The phenomenon of a chin that appears to scrunch, dimple, or pucker is a common concern, especially when speaking or making certain facial expressions. This textural change is often described using terms like “cobblestoning,” “orange peel texture,” or peau d’orange, referring to the dimpled, pitted look of the skin. The appearance results from the underlying dynamics of facial muscles that pull and bunch the skin of the chin. This muscle contraction creates an uneven surface texture that can make the lower face look tense or prematurely aged.
The Role of the Mentalis Muscle
The primary cause of the scrunched chin texture is the action of the Mentalis muscle. This paired muscle is located centrally at the tip of the chin, originating from the lower jawbone (mandible). Its fibers extend downward to insert directly into the soft tissue and skin of the chin.
When the Mentalis muscle contracts, it elevates and wrinkles the skin while simultaneously pushing the lower lip outward. This mechanical action bunches the overlying skin into the characteristic dimpled texture. The muscle is also responsible for the “pouting” expression. Because it directly inserts into the dermis, any overactivity immediately translates into the visible scrunching of the chin pad.
Scrunched Chin Appearance and Common Triggers
The Mentalis muscle can become hyperactive for a variety of reasons, ranging from simple habit to underlying structural issues. Habitual emotional expressions, such as pouting, concentrating, or stress, involve the repeated contraction of this muscle. This repetitive use can lead to chronic overdevelopment, causing the muscle to maintain a higher resting tone and resulting in visible texture even when the face is relaxed.
A more complex trigger is structural compensation, particularly in individuals with a naturally smaller or recessed lower jaw (mandibular recession). When the bony chin does not project forward sufficiently, the Mentalis muscle may contract subconsciously. This contraction helps achieve full lip closure or provides more projection to the lower lip. This constant strain to compensate for a lack of bone support leads to persistent over-activation and prominent scrunching.
Aging also contributes to the appearance because of changes in the surrounding soft tissues. As the face loses collagen, elastin, and underlying volume, the skin becomes thinner and less supported. This volume loss makes the forceful action of the Mentalis muscle more pronounced. Consequently, the dimpling and wrinkling appear deeper and more noticeable over time.
Addressing a Hyperactive Chin Muscle
Neurotoxin Injections
The most common and direct approach to treating a hyperactive Mentalis muscle involves the use of neurotoxins, such as botulinum toxin type A. These substances temporarily block the nerve signals that cause the muscle to contract, effectively relaxing the muscle fibers. When injected precisely, this relaxation reduces the muscle’s ability to bunch the overlying skin. This smooths the chin’s surface, eliminating the cobblestone texture and often allowing the chin pad to descend slightly for a more elongated profile. Results typically develop within one to two weeks and last for several months. Treatment doses are usually small (four to twelve units) and must be administered carefully to avoid affecting surrounding muscles responsible for lower lip movement.
Dermal Fillers
Another effective management strategy involves the use of dermal fillers, particularly when the scrunching is linked to a lack of underlying volume or a recessed chin structure. Hyaluronic acid fillers can be injected deep near the bone to augment the bony chin projection. By providing this structural support, the fillers reduce the need for the Mentalis muscle to contract forcefully to achieve lip competence or projection. This mechanism, sometimes referred to as myomodulation, decreases the muscle’s chronic strain and indirectly helps to smooth the chin area.