Chin Botox in South Korea

Step	Description	Key Considerations/Tips
1. Consultation	Assessment by dermatologist or surgeon, discuss goals, review history	Tailors the treatment plan
2. Preparation	Area cleaned and marked, numbing cream optional	Discomfort is mild
3. Injection	Botox injected into mentalis muscle	4–20 units, varies by individual
4. Aftercare	Avoid rubbing, keep head elevated, avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours	Minimal downtime
5. Results	Effects in 3–7 days, full results in 10–14 days	Temporary, maintenance needed

Chin Surgery in South Korea

• Consultation and 3D Imaging: Meet with a plastic surgeon, discuss your goals, and use 3D imaging to plan your surgery.
• Pre-op Evaluations: Blood tests and imaging ensure you’re a good candidate.
• Surgery: Performed under anesthesia, with incisions inside the mouth or under the chin. Implants are placed or the chin bone is repositioned.
• Recovery: Expect swelling and bruising for 1–2 weeks. Follow care instructions, eat soft foods, and avoid strenuous activity for 2–4 weeks. Most return to work in 1–2 weeks (implants) or 7–10 days (genioplasty).
• Stay in Korea: Plan to stay 10–14 days after surgery for follow-up care.

Table 5: Step-by-Step: Getting Chin Surgery in South Korea

Step	Description	Key Considerations/Tips
1. Consultation & Planning	Meet surgeon, use 3D imaging, plan surgery	Personalized plan, visualize results
2. Pre-op Evaluations	Blood tests, imaging	Ensures safety
3. Surgery	Anesthesia, incision, implant or bone repositioning	Intraoral incision common in Korea
4. Aftercare	Swelling, bruising, incision care, antibiotics	Head elevation helps swelling
5. Recovery	Soft foods, avoid strenuous activity, return to work in 1–2 weeks	Follow instructions for best healing
6. Stay in Korea	10–14 days for follow-up and suture removal	Ensures smooth recovery

Costs and Medical Tourism: South Korea vs. The World

South Korea is known for affordable, high-quality cosmetic procedures.

Cost of Chin Botox in South Korea

• Price Range: ₩100,000–₩750,000 KRW ($69–$517 USD)
• What’s Included: Many clinics offer packages that may include multiple treatment areas, transportation, accommodation, and translation services.
• Factors Affecting Cost: Clinic type, Botox brand, and clinic location can all influence the price.

Cost of Chin Surgery in South Korea

• Genioplasty: ₩4,000,000–₩6,800,000 KRW ($3,000–$5,000 USD), sometimes up to $9,000 for jaw shaping.
• Chin Implant: Starts at ₩4,400,000 KRW ($3,100 USD), with most procedures ranging from ₩7,200,000–₩7,900,000 KRW ($4,960–$5,440 USD).
• What’s Included: Consultations, post-op care, medications, anesthesia, surgeon’s fee, and sometimes overnight clinic stays.
• Factors Affecting Cost: Procedure complexity, surgeon’s reputation, clinic location, and implant material.

Comparative Costs for Medical Tourists

• Affordability: South Korea offers significant savings compared to Western countries.
• Advanced Technology: Clinics use cutting-edge tools like 3D imaging.
• Skilled Surgeons: Many are board-certified and experienced with international patients.
• Comprehensive Care: Translation services and medical tourism agencies help with logistics and cost savings.
• Travel Costs: Flights from North America or Europe typically range from $600–$1,200.

Table 6: Comparative Costs of Chin Botox by Country (USD)

Country	Price Range (USD)
South Korea	$69 – $517
United States	$200 – $1,200

Table 7: Comparative Costs of Chin Surgery (Implants/Genioplasty) by Country (USD)

Country	Procedure Type	Price Range (USD)
South Korea	Genioplasty	$3,000 – $9,000
	Chin Implant	$3,100 – $5,440
United States	Chin Implant	$2,500 – $10,000
	Genioplasty	$10,000
Mexico	Chin Implant	$900 – $3,600
Turkey	Chin Implant	$2,000 – $10,299
	Genioplasty	$2,000 – $3,000
Thailand	Chin Implant	$1,400 – $2,000
UK	Chin Implant	$4,100 – $6,800
	Genioplasty	$6,000 – $7,500
Australia	Chin Implant	$2,800 – $5,600
	Genioplasty	$3,440 – $10,320

Patient Journeys: Before & After Chin Dimpling Treatment

Hearing from real patients can help you understand what to expect.

Outcomes of Chin Botox for Dimpling

Most patients who try Chin Botox notice a smoother chin and a big reduction in the “orange peel” effect. The treatment is quick, safe, and has little downtime. Results last 3–6 months, and some people find that relaxing their chin muscles can help results last longer.

Outcomes of Chin Surgery for Dimpling and Related Concerns

Chin surgery offers a more dramatic and lasting change, especially for those with structural issues. Patients often report a more balanced facial profile and a boost in self-confidence. Results are permanent (implants) or long-lasting (genioplasty), and satisfaction rates are high.

Conclusion

Chin dimpling can have several causes, from muscle activity to genetics and aging. Chin Botox is a quick, effective way to smooth muscle-induced dimpling, while chin surgery addresses structural concerns for lasting results. South Korea stands out for its advanced care, skilled surgeons, and affordability, making it a top choice for medical tourists. Ultimately, consulting with a qualified professional is the best way to choose the right treatment and achieve your desired outcome.

References

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