what is a cleft chin

A cleft chin is a facial feature that forms an indentation or dimple in the chin and occurs in both men and women. It is usually a genetic trait that develops in the womb, and it is caused by the lower jawbone not completely fusing during fetal development or the skin on the chin not equally connecting and forming a normal round chin shape in the middle because of excessively spaced chin muscles. The visible crease may be larger or smaller based on the degree of muscle separation. Researchers have identified 38 genetic markers that may affect whether or not a person has a cleft chin, and many of these markers are located in or near genes that influence facial bone and skull growth. If other people in a persons family have a cleft chin, they are more likely to have one as well. There are surgical options for both removing and creating a cleft chin, which vary in permanence, invasiveness, and cost.