30 - I’ve had chin liposuction but now my face looks more square - what procedure can tighten my jaw? (Photos)

Question

I am 30 and pretty slim. I’ve always been self conscious of my jaw area, of how big it is and I always wanted it to look more feminine. I had chin liposuction twice, however they were only able to do directly under the chin, as along the jaw they said there were more nerve endings and they weren’t able to do along there. Now it looks unnatural to me, and makes my face look even more square. I wish to have a procedure where they can tighten along my jaw permanently, so my face looks lifted and it’s tight to my jaw. In the last picture, I pull my skin so it’s tighter along my jaw, it creates a much nicer shape to my face and shows where my actual jaw is. Is there a procedure that can keep it like this? Thank you

Fas Arshad, MBChB, MRCS, FRCS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photos—it’s clear you’ve put a lot of thought into your journey, and your concerns are completely valid. It’s not uncommon for patients who’ve had chin liposuction, especially limited to the central area under the chin, to feel that the result can sometimes exaggerate squareness in the lower face if the lateral jawline isn’t also addressed.

From what you've described and shown in the final photo—where you're manually lifting the skin along your jaw—it seems you're intuitively mimicking the effect of a deep plane lower face and neck lift. This surgical procedure is specifically designed to lift and reposition deeper facial structures, providing a natural and more refined contour along the jawline and lower face. It can offer the kind of permanent, structured improvement you're seeking, particularly if your goal is a more defined and feminine jaw shape.

Of course, a proper in-person assessment by a qualified facial plastic surgeon is essential to determine the best approach for your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. But based on your case, a deep plane lift is likely a strong candidate for producing the tighter, more balanced result you're envisioning.

You're definitely not alone in wanting a more cohesive and elegant facial contour—and the right procedure can absolutely help you get there.

Anna Petropoulos, MD, FRCS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! From your description and photos, you're likely dealing with a combination of residual volume and skin laxity.

If manually pulling your skin improves your jawline shape, the most effective and lasting solution would likely be a lower facelift or deep-plane neck lift. This surgical option lifts and tightens deeper tissues along the jawline and neck, removes excess skin, and refines the contour for a more feminine and defined look.

For a less invasive approach, radiofrequency-based skin tightening treatments like FaceTite or AccuTite can target residual fat and improve skin laxity, often combined with small-volume liposuction. Results build over time and can last for several years.

Another minimally invasive option to consider is a Miracu thread lift, which uses long-lasting PDO threads to lift and reposition the skin along the jawline and lower face. While not permanent, this treatment can provide immediate lift with collagen-stimulating effects that continue to improve the skin over several months. It’s a good option if you're not ready for surgery but want visible improvement.

Lastly, if your jaw appears wide due to overactive masseter muscles, Botox in that area can slim the face over time by reducing muscle bulk, giving a softer and more contoured jawline.

If you're seeking a tighter, more defined look that mimics the effect you see when pulling your skin back, a lower facelift, FaceTite, or Miracu thread lift—possibly combined with masseter Botox—would offer the best results. A consultation with a facial plastic surgeon or aesthetic provider familiar with advanced contouring options will help determine the most appropriate plan for your goals.

Best of luck in your journey!f
Genie Alexander, RN BSN 
for Anna Petropoulos, MD FRCS 
Center for Classic Beauty
Boston & Danvers, MA

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

If there is noticeable skin laxity, a lower facelift can help restore a more defined and lifted jawline by repositioning the underlying tissues and removing excess skin. When combined with a neck lift, this can further enhance the contour of the lower face and neck for a more youthful and feminine look.
Additionally, one common factor contributing to a wider, more squared facial appearance is hypertrophy of the masseter muscles (the chewing muscles along the jaw). If these muscles are prominent, Botox injections can be used to soften and slim the lower face by reducing muscle activity over time, leading to a more tapered and elegant jawline.
However, to determine the most appropriate and effective treatment plan for your individual anatomy, an in-person physical examination is essential. This allows for a thorough assessment of your facial structure, skin elasticity, tissue tone, and any residual fat or asymmetry.

Ali Cetinkaya, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for sharing your concerns. At age 30 and with a slim frame, your expectations for a more feminine jawline are completely valid. Since you had chin liposuction twice but only under the chin&mdash;not along the jawline&mdash;this may have resulted in an imbalanced or squared look, as you've described. The inability to treat the lateral jaw due to nerve concerns is a common limitation with superficial liposuction techniques.
Based on your description and your last photo, here are potential solutions:
1. Deep Plane Mini Facelift:This technique allows for a natural lifting and tightening effect along the jawline and midface. It repositions deeper tissues while preserving nerve safety. In slim, younger patients like yourself, this approach can dramatically improve jawline definition without visible scarring.
2. Jawline Contouring or Augmentation:Depending on your facial structure, a chin implant or carefully placed filler could help refine the jawline. However, if you're seeking a permanent solution, surgical repositioning with a facelift will be more appropriate than fillers.
3. Skin Tightening & Elasticity Management:If there's some skin laxity remaining, the excess skin can be addressed with surgery&mdash;pulling the skin just like you did in your photo. What you're manually demonstrating can often be reproduced surgically in a natural and long-lasting way.
To conclude, yes, there is a surgical solution that can replicate the effect you see when you pull your skin back&mdash;most likely a deep plane mini facelift. After a detailed facial analysis, we can recommend the most effective and tailored approach for you.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, you have not provided a lateral view.  It is possible that you can benefit from a chin implant, if you have a recessed chin.  The chin implant will pull your skin forward and tighten up the loose skin you dislike.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

30 - I’ve had chin liposuction but now my face looks more square - what procedure can tighten my jaw? (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: After Two Liposuctions, I’m Still Unhappy – What’s Next?

Answer: After Two Liposuctions, I’m Still Unhappy – What’s Next?

Answer: Chin implant

Answer: Chin implant

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30 - I’ve had chin liposuction but now my face looks more square - what procedure can tighten my jaw? (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: After Two Liposuctions, I’m Still Unhappy – What’s Next?

Answer: After Two Liposuctions, I’m Still Unhappy – What’s Next?

Answer: Chin implant

Answer: Chin implant

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.