How can I make my jawline side profile more attractive? (photos)

Question

I am not overweight nor have I ever been overweight. At only 23 my neck/chin/jawline side profile looks like that of someone who is either overweight or is much older and has started to develop jowls and a sagging neck. I am very self conscious about and would like to know what procedures and options are available to me to help enhance and improve on this part of my appearance. I would prefer non-surgical if possible (I intend to get rhinoplasty later). Thank you!

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

There are a variety of techniques that can be used to improve your profile and to give the appearance of a more defined jawline. A more temporary approach includes dermal fillers (e.g., Sculptra, Voluma, and Radiesse). Additional non invasive solutions include Kybella and laser treatments, which in my opinion have less than optimal results. Surgical option would be liposculpture of the areas of concern and complimenting that with a small chin implant for a more defined jaw line and profile. To address your concerns I would recommend having an in person consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial aesthetics and contouring.

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

Dear Sweetpelisha,
     You are a candidate for liposuction alone, or liposuction with laser-assisted skin tightening, probably nothing more needed.  As as young person, the skin is elastic and will contract up under your chin when the excess fat is removed.  Fat would also be removed from the area under the mandibular border to get better jawline definition.  If at some time you felt you wanted better jawline definition you could have the MyEllevate procedure, which us a non-incision suture-suspension neck lift done through tiny punctures in the neck skin that do not leave a scar.  The suture goes from one side to the other behind the ear and under the angle of the mandible back to the middle, over to the other ear and back, where it is  tightened and the skin and muscle is pulled up into the cervicomental angle.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Morpheus 8 is a non-invasive skin and soft tissue tightening treatment that is consistently amazing in our patients. We use the Morpheus to exact fractional induced RF into the skin or tissue in order to tighten collagen and stimulate contraction of the tissue. For acne scars, it is quite useful to build collagen in patients who have atrophic scars but is not very productive for ice-pick scars which require TCA Cross. For tissue tightening, Morpheus is ideal for the face and neck and we often combine it with CO2 laser or Ultherapy to further enhance results. Chemical peels and skin resurfacing should be done at least 5 to 7 days after, but can be performed earlier, depending on treatment severity. Avoid exfoliating skin treatments before Morpheus and expect a period of 2-4 weeks for skin contraction to set in.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question and photos! There are a few options that are noninvasive that will address your neck.  Kybella is an injection made of doxycholic acid that permanently dissolves fat cell membranes under the chin.  Other options such as a fillers, J-plasty, J-plasma, or Ulthera are minimally/noninvasive treatments that can sculpt and define the chin/neck area.  I recommend seeing an experienced plastic surgeon for an in-person consultation. Best of luck!

Douglas Wu, MD · Answer

ThermiTight combined with a little bit of liposculpture is the best option to deliver the sculpted jawline you desire.  Alternatively, you may consider non-invasive treatments such as Kybella in combination with Ultherapy, but a series of treatments will be required.  For additional jawline definition, the correct application of fillers and Botox can also be very beneficial.  Best to see a board-dertified dermatologist with experience in all facial sculpting techniques to see which path would be best for you.  Cheers!

Edgardo Zavala, MD · Answer

If on physical examination there is evidence of excess fat hiding your jawline and getting your neck to look saggy there is an easy solution using laser assisted neck liposuction. If performed correctly the results are beautiful and discomfort and downtime are minimal. Just make sure your surgeon can show you similar cases to see if the type of results match your expectations. The use of Kybella in my view is not the best choice.

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank-you for sharing your question and photos.
Based on the photos you have provided, I would suggest a small chin augmentation and liposuction. Chin augmentation liposuction of the chin and neck produces consistently good results for appropriate candidates. If the appearance of you chin on profile view does not concern you, you may consider addressing only the fullness due to fat in the submental area. We are very excited with the development of several non-invasive techniques for correction of a double chin. We offer the Cool mini as a non-surgical alternative to liposuction for the right candidate. Generally, two treatments are required separated by 4-6 weeks.  We also offer Kybella which is another non-surgical alternative to liposuction. Generally 3-6 treatments are needed separated by 4-6 weeks. Also, adding filler to jawline can add temporary contour.   
I would visit with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to learn about your options..
Best regards.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I find that VASER liposuction in combination with ThermiRF are best for contouring the chin in those who are candidates, but Kybella can be used as an alternative and needs to be combined with thermage/ultherapy/exilis or coolsculpting for good results. A chin implant would give more definition. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a facial sculpting expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear sweetpelisha,it is hard to tell without an examination. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There are a few options to consider.  FaceTite is a minimally invasive procedure that can tighten skin of the neck and can be combined with liposuction if needed.  No general anesthesia is required.  Morpheus8 is a noninvasive approach that combines RF technology with microneedling to improve overall skin tone and texture.  Another option to consider is Juvederm Volux.  This is a filler that is specially designed to improve the appearance of the jawline.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.