People who feel dissatisfied with the appearance of their jawline or chin may want to add definition to this area. Jaw fillers, a type of injectable dermal filler, can provide a non-surgical solution.
A soft chin and jawline can be caused by age or genetics. Jaw fillers can add definition, symmetry, balance or contour to this area, especially in profile.
But not all fillers or practitioners of this procedure are created equal. It’s important to understand what jaw fillers can and cannot achieve so you don’t end up with results you don’t like.
In this article, we’ll look at the types of fillers available, the procedure itself, and what you can expect from the results.
Jaw fillers are gels that are injected into the skin. They provide volume and stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid or collagen. This can reduce the appearance of sagging, loose skin and bone loss around the jawline.
Jaw filler can be used to:
- reduce the effects of age-related volume loss in the lower face
- create a more oval jawline
- to reduce the appearance of rough
- shape the contour of the jaw, giving it a sharper look
- balance an asymmetrical jawline
- enhance or add proportion to the chin
- provides a strong base and frame for the face
The jaw filler procedure is also referred to as non-surgical jaw contouring. It is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that should only be performed by an experienced, licensed professional, such as:
When strategically injected along the lower jaw (lower jaw), jaw fillers create a more defined separation between the jaw line and the neck.
“Jowl filler gives the face a sharper angle, which makes you look thinner,” says the dermatologist Dr. Barry D. Goldman. “It provides a subtle change that never feels overdone or exaggerated.”
Not every formula is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this area of the face. But many doctors use off-label fillers to augment the chin and define the jawline. The most common jaw fillers your doctor may use include:
There are several types of dermal filler your doctor may recommend for the jaw and chin. But currently, the only FDA-approved filler for jowl and chin augmentation is Juvederm Volux.
According to Dr. Goldman, thicker fillers are best for the chin and jawline because they are not malleable and stay where they are strategically placed.
A chin filler alone is not usually recommended to eliminate a double chin. But it can be beneficial for this condition when combined with other procedures, such as Kybella.
When used solely for cosmetic purposes, jaw filler is not covered by health insurance in the United States. Your cost may vary depending on your geographic area and your prescribing doctor.
The type of filler your doctor recommends can also determine the cost to some extent. Generally, fillers like Restylane Lyft, Juviderm Volux, and Radiesse are similar in cost, averaging between $600 and $800 per syringe.
Age can also be a factor affecting cost.
“Elderly patients who have experienced greater bone and volume loss may require the use of more syringes per session,” says Dr. Goldman.
Filler is gradually metabolized and broken down by the body. Your doctor may recommend that you return for booster injections every 6 months or so. These smaller amounts of filler can cost you half the amount or more of your original treatment.
Jaw filler results are immediately visible.
Individual results vary, but for many users, hyaluronic acid filler can last up to 2 years. Calcium hydroxylapatite can last up to 15 months.
Regardless of the type you use, you may begin to see diminished results in 9 to 12 months, especially if booster injections are not given consistently.
You can help maintain the life of your jaw filler by:
Pain can be subjective and some people may experience more discomfort than others when receiving jaw filler injections.
Talk to your doctor beforehand if you are worried about the discomfort you are expecting.
Before receiving any filler injections, your doctor may numb the area with a topical cream or other type of local anesthetic.
If you are in the hands of an experienced injector, jaw filler injections should not hurt. You may feel brief pressure or a strange sensation with each injection, but probably not much more than that.
You may feel a little pain or discomfort at the injection sites once the numbing cream wears off. This should not take more than 1 day.
Severe or persistent pain, although unlikely, warrants an immediate call to your doctor.
During your initial consultation, ask your doctor what you can expect during and after receiving a jaw filler.
Before the procedure
Here is generally what you can expect to do before getting jaw fillers:
- Tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you are currently taking.
- Stop taking blood thinners, over-the-counter pain relievers, or supplements such as St. John’s wort, vitamin E, garlic, ginseng, and evening primrose oil.
- Avoid drinking alcohol for 1 or 2 days before taking fillers.
- Stop using any topical skin treatments containing glycolic acid, retinols, or retinoids several days before your appointment.
- Do not use hair removal products, including tweezers, during this period.
- Eat and drink normally before your treatment, as jaw filler is a non-surgical procedure.
During the procedure
You should arrive for your jaw filler treatment without makeup and in comfortable clothing. Here’s the short process you can expect:
- Your doctor numbs the injection site.
- After numbing, a small amount of filler gel will be strategically injected into multiple locations along the lower jaw. A cannula may be used to guide the filler through.
- Your doctor should go slowly and constantly assess the results of each injection during treatment.
A jaw filler treatment takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
After the procedure
You may notice some bruising or swelling after getting a jaw filler. Ask your doctor if using topical arnica to reduce bruising is a good idea.
You can also apply ice immediately after the treatment and afterwards, as needed.
Even with mild swelling, your results should be visible and evident immediately. You should also be able to return to work or your normal activities immediately after your jaw filler treatment.
Here’s what you can do to ensure you get the best possible results:
- Do not try to cover the redness or swelling after the procedure with makeup or concealer.
- Avoid vigorous exercise.
- Do not drink alcohol.
- Avoid being outside in bright sunlight.
Common side effects from jaw filler include:
Less common side effects may include:
Serious complications from dermal fillers are uncommon.
But it is important to seek treatment from an experienced doctor so that you are less likely to experience serious complications from accidental injections into facial arteries or nerves.
Serious complications can include:
A chin filler is not for everyone. Based on the outcome you hope to achieve, alternatives you may want to consider include:
- Exercise and diet. Exercises aimed at tightening the jawline can be beneficial for anyone who wishes to have a more defined appearance. If you have a double chin due to excess weight, adjusting your diet can also help.
- Botox. Unlike jowl filler, Botox can be used to slim down or reduce the appearance of the jowl. It can also be beneficial to help relieve pain caused by TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorders).
- Kybella or Coolsculpting. These products are used in procedures designed to eliminate fat under the chin, which causes the appearance of a double chin. Cooling works by freezing and killing fat cells. Kybella works by dissolving fat cells.
- Jaw surgery. If you wish to have a more permanent result, you may consider surgery for your jawline. Although highly effective, jaw surgery may not be covered by insurance and can cost upwards of tens of thousands of dollars.
Jaw filler is a non-permanent way to safely change the appearance of your jaw, chin and entire face.
It is usually used to get subtle results. But even a small change in jawline definition or chin volume can have significant effects on your entire facial appearance.
It is important to assess your goals for this procedure and schedule a consultation with a licensed, experienced professional to discuss them.
