Chin dimpling is sometimes called “golf ball chin” or “orange peel chin”. Chin dimpling is one of those concerns that can seem minor until you start noticing it every time you talk, smile, or catch your reflection. The textured, pebbly appearance can make the lower face look older or more strained than it actually is.
The good news: chin dimpling responds very well to treatment. A few precisely placed injections can smooth the chin and restore a more relaxed, even appearance, often in a single visit.
Textured, dimpled appearance of the chin skin
Peau d’orange chin, golf ball chin, cobblestone chin, orange peel chin, pebbly chin
Hyperactivity of the mentalis muscle
Smoother, more even chin texture and contour
What Is Chin Dimpling?
Chin dimpling refers to a textured, dimpled appearance on the chin that can resemble the surface of an orange, which is why it’s often called “peau d’orange” (French for “orange peel”). The uneven, pebbly texture is caused by repeated contraction of the mentalis muscle, a small paired muscle located in the center of the chin.
The mentalis muscle runs from just below the lower lip to the lowest point of the chin. It’s responsible for elevating the soft tissue of the chin and helping push the lower lip outward. When this muscle contracts excessively (whether from habit, genetics, or aging), it pulls the overlying skin upward, causing it to bunch and creating the characteristic dimpled texture.
Dynamic vs. static dimpling. In milder cases, chin dimpling may only be noticeable during certain facial expressions: talking, eating, smiling, or making a pouting expression. This is considered dynamic dimpling. Over time, as the skin loses elasticity and the muscle continues to contract, the texture can become visible even when the face is completely at rest. At that point, the dimpling has become static and is typically more challenging to treat completely.
How chin dimpling differs from chin wrinkles. Chin dimpling creates an overall textured or pebbly surface, while chin wrinkles tend to be more defined creases or lines. The distinction matters because the treatment approach can differ. Dimpling is primarily a muscle activity issue, while deeper wrinkles may also involve volume loss.
Why Chin Dimpling Develops
The primary cause of chin dimpling is hyperactivity of the mentalis muscle. But several factors can contribute to how severe it becomes and when it first appears.
Overactive mentalis muscle. This is the most common cause. Some people naturally have a more active mentalis muscle, which means the chin area contracts more forcefully and frequently during everyday expressions. Over time, these repeated contractions create the characteristic dimpled texture on the overlying skin.
Aging and loss of skin elasticity. As we age, the skin produces less collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for keeping skin firm and resilient. When the skin loses its ability to bounce back from repeated muscle contractions, dimpling becomes more visible and eventually permanent. Fat loss in the chin area can also make the texture more pronounced.
Genetics. Research suggests chin dimpling can be passed on genetically. If your parents have a pebbly or textured chin, you may be more prone to developing the same pattern, sometimes at a younger age.
Habitual facial expressions. People who frequently purse their lips, clench their jaw, or hold tension in the lower face may develop chin dimpling earlier. The mentalis muscle is part of the complex network of approximately 40 muscles in the lower face that work together to express emotion.
Acne scarring. In some cases, chin dimpling may be related to previous acne scarring rather than muscle activity alone. This is an important distinction because the treatment approach differs. Scarring-related texture may benefit more from skin-quality treatments than from neuromodulators.
How Chin Dimpling Affects Appearance
Chin dimpling may seem like a small concern, but the chin plays an important role in lower-face harmony. When the texture is uneven or pebbly, it can:
Many patients describe noticing their chin dimpling for the first time while talking on video calls or seeing themselves in photos. Once you see it, it’s hard to un-see. But the good news is that it’s one of the most straightforward conditions to treat.
What to Expect During a Consultation
A chin dimpling consultation at Lazaderm is quick, focused, and informative.
Your provider will:
Because the chin is surrounded by muscles that control mouth movement and expression, precision matters. Your provider will explain exactly what to expect.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Chin dimpling treatment is highly effective, but understanding what it can and can’t do helps you feel confident in your decision.
For dynamic dimpling (appears with expression):
For static dimpling (visible at rest):
Important safety note. The chin area requires precise injection technique. The mentalis muscle sits near muscles that control the lower lip and mouth movement. If injections are placed too laterally, too deeply, or in excessive amounts, they can temporarily affect the ability to talk or eat comfortably, or create an asymmetric smile. This is why provider experience matters, and it’s something Lazaderm takes seriously.
If your chin feels a little out of balance with the rest of your face, you’re not alone. Chin augmentation focuses on improving proportion and balance—not changing who you are.
Botox and Dysport are the gold-standard treatment for chin dimpling caused by mentalis muscle hyperactivity.
How they work. Botox and Dysport are neuromodulators. They temporarily block the nerve signals that cause the mentalis muscle to contract. When the muscle is relaxed, the overlying skin smooths out and the dimpled, pebbly texture is significantly reduced. The treatment creates a controlled, targeted relaxation, not a frozen appearance.
Treatment details:
Why precision matters. Because nearby muscles regulate mouth movement, injection accuracy is critical. Injections must be delivered superficially and positioned carefully to avoid the depressor labii inferioris muscle, which pulls down on the lower lip during smiling. An experienced provider understands this anatomy and calibrates placement to smooth the chin while preserving completely natural expression.
Best for:
For patients with especially deep chin dimpling or volume loss in the chin area, dermal fillers may be recommended, either alongside neuromodulators or on their own.
How they work. Fillers add volume beneath the skin to smooth out deeper creases and restore chin contour. By filling the depressions created by repeated muscle contraction, they create a more even surface. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are most commonly used in this area because they integrate naturally with the surrounding tissue.
Products used:
Thicker formulations (such as Juvederm Voluma) are often preferred for the chin because they provide the structural support needed to smooth out the dimpled texture.
Results. Visible immediately; typically last 6 to 12 months depending on the product used.
Best for:
When chin dimpling is accompanied by overall skin texture concerns, these treatments can complement neuromodulators and fillers:
Microneedling. Creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production. This can improve overall skin texture, tighten pores, and make the chin surface smoother and firmer. Particularly helpful when dimpling is partly related to skin quality rather than muscle activity alone.
Chemical peels. Exfoliate the outer layers of skin to reveal smoother, fresher skin beneath. Can improve the surface texture of the chin and support collagen production.
MOXI laser. MOXI delivers fractionated laser energy to improve skin tone, texture, and overall quality with minimal downtime. Can address uneven texture in the chin area as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Your provider will recommend whether any of these supporting treatments would benefit your specific situation.
If chin dimpling is something you’ve been noticing (whether it’s a subtle texture when you talk or a more constant pebbly appearance), a consultation can help you understand what’s causing it and what will work best. At Lazaderm, consultations focus on education, safety, and helping you feel confident in your decisions.
