Not so long ago, the only way to contour your jawline was through cosmetic surgery. Luckily, there have been great advances in non-surgical medical aesthetics that will snatch your jawline and leave you feeling slimmer, defined, younger, and most importantly, more confident.
In my practice, I have had patients come to me with real concerns that affect their self-esteem, things like sagging jowls, a squaring of the jawline, and a double chin. It’s important to know that these are all normal occurrences due to aging but there is now a great selection of treatments that can help bring more definition to your jawline.
What are these treatments? Let’s review.
Botox
Botox is one of the first treatments we might consider for jawline slimming as the results are subtle and natural. Of course, consultation and assessment are necessary before I can determine if this is the right approach for you. Typically, the best candidates are patients who have a square or round shape to their face, those with mild or early sagging at the jawline, or those with prominent platysmal bands (the two strips of muscle that run vertically down both sides of your neck. )
If your face looks more square (or round) than it once was, a Botox injection into your masseter muscle will relax the muscle and reduce the bulkiness. The result is a softer, more oval shape.
If you have sagginess at the jawline, we might inject Botox into the platysmas muscle—the long, flat muscle that spans from your collarbone to your lower face. This can help decrease the pull of the muscle that contributes to that sagging.
If your mental crease is becoming more prominent, we can inject Botox into this area to relax the mentalis muscle and restore the contour of your chin. This mental crease—a horizontal crease underneath your lower lip and above your chin—is caused by a contraction in your mentalis muscle and often gives off an expression of doubt or displeasure.
The beauty of Botox is that there is no downtime after the treatment. However, it’s important to note that the effects of the treatment are temporary and require repeat visits every three to four months.
Belkyra
Belkyra, (marketed under the name Kybella in the US) is the first and only treatment in Canada that’s approved to dissolve fat and contour your jawline. The procedure involves injecting precise amounts of deoxycholic acid which works to break down cells in fatty tissue. It’s safe and effective but unlike some of the other treatments, Belkyra is more of a process: It requires an average of four sessions to get the results most patients desire, spaced out six to eight weeks in between each treatment.
It’s important for patients considering this treatment to understand the possible side effects.
- Visible swelling for five to seven days (for some people that may last longer)
- Tenderness in the treatment area for two to three days
- Some patients may experience bruising
The good news is that the results are permanent, natural-looking, and very effective!
What non-surgical treatment should you choose? That is the million-dollar question, isn’t it? The only way to really know what is the best approach to contour your jawline is to get a professional consultation.
Dermal Filler
Filler is another wonderful option if you’re looking to snatch their profile. The best candidates are those with mild to moderate sagginess. Contrary to Belkyra which melts away under-chin fat and Botox which relaxes the muscles, fillers add extra support to your face. Because aging normally results in volume loss on your face, it, therefore, weakens the structure of your lower face. By using filler to increase the volume in your cheeks, jawline, and chin, your jawline will be tighter, smoother, and more contoured.
I always start the treatment with the cheeks because sagginess starts at the frame of your face. If necessary, I’ll add filler to the jawline and chin area to bring more structure.
Some things to consider:
- Fillers in the jawline last at least two years. With the newest generation of fillers, we’re noticing longer-lasting results.
- Depending on the bruising and swelling, your downtime can range from three to seven days.
Microneedling with radiofrequency
The newest kid on the block when it comes to contouring the jawline is microneedling with radiofrequency. Using our Morpheus8 tool, we can help reduce your submental fullness without any incisions. The treatment involves using a cluster of fine needles to penetrate the skin at a precise depth while radiofrequency energy is released. This triggers the production of more collagen and causes your skin to tighten. No doubt you’ll be pleased with the results: a slimmer and more contoured jawline and neck.
If you are considering this treatment, you’ll want to know that:
- Post-treatment downtime can last anywhere from one to three days.
- You might look like you have a sunburn under your chin after the procedure. This is a normal side effect.
- To get the full effect, you’ll need three sessions spaced one month apart.
- Maintenance treatments will be one treatment every six to 12 months.
Which treatment is right for you?
If your double chin bothers you and makes you feel self-conscious about your neckline, we can help chart out a treatment plan for you.
But what non-surgical treatment should you choose? That is the million-dollar question, isn’t it? The only way to really know what is the best approach to contour your jawline is to get a professional consultation. When you come to Be Beautiful Medical, we’ll listen to your concerns, understand your motivations, and map out a treatment plan that safely and effectively aligns with what you need to look—and more importantly, feel—better about how your jawline looks.
Can we help you on your quest for a sleeker, more youthful jawline? Dr. Suess is open to all your questions. Reach out to her to set up a conversation.