Fat pocket over and under my jawline - how can I fix this? (Photo)

Question

Hi doctors, I am a 19-year-old girl. I used to be overweight, and I had neck liposuction last year. I have lost the extra weight with the help of a doctor. However, I have an unsightly fat pocket (I think it is fat) over and under my jawline. I'm not sure if it is fat or a result of the lipo cannula. But I hate it and want it gone. Should I get a facelift? Please help me

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

At 19 years old, a facelift could theoretically address the fullness and contour irregularities above and below your jawline. However, given your young age and the fact that your skin still has strong elasticity, it's more appropriate to consider conservative options first before proceeding with such an extensive surgery. The issue is likely due to residual fat or tissue irregularities following your previous liposuction. In this case, localized revision liposuction or fat grafting (lipofilling)may help improve the contour significantly without the need for a full facelift. That said, the most appropriate treatment can only be determined after a thorough in-person physical examination.

Guray Yesiladali, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Thank you for your question&mdash;you’re clearly paying close attention to your progress and results, which is an important part of post-weight loss care.
There are a few key points to consider:
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1. Limited Information From the Current ImagesIt’s difficult to provide a precise assessment without high-quality photos taken from multiple angles in consistent lighting. Visual evaluation plays a major role in understanding the origin of residual fullness.
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2. Possible Causes of Residual FullnessAlthough a detailed evaluation is needed, there are two common contributors in cases like yours: • Low cheekbone and chin projection: When bone structure is underdeveloped, the facial soft tissues can appear less supported, which may exaggerate the appearance of sagging or fullness in the jawline area. • Post-weight loss skin redundancy: After significant weight loss&mdash;especially following liposuction&mdash;the skin may not fully retract due to loss of elasticity and gravity, leading to a “loose” or bulky appearance under the jawline.
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3. Less Invasive Solutions May Be PossibleBefore considering a facelift, there are several less invasive options worth exploring: • Skin tightening treatments (e.g. RF, ultrasound-based devices) • Chin or cheek augmentation using dermal fillers or implants to improve support and definitionThese approaches can sometimes create the visual lift and structure needed to improve jawline contour without surgery.
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4. Endoscopic Lifting as a Minimally Invasive Surgical OptionFor patients seeking a more definitive and longer-lasting result&mdash;but still wanting to avoid a traditional facelift&mdash;endoscopic midface or lower face lifting may be considered. These techniques can provide tissue repositioning with smaller incisions and less downtime.
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5. What’s Needed for a Clear PlanTo determine the most effective path forward, an in-person consultation&mdash;or at the very least, a set of high-resolution photos taken in good lighting from multiple angles&mdash;would be necessary. Only then can the right course of action be tailored to your anatomy and goals.
Wishing you continued confidence as you move through this next stage of your transformation,Op. Dr. Güray YeşiladalıBoard-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Gene Sloan, MD · Answer

The fullness interrupting the youthful sweep of your jawline is indeed a fat pocket we call the jowl. The depression just in front of that is called the prejowl sulcus. Your jawline contour would be improved with liposuction of the jowl and fat grafting to the prejowl sulcus. An in person consultation would provide a more specific and accurate recommendation and determine whether the condition is bilateral and whether an extended anatomic chin implant, as mentioned by a previous poster, would be appropriate or desired by you. Ideally your weight is stable prior to doing this. A facelift is not the solution to your problem.

Gregory S. Keller, MD, FACS · Answer

Probably, you have experienced cheek descent and buccal fat.  However, if this is just jowl fat, sometimes a kybella injection can do the trick.  You need to see an experienced Facial Plastic Surgeon for an evaluation

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is very likely that a lump over jaw belongs to jowl, in particular if present on the other side. A mass lower in the neck should be examined in person by a board certified plastic surgeon; it can be residual fat lump but also a mass associated with thyroid. Good luck.

Fat pocket over and under my jawline - how can I fix this? (Photo)

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Answer: Neck and jaw irregularities

Answer: Neck and jaw irregularities

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Fat pocket over and under my jawline - how can I fix this? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Need more information, see below

Answer: Need more information, see below

Answer: Neck and jaw irregularities

Answer: Neck and jaw irregularities

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Everything you need to know about Facelift

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