Long, Narrow Face - Fat Transfer to Mandible Area?

Question

I want to give my long narrow face a more "Square" appearance and strengthen my jawline. Rather than getting jaw angle implants, I was wondering if a Fat transfer to this area would be a good alternative to achieve what I'm looking for?

Sean Younai, MD, FACS · Answer

facial fat micro-grafting or fat transfer is a very useful plastic surgery procedure. I have been able to widen the face and jaw lines by fat grafting over the jaw lines, jowel areas, and the cheeks. The results that I have seen in patients have been great, but it takes few weeks for the swelling to subside.

Ritu Chopra, MD · Answer

Fat transfer is great, but it works best in areas that aren't "dynamic" Dynamic areas that move all the time, like the angle of the jaw, tend to milk the result out of the area before the graft "takes". I prefer using fat in less dynamic areas like the cheek bones, sub-malar areas and so on. Angle of the jaw implants work well, but it can be really hard to get a perfectly symmetrical result. Mostly due to baseline asymmetry of the mandible, which can be way "off" side to side. Patient's rarely are aware of this unevenness until after surgery. Short answer, angle of the jaw - no silver bullet.

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

Yes, fat grafting can be used to augment the mandibular angles to create a more square appearance to the face. It is an excellent alternative to implants and is also less invasive.

	If you wanted, you could test out the new look with a filler such as restylane, juvederm or radiesse before having a fat grafting procedure.

	The fat can be harvested from wherever you have excess. For men the abdomen or love handles are common locations.

	A better idea of what changes are possible in your case can be made with an examination in the office.

Mark Berkowitz, MD · Answer

While a photograph would be helpful, fat transfer can be used to strengthen a jaw line and mandible. A thorough consultation is necessary to determine your best course of action. Your own body fat can be used to sculpt and shape your jaw line. There are multiple modalities that cosmetic surgeons use to harvest and prepare your bod fat. I have had success with the body jet liposuction to harvest and prepare the fat for transfer.

Philip Young, MD · Answer

Fat transfer can be done but if you want a more stronger and angular appearance lateral jaw / mandible implants are the better option.

Long, Narrow Face - Fat Transfer to Mandible Area?

Answers (6)