Jawline contouring has become much more popular recently, especially in the wake of new non-surgical options and an expansion of our applications for filler and neuromodulators. More and more of our patients are wishing for a more defined jawline, a more prominent chin, or to improve the appearance of laxity or fullness along the jawline.
Most patients are familiar with surgical jaw contouring options, but less familiar with non-surgical treatments that can mimic, but not replace a surgical outcome. Non-surgical options, while not permanent, often give our patients an idea of what a surgical outcome could be for them and helps with a decision to pursue or not pursue surgery.
What are the Treatment Options?
There are several treatment options available depending on the aesthetic goal we discuss. For patients wanting a more contoured and chiseled jawline, adding a filler such as Restylane® Lyft will provide a broader jawline with a more prominent jaw angle. The use of microcannulas to place filler along the jawline and that angle of the jawline ensures a smooth and contoured appearance. Typically 1-2 filler appointments are needed to achieve the final contour desired.
Filler can also be used to improve the appearance of jawline laxity to create a more youthful appearing lower-face by reducing the appearance of marionette lines and improve the loss of volume around the mouth.
Some patients wish their jawline angle was less prominent. Botox® or Dysport® can reduce the bulk of the masseter (chewing muscle) muscle. Over time and several treatments, the muscle mass is reduced over time, creating a slimmer jaw angle. Because the masseter muscle is quite large and other muscles work as a team to facilitate chewing, there is no issue with eating or chewing after treatment. Botox® and Dysport® can also treat the appearance of a “pebble chin” by relaxing the mentalis muscle, causing the skin to remain smooth and undimpled.
How Can I Fix My Double Chin?
If you hate your “double chin,” Kybella® is an FDA-approved treatment to dissolve unwanted submental fat. It takes several treatments spaced 6-8 weeks apart so the downtime is minimal, and patients can return to most activities immediately. Over time, there is a noticeable reduction in submental fat and the appearance of a more toned and defined chin.
Schedule A Consultation
Non-surgical jaw contouring treatments typically require several sessions and sometimes different treatment combinations to achieve optimal correction and the desired aesthetic goal. It is very important to have a thorough consultation with your provider to ensure you both agree on the proposed treatment plan and timeline. It is also critical you have confidence that your provider has the skill and experience to provide a safe and effective treatment with minimal downtime and side effects.
Dr. Deschamps-Braly is a board-certified plastic and craniofacial surgeon specializing in facial plastic surgery, orthognathic (jaw) surgery, and craniofacial surgery for adults and children. He is also one of the world’s foremost leaders and innovators in facial gender confirmation surgery.
