If the face lacks contour and the youthful V-shape is fading, many people consider getting their jawline augmented. Everything you need to know about the treatment – and why it might be the right choice for you.
Jawline Augmentation: Why?
Jawline augmentation is used to accentuate the chin line. Because a well-defined chin line, also often referred to as the jawline, is considered attractive. Its straight trajectory from the chin to the ear gives the youthful face its typical V-shape. And a distinct contour. And thus an expression of dynamism and vitality. Unfortunately, the jawline tends to lose firmness and definition over time.
Age and Genetics Cause the Contours to Fade
The aging process leads to changes in the structure and composition of the skin, muscles, ligaments, and fat tissue. The muscles of the chin lose elasticity and firmness, causing them to weaken. The ligaments that connect the fat tissue and skin to the bones also become lax over time.
Due to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, the skin becomes thinner and less resilient. At the same time, the distribution of fat in the face changes, and it can accumulate around the chin and jawline. These changes lead to less defined contours of the chin and jawline.
The combination of weakened muscles, lax ligaments, and shifting of fat tissue can result in dimples and unevenness in the jawline. The natural aging process can be influenced by environmental factors, lifestyle, and genetics. Because not everyone is naturally born with a well-defined jawline.
Jawline Augmentation with Hyaluronic Acid
Ob genetisch oder altersbedingt, in beiden Fällen kann man eine unförmige Jawline unterspritzen lassen. The treatment, also known as jawline contouring, is quick and low-risk. The jawline can be tightened, resulting in a rejuvenated appearance. Without the need for surgical intervention. In my practice in Munich, jawline augmentation is a frequently requested treatment. It often goes hand in hand with a cheek augmentation. Not only women are affected by this. Many men also come to me to have their jawline treated.
During jawline contouring, a filler is injected along the chin line to strategically increase volume and smooth out any indentations. This helps to create a more defined facial contour. The advantage of this procedure is that it can be performed quickly. It typically takes only 30-60 minutes. It also provides immediate results. And it does not require any downtime. Most patients can resume their daily activities immediately after the treatment.
Fillers for Immediate Effect with Long-Lasting Results
Modern fillers also allow for customized results. With long durability. The individual needs and desires of the patient can be optimally addressed during Jawline Contouring. By precisely injecting fillers, I can shape and lift the jawline to achieve a harmonious and natural-looking result.
Compared to surgical procedures such as facelifts or chin implants, injecting fillers into the jawline is much less risky. This makes the treatment an increasingly popular option for patients who want to enhance their appearance without undergoing surgery.
Relaxing the Chin Muscle with Botulinum Toxin
Hyaluronic acid for the Jawline
Special fillers have been developed by various manufacturers specifically for injecting the jawline. They are characterized by strong lifting capacity and long-lasting results. In my practice in Munich, I mainly use the products Juvederm Volux and HArmonyCa.
Volux is a filler with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid (25 mg/ml) and strong lifting capacity. It is primarily intended for the augmentation of the chin area. It is characterized by its high viscosity and elasticity, which contribute to a pronounced and long-lasting definition of the jawline. Additionally, it is biocompatible and biodegradable, which minimizes the risk of allergic reactions or intolerances.
HArmonyCa is a new filler that contains not only hyaluronic acid but also hydroxyapatite. It provides an immediate lifting effect as well as a long-term tightening effect. Because the hydroxyapatite in HArmonyCa stimulates the production of new collagen fibers. They stabilize the tissue during Jawline contouring, acting like a scaffold. And that for up to 24 months.
Not all fillers are suitable for every patient. The choice of the optimal product for jawline augmentation depends on individual factors and needs to be determined on a case-by-case basis. And since there are significant price differences among fillers, the cost of jawline augmentation will ultimately depend on how much one is willing to invest in the procedure. I provide open and transparent advice to my patients regarding the alternatives available and the expected costs involved.
How Does Jawline Contouring Work?
Whether patients prefer their Jawline Contouring done with HArmonyCa or Volux, the procedure is the same in both cases. First, the skin is thoroughly cleansed and disinfected to minimize the risk of infections. Infections are a potential risk in any treatment involving injections. It is therefore of utmost importance to eliminate germs and bacteria in the treatment area.
Local anesthesia is not strictly necessary for augmenting the jawline. Nevertheless, I offer it to all my patients as it significantly increases comfort during the treatment. The anesthesia is administered by injecting an anesthetic along the jawline.
Injection Technique
The chin line can be injected using either a sharp needle or a blunt cannula. The sharp needle is used to inject filler vertically at multiple points. Depots of approximately 0.05-0.1ml are formed as needed.
