Injectables can help define the neck and jawline, giving a lifted and more defined profile for both men and women. There are several reasons patients seek out jawline augmentation: in younger patients, decreased definition can be due to a lack of bone or volume underlying the jawline and/or chin. In older patients, it can occur as our bones shrink and support for surrounding skin disappears. When the facial tissue is not supported structurally, jowling and loose skin under the chin and on the neck can be more apparent.
During the treatment, specially selected dermal fillers are injected in small volumes at several places along the jawline. This process improves the contour of the area by filling in the skin from the inside out without affecting the character of the face. Dermal fillers can also be injected along the back of the jawline towards the ear to maximize the overall lifting effect. The dermal fillers are gradually absorbed by the body and most patients find they “touch up” their injections about once a year, although there are individual differences.
While dermal fillers are one tool to create sculpted jawlines, treatment can involve multiple approaches. Botox® or other neuromodulators injected along the jawline can relax the muscles that create a downward pull on the jawline. Additionally, Botox® can soften thick, vertical platysmal bands in the neck, creating a smoother appearance.
For best results in noninvasive lower face and neck rejuvenation, other procedures such as non-invasive skin tightening (Thermage®, Ultherapy®) and non-invasive fat-reduction treatments (Kybella® or CoolSculpting®) may be recommended in combination with injectables. Moreover, volume augmentation in other parts of the face (such as the midface, temples, and chin) may be necessary to restore a youthful look while maintaining a natural facial balance.