What Is Jawline Contouring?
Jawline contouring is a broad term used to describe any process or procedure that focuses on adding definition, symmetry, or strength to the jawline. Sometimes it involves surgical processes like chin lipo, but it also includes non-surgical procedures like dermal fillers. Jawline contouring may be for you if you desire a sharper jawline, wish to reduce jowling, or want to achieve better balance in the lower portion of your face.
What Can Jawline Contouring Improve?
While certainly not a panacea, jawline contouring can improve or correct many different complaints that you may have about your lower face. These procedures can improve:
- Weak jawline definition
- Jowls and lower face sagging
- Asymmetry between the jaw and chin
- Softness or fullness along the jawline (i.e., the appearance of a double chin)
- Overall facial balance
- Signs of aging, making features appear sharper and more youthful
Jawline Contouring Options
As mentioned above, jawline contouring is a broad term that encompasses many different procedures. These procedures can be used alone or in combination with each other to enhance your jawline and give you the shape and contour you want. A free virtual consultation with our team can help you determine which treatments will work best for you.
Chin Liposuction
A popular option, chin lipo creates a cleaner jawline contour by removing excess fat in the chin and along the jawline. It can also eliminate the dreaded double chin phenomenon. Although a surgical procedure, chin lipo is a minimally invasive option with a short recovery time.
Dermal Fillers for Jawline Enhancement
If you don’t like the idea of surgery, dermal fillers may be an option for you. Dermal filler injections temporarily add volume and definition to your jawline and other areas of the face, if desired. Fillers are often used to sharpen the angles of the jaw or to enhance symmetry if the jaw contour is uneven. There are several types of dermal filler available, but at Mia Aesthetics we use Juvéderm brand hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers exclusively.
Chin Augmentation (Fat Transfer or Implants)
If a weak chin bothers you and contributes to a poor jawline contour, a chin augmentation can help. Implants can make big changes, creating dramatic results. Fat transfer augmentation is also possible in the chin. This procedure harvests your excess body fat through liposuction and then injects it into your chin to add volume and create a more desirable shape. Fat transfer chin augmentation creates more subtle results but is all natural since it uses your own body fat.
Neck Liposuction or Neck Lift (for Eligible Patients)
For some patients, the best way to better define and shape the jawline is through neck liposuction. Removing excess fat in the neck keeps it from encroaching on and sometimes seemingly swallowing the jawline. Neck lipo reduces heaviness below the jawline and is especially helpful when combined with chin contouring procedures.
Buccal Fat Removal
In each of your cheeks lies a fat pad known as your buccal fat. Removing these pads of fat slims your face, getting rid of chubby cheeks while helping to slim and contour your jawline. Buccal fat removal is unique in that plastic surgeons make the incisions for this procedure on the inside of your cheek, leaving no visible scarring.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Jawline Contouring?
As is true for all cosmetic procedures and surgeries, jawline contouring isn’t necessarily right for everyone. Some patients make great candidates while others may not. Good candidates for jawline contouring include:
- Men and women seeking sharper lower face definition
- Individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity (for non-surgical or lipo-only approaches)
- Patients at or very near a stable, healthy weight
- Those with realistic expectations
- Non-smokers or those willing to stop smoking to aid healing and optimize results
Jawline Contouring Procedure Overview
Every jawline contouring procedure begins with a consultation and facial analysis. During this consultation, you and your surgeon will decide whether a surgical or non-surgical approach is best for you and create a treatment plan accordingly. After that, the specifics will vary depending on which procedures you and your surgeon have decided on.
Because different patients will opt for different treatment options, it’s difficult to give you specifics here about anesthesia, recovery time, and other important considerations. This outline will give you an overview, however, so you have some idea of what to expect.
Duration
- Non-surgical fillers: 30–45 minutes
- Chin lipo: 1 hour or less
- Chin implant surgery: Approximately 1–2 hours
- Buccal fat removal: About 1 hour
Anesthesia
- Fillers: None or topical numbing
- Chin lipo/implants: Local or general anesthesia depending on extent
- Same-day return home for most procedures
Expected Recovery and Results
- Dermal Fillers: Minimal downtime — minor swelling or bruising for 2–3 days
- Chin Liposuction: Swelling and compression garment use for about 1-2 weeks
- Chin Implants: Swelling for 2–4 weeks
Final Results
- Fillers: Immediate, fully visible within 1 week
- Surgical results: Become more refined over 1–3 months as residual swelling abates
What Are the Benefits of Jawline Contouring?
Jawline contouring can create a better balance among your facial features and give you a stronger jawline contour. It can also help you look younger. If you’re not keen on surgery or ready to commit just yet, non-surgical options can help you with quick, temporary enhancements. Surgical options offer the benefit of more dramatic results and are considered permanent solutions.
The best benefit of jawline contouring is how it can make you feel. If your jawline bothers you, a jawline contouring procedure can make you feel less self-conscious and give your confidence a substantial boost. Plastic surgery can make you look better, but the ultimate goal is always to make you feel better.