Jaw Filler: What You Need to Know About This Treatment

Cosmetically, jawlines can be difficult to perfect. Many plastic surgeons and dermatologists considered the jawline the last frontier for non-invasive surgery before moving into surgical territory. The ability to improve the jawline with dermal fillers has become subtle and all-encompassing facial optimization.

Two years ago, fillers for the chin were not approved under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that any dermal filler used in this area is off-label. The FDA approved Juvederm Voluma XC in June 2020. Next, Restylane Defyne was approved by FDA in February 2021 for chin augmentation.

Surprisingly fillers are not FDA-approved for use in jawline. However, experienced and skilled doctors often use them off-label as a way to balance the lower facial features. David Sieber MD, a Bay Area-based, double-board-certified plastic surgeon, says that fillers are improving in different areas. In Asia and Europe, there are two to five times as many fillers. “A lot the fillers that we have are receiving FDA approvals for different areas. This will allow us to expand the use of many of these fillers,” he said.

Dr. Sieber said that despite off-label filler use in the jawline area, one thing is certain: The jawline is always hot. Paul Jarrod Frank MD, New York City board-certified dermatologist, said that dermal fillers were traditionally used in the upper- and mid-facial regions. However, patients are reporting that there is an imbalance between an untreated lower-face and a plump, youthful upper face.

“Most people don’t think about their jawlines or chins, unless they’re weak or in an imbalance,” he said. He also explained that the chin is the “anchor”, and therefore any alteration to it is complex. It shouldn’t be treated in isolation. He says, “I don’t treat a particular feature.” “You must look at the whole picture.”

Before you rush to the mirror to check your chin, or book your next appointment with your doctor.

What is jaw filler?

For aesthetic reasons, dermal fillers can be injected into the skin and other parts of the body. To help with a variety of concerns, they can be injected in the chin and jawline to improve the contour and definition.

Most dermatologists and plastic surgeons favor reversible hyaluronic acids fillers such as Juvederm Voluma XC or Restylane Defyne for the chin. They are “predictable and adjustable” and “safe,” Dr. Kolker says.

What are the advantages of jaw filler treatment?

The benefits of jaw filler are numerous and can be enjoyed by a wider variety of patients. Patients of all ages want to have this procedure.

It can also balance on the lower side.

The jawline and chin are fundamental parts of the facial structure. A slight adjustment can make a big difference. Adam Kolker MD, a double-board-certified plastic surgeon from New York City, states that the jawline is often treated as an “aesthetic unit”. This means that all areas are evaluated together, even though patients may need enhancements in one area. They are also a key consideration for plastic surgeons when evaluating facial features such as the nose and eyes.

Dr. Kolker explains that jawline filler’s overarching goal is to restore facial harmony and balance by restoring proportion and balance with facial features. However, a “deficient” jawline can manifest in many ways. The chin can be small or retrusive. It may also not reach the lower lip projection. It is possible that the angles of the lower jaw bone could be weak.

Andrew Jacono MD, a New York City facial plastic surgeon, believes that balance is the key to success. He explains that adding definition to the jaw can create a beautiful contour as it transitions into your neck. Some patients prefer a more defined jawline to an extended effect. For those who have tried Kybella for submental fullness (or a double chin), jaw filler may be an option.

They are able to disguise fine lines.

Some chins are larger due to genes and nature. Others shrink with age which can alter the shape and depth of the eyes and cause fine lines and wrinkles to appear. Dr. Kolker explains that as we age our bones change and the lower jawline gets wider, the face’s volume increases and the jawline becomes more full. This can lead to jowls (sagging skin) appearing in the neck and jawline.

Strategically placing filler under the chin and in an area Dr. Kolker refers to as the “pre-jowl saul,” or the point below the chin that meets the jowls will give the chin a more prominent projection. This will help plump the area, minimize the appearance superficial wrinkles, and temporarily smoothen and rejuvenate the jaw contour.

It can also be used to measure other parts of your face.

A more well-structured chin can influence the appearance of other facial features, particularly when they are viewed as a whole and not just a collection of individual parts.

“A lot jaw contouring and chins with fillers gives you the best bang for your bucks,” Dr. Sieber says. He also admits that he often surprises patients who come to him for a different issue. Chin fillers can improve your profile and make your nose appear smaller as the proportions of your nose change.

If you are considering rhinoplasty, jawfiller might be an alternative and less invasive option to achieve the look you desire. This is why it’s important to choose a dermatologist/plastic surgeon who is well-versed not only in facial anatomy but also the intricate relationships between different parts of the face.

You can use it as a test drive to see if you are suited for more invasive procedures.

Melissa Doft MD, a double-board certified plastic surgeon, offers temporary jawline filler for young patients to try out an augmentation.

What are the negatives of jaw filler?

You can improve the structural shape of your face by enhancing the chin or jawline. However, there are limitations to how much filler you can use, especially when gravity is involved. Dr. Jacono says that filler in the jawline or chin can be helpful for fine lines but not for jowls because of too much skin laxity. Filler would also be required to fill this space. Filler is also weighty and could increase the gravitational pull.

The filler’s temporary nature is what most jawline cases have. Dr. Kolker explains that injectable fillers can be used to reliably enhance small volumes of soft tissue. However, surgery is an option for more permanent enhancements.

Who wouldn’t be a candidate to fill the jaws with jaw filler?

Patients with a squared or defined jaw will not be able to have an enhancement and they would not be suitable candidates. Allergies to hyaluronic acids or other fillers aside however, all others are theoretically eligible.

This route of jawline injections is effective for most patients. However, filler can make the chin look too long for those with small chins. Dr. Kolker says filler “isn’t as stiff like an implant” and can “make your chin appear too large.” He says that filler draws out the face, rather than creating a contoured, taut appearance. Filler cannot correct an underbite, or other dental anomalies.

He says that injectable fillers are not suitable for individuals with significant or moderate underdevelopment.

What should I expect from my appointment?

There is no one-size-fits all treatment, especially for jawbones or chins. This is why it is important to choose an injector who is skilled in finessing facial structure. Your jawline augmentation will enhance and highlight your features holistically and individually. A consultation begins with a thorough evaluation by your dermatologist or board-certified plastic surgeon.

Dr. Jacono explains that when you are adding volume to your body with fat or filler, it is important to take into account the patient’s proportions. This includes the gonial angle for women. This refers to the angle at which your jaw meets the bottom of your ear.

Although jawline injections are painless, patients may feel some pressure when the filler is injected. They are usually completed in 30 minutes. To blend the contours and create a smooth transition between them, filler can be added to nearby areas.

Dr. Doft believes that the jawline has enormous power to change the facial structure. He uses a smaller amount of filler to emphasize a defined jaw and not to use large quantities.

What are the potential risks associated with jaw filler?

Dr. Doft says that facial filler has the same side effects and risks regardless of where it is used. Dr. Doft says that bruising is the most common side effect, but skin necrosis can occur very rarely when filler is injected into a vessel.

What’s aftercare?

There is almost no downtime with jaw filler. To get the best results with jaw filler, you should avoid drinking and exercise for 24 hours following the procedure. This will minimize the chance of bruising. To reduce swelling, take arnica tablets prior to and after the appointment. You can also use cold ice packs throughout the day to ease any bruising.

What is the average time results last?

Dr. Kolker says the body will begin to metabolize the filler within a few hours of injection. This generally gives the filler a 12-month life expectancy. However, it is possible to live for as little as six to nine months or as long at 18 to 24 months depending on the product used and the degree of correction.

How much does jaw filler price?

Because of the greater degree of variation in jawline filler than other areas of the face, there is no set price. Although the usual suspects, such as surgeon demand, expertise, and geographic location, along with the type and quantity of filler used, are still important, patients pay per syringe. This can make the price range quite wide. Dr. Doft estimates that a jawline filler appointment will cost around $700 depending on the above factors.