Is a Cleft Chin, or Chin Dimple, Masculine or Feminine?

Publication date: 4/2/2024

One item that commonly arises during a facial feminization consultation revolves around what to do with a cleft chin. Some people find a cleft chin to be extremely masculine and would like it completely effaced. Other people find their chin dimple to be endearing. The individuals that enjoy their cleft chin either appreciate the resemblance to other family members or find it charming. There is another subset of individuals who are indifferent to their cleft chin and would simply like to to explore all procedures that may provide additional feminine characteristics.

There are plenty of examples of well-known people with cleft chins or chin dimples. The knowledge of individuals with a cleft chin or dimple often guides a patient’s decision whether or not to remove their chin dimple. Some famous men with cleft chins include John Travolta, Ben Affleck, and Russel Crowe. Famous women with cleft chins include Demi Lovato, Sandra Bullock, Christina Hendricks, and Jessica Simpson.

As of the writing of this article, there have been few studies objectively looking at the prevalence of chin clefts or dimples in relation to gender. There is one study from 1972 that reviews available data.¹ This publication evaluates only a few distinct populations within India and notes a higher incidence among males in 2 groups and in females in 1 group. With such a small sample population in a limited geographical location, more studies are needed to determine actual differences in prevalence between gender. It is not relevant to expand the findings from this study to the world population.

While there are studies looking at attractiveness of jaw and chin shapes and sizes, there are currently no known studies that evaluate the attractiveness of a chin dimple or cleft chin in men or women.^{2, 3} As with overall incidence of chin dimples, attractiveness of chin dimples also requires further study.

The anatomy of a cleft chin has not been precisely defined. It has been noted to be due to either the shape of the underlying bone or the soft tissue of the chin. Some patients have an indentation of the bone of the chin, which can result in the overlying dimpled appearance. However, there are also patients with a smooth chin bone who have dimpling of the surface of the skin. In these scenarios, the cleft chin is likely due to the anatomy of the soft tissues of the chin.

There are multiple methods that have been described for elimination of a cleft chin or chin dimple. These often involve addition of volume at the chin whether with fat or bone grafts.⁴ These procedures are frequently done in combination with a bony reduction of the chin and jaw to feminize the lower face.

Some surgeons have even developed techniques for creation of chin dimples or a cleft chin.^{5, 6} Although possible, this is much less frequently requested during facial feminization consultations.

Chin dimples, also known as cleft chins, are often seen as masculine features, but this may not be objectively true. There is poor data to suggest chin dimples are inherently masculine or feminine features. In contrast, they occur in people of all genders. Furthermore, the perception of a chin dimple as masculine or feminine is subjective and can vary based on cultural and personal preferences. Some may associate chin dimples with masculinity, while others may perceive them as feminine or simply as a unique trait without gender connotations. Ultimately, the perception of chin dimples as masculine or feminine seems to more likely be a social construct rather than a biological determination. Nevertheless, removal of chin dimples can help individuals to feel more feminine based on their life experiences.

1. Bhanu BV, Malhotra KC (1972) A population genetic study of cleft chin in India. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 37 (3):367-372. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.1330370306 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5082930/
2. Cunningham MR, Barbee AP, Pike CL (1990) What do women want? Facialmetric assessment of multiple motives in the perception of male facial physical attractiveness. J Pers Soc Psychol 59 (1):61-72. doi:10.1037//0022-3514.59.1.61 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2213490/
3. Little AC, Jones BC, DeBruine LM (2011) Facial attractiveness: evolutionary based research. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 366 (1571):1638-1659. doi:10.1098/rstb.2010.0404 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21536551/
4. Khetpal S, Baker NF, Hu V, Dejam D, Patel H, Morgan KBJ, Wolfe EM, Justine Lee (2023) Feminizing Genioplasty: A Review of Operative Techniques and Clinical Outcomes. FACE 4 (2):207-217. doi:10.1177/27325016231164152 https://doi.org/10.1177/27325016231164152
5. Cinelli JA (1972) Making a cleft in the chin. Plast Reconstr Surg 50 (1):91-92. doi:10.1097/00006534-197207000-00023 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5032333/
6. 1. Aronsohn RB (1990) How I Do it Creation of Chin Cleft. The American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery 7 (2):107-109. doi:10.1177/074880689000700210 https://doi.org/10.1177/074880689000700210