Is it dangerous to reduce the digastric muscles in the throat to create more lower face definition? (photos)

You absolutely do not need a facelift or a neck lift. You most definitely do not need deep neck work including resection or partial resection of your digastric muscles. We live in a world where patients prescribe now their own surgery. Unfortunately if you knock on enough doors, someone will not only agree that you need surgery, whether you do or not, the will insisted that you have it urgently. Unnecessary surgery is both psychologically and physically harmful. I recommend that you talk with the people who love you and listen to them when they tell you are beautiful and do not need surgery.

For a more defined jawline to strengthen your profile (and help prevent the dreaded jawline "jowl" sagging), we use injectable fillers like Revanesse Versa - a filler known to limit swelling and give subtle, soft enhancements - or Radiesse. Using a cannula to limit pain and swelling, we inject on the bone in strategic points to get more lift and shaping, resulting in a more contoured lower face and defined, structured jawline. I would suggest getting a formal evaluation with a facial sculpting expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Thank you for your question;   One fact is surgery is that the more procedures you add to a surgery it also increase the change for more complications but also is very important to know the experience of the procedure by a doctor.  

Just based on your photo, you do not appear to be a good candidate for a face/neck lift to me.  If your main focus is to create a stronger jawline, I would recommend using injectable fillers in this area.  There are a variety of fillers that could be used, but I do find Radiesse works well along the jawline to produce more projection and definition.

Usually tightening of the central platysmal layer, reduction of central fat, and contouring of the jawline can be performed for visible problems in the neck.  A single frontal view does not show the area in question and the need for the procedure can't be commented on based on the single photo.  Usually any muscle reduction should be conservative and only if required by the deformity.  In answer to your question, these procedures are part of a potential surgical option, are not necessarily risky or problematic, and are useful when indicated.  But I can't tell if its indicated in your case.

From just a frontal view, it is hard to say if you really need the digastric muscles reduced.  It does not appear so, but it is difficult to say if you need it from the picture submitted. 
Trimming or partially resecting digastric muscles is not dangerous if performed by an experienced surgeon to reduce a “full” heavy neck, or to trim them in a revision case.  If overdone, the procedure can lead to a hollowness of the neck.  Check with your surgeon, to see his rationale for doing so.  Lateral and 2/3rds views are helpful in the examination, but palpating of the neck is an essential part of the decision making process.

As for your question about danger involved in digastric muscle reduction, it is safe when done properly.The questions that you should be asking, however, are #1 - do you even need a facelift? #2 - The second question is where is the fullness of the area beneath your chin that requires digastric and subplatysmal fat contouring? Disaster awaits the slender patient who allows this to be done. You will be "hollowed out" in an irreparable way. Buyer beware!!