With the injection using a blunt cannula, which I, personally, prefer, a long blunt cannula is inserted through a single entry point along the jawline towards the chin. As the cannula is withdrawn, filler is injected multiple times in quantities of 0.05-0.1ml. Injecting the jawline with a blunt cannula has the advantage of not only mechanically correcting unevenness, but also loosening and regenerating the tissue.
During a typical jawline contouring treatment in my practice, 1ml of filler is usually required per side. In total, therefore, 2ml. Depending on the individual circumstances of the patient, more or less material may be required. But in general, it is typically estimated to use 1ml per side.
Quick Results, Long-lasting Effect
The entire treatment takes less than an hour. The results are immediately visible. Since the filler takes a few days to fully integrate into the tissue, the final result becomes evident gradually over time. It typically lasts 12–18 months with Volux. The effect is often still visible after 24 months with HArmonyCa as well.
Alternative Methods
There are other methods to tighten the jawline alongside dermal fillers. The methods include:
Thread lifting: Thread lifting involves the insertion of special absorbable threads under the skin to lift and tighten the tissue. The threads dissolve over time as the skin naturally produces new collagen to maintain the achieved results.
Chin implants: Chin implants are a surgical option in which an implant is placed beneath the skin and fat tissue on the chin to create more definition and volume. This method is permanent but requires surgery and a longer recovery time.
Radiofrequency therapy: In this non-invasive method, radiofrequency energy is used to stimulate collagen production in the skin. This tightens the skin and enhances the definition of the jawline. Multiple sessions are typically required to achieve optimal results.
Ultherapy: Ultherapy is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes ultrasound energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin and stimulate collagen production. This results in skin tightening and improved definition of the jawline. The results develop over several months and can last up to two years.
Neck liposuction: Neck liposuction involves removing excess fat in the neck and chin area to create a slimmer and more defined jawline. This procedure is invasive and requires a recovery period, but it provides long-lasting results.
Advantages of the Augmentation with Filler
The injection of the jawline with HArmonyCa or Juvederm Volux offers several advantages over alternative procedures:
Quick results: The results are immediately visible. They can be assessed during the treatment and adjusted if desired.
Minimal downtime: The treatment does not require any recovery time and allows patients to quickly return to their daily activities.
Reduced risks: Compared to surgical procedures, the risks of complications or side effects are lower with Jawline contouring using fillers.
Lower costs: Depending on the type and amount of filler used, Jawline contouring in my practice costs between €500 and €1,100 (approximate values, individual billing according to GOÄ). That is affordable compared to the costs associated with the aforementioned alternatives.
Treatment Risks and Side Effects
Although jawline filler injections are generally considered safe, there are some risks that should be considered. These can be common side effects of the jawline filler injection and usually resolve on their own within a few days. These side effects are typically temporary and should subside within a few days.
Another risk that can occur with an injection is allergic reactions. Allergic reactions to fillers are rare, but they can occur. Particularly delayed allergic reactions. These reactions may not occur immediately after the treatment but rather days, weeks, or even months later. Symptoms of a delayed allergic reaction can include swelling, redness, itching, and pain in the treated area. In rare cases, granuloma formation or an inflammatory reaction may occur, requiring medical treatment. In some cases, it may be necessary to dissolve the injected filler using Hyaluronidase.
It is important to discuss any potential allergies with your doctor or medical professional before undergoing the treatment so that they can take appropriate precautions in selecting the right filler for you. If you have a history of allergic reactions, it is crucial to inform your doctor to avoid potential complications.
For completeness, the risk of arterial occlusion should also be mentioned, which exists with every injection of filler. An interruption of blood supply due to a blocked vessel should be considered a medical emergency. It must be treated immediately. It is usually characterized by a bluish discoloration and persistent pain in the affected area. However, it can also be stated that arterial complications following Jawline injections are very rare and have rarely been reported.
For Whom is Jawline Augmentation Suitable?
Jawline augmentation is suitable for both men and women who desire a tighter and more defined chin and jaw area. The treatment is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing age-related or congenital volume loss in the jawline region.
However, the treatment is not well-suited for individuals with significant skin sagging or pronounced elastosis. In such cases, alternative procedures should be considered, as jawline augmentation may not yield satisfactory results, especially not at reasonable costs.
Who is Not Suitable for the Treatment?
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid undergoing filler injections, as the ingredients of the fillers or the local anesthetic lidocaine could potentially be harmful to