I'd like a slimmer more lifted facial profile - What are the best options to fix chubby cheeks/weak jawline? (Photos)

Question

Hello Doctors!! For context to start: I am 21 years old, 5’1, and 110 pounds. My whole life Ive had bigger sorta “jowly” and droopy cheeks. Even at my lowest weight, my face still refuses to slim beyond a certain point. I hoped that would change with age but it hasn’t. I’m looking to reduce the chubby/ sagging in my lower cheeks and get a more defined jawline. Overall, id like to have a slimmer more lifted looking facial profile. I’ve looked into certain Botox’s (like masseter slimming) since the before and after pictures seem the closest to my situation and goals. But I’m not sure what makes sense for my face and anatomy. (I’m also a bit hesitant about Botox in general). Im uncertain about the short/ long-term commitment of it. But I’m not very well versed in all the options there are out there. So I’m just looking for any insight or advice to what treatments could be worth exploring for my situation.

A.J. Amadi, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Holly Frandsen and I'm an aesthetic Nurse provider at Amadi Aesthetics Plastic surgery. You could start with masseter Botox to slim the lower face. You could also consider a little bit of filler in the chin to elongate your face. Having facial fat in your face can actually be a positive thing. This fat in your cheeks is holding up our skin from falling (which essentially causes jowling). As we age, our facial fat pads shift/decrease in size and our bones re-absorb, which causes our skin to fall downward.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

In your 20s means that you still have plenty of time to lose your buccal fat. If your face fills a bit too square for your liking, you can try masseter Botox, which is helpful to narrow the face and is particularly helpful for patients who also experience grinding, clenching or bruxism. I hope that's helpful and wish you luck from Boston.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for sharing such a thoughtful question—and your photos. What you’re describing is actually very common, especially in younger patients, and it’s important to start by saying this: there is nothing “wrong” with your face. What you’re noticing has much more to do with facial anatomy and fat distribution than weight, fitness, or aging.

At 21, with your height and weight, your facial fullness is not due to excess weight. Instead, it’s likely related to a combination of:

Naturally fuller buccal (cheek) fat pads

A softer lower face / jawline structure

Ligament laxity or cheek heaviness, even at a young age

Possibly muscle balance, depending on how strong your masseters are

About masseter Botox

Masseter Botox can be helpful only if the fullness is coming from enlarged jaw muscles (often from clenching or grinding). In photos like yours, the cheeks appear more fat-pad driven rather than muscle-driven, so masseter Botox alone may:

Do very little, or

Potentially worsen facial droop over time if overdone

Your hesitation about Botox is valid. While it’s safe when used correctly, it does require maintenance, and in very young faces, aggressive muscle weakening can sometimes create imbalance later.

Options that are more anatomically aligned with your goals

If your goal is a slimmer, more lifted lower face with better jaw definition, these are the categories that tend to make more sense:

Subtle jawline contouring (very conservative filler)
This doesn’t add bulk—it creates structure and contrast, which can make the cheeks appear slimmer without touching them directly.

Energy-based skin tightening (radiofrequency or ultrasound)
These help with mild laxity and heaviness, especially when the issue is “droop” rather than volume. Results are gradual and natural.

Fat-modulating approaches (used cautiously)
In select cases, very conservative reduction of lower cheek fat can help—but this must be approached carefully at your age, because facial fat is protective and premature removal can age the face later.

Time + anatomy awareness
This may not be what you want to hear, but it’s honest: facial fat distribution does continue to evolve into the mid-to-late 20s. Over-treating now can sometimes create regret later.

What I would be cautious about

Aggressive cheek fat removal at 21

Overuse of masseter Botox without clear hypertrophy

Chasing a “snatched” look that doesn’t respect your natural bone structure

The most important takeaway

You’re not dealing with a problem—you’re dealing with a facial type. The best outcomes come from subtle structural support and lift, not from trying to shrink the face aggressively. A thoughtful, conservative approach now will protect your facial balance for years to come.

I'd like a slimmer more lifted facial profile - What are the best options to fix chubby cheeks/weak jawline? (Photos)

Answers (3)

More Botox Questions

Would Botox help this ‘ball’ in my chin and my wide jaw? (Photos)

Very bad drooping smile at 44 - how can I lift my smile? (Photos)

Botox Treatment for Blepharospasm - Does the Botox help to alleviate the light sensitivity?

Why does 2:1 botox not last as long on me as 1:1 ratio does even with same mumber of units (actually used more with the 2:1)?

Will botox in my chin make it less pointy or would surgery be the best option? (Photos)

Unsymmetrical eyes + eyebrows - nonsurgical options? (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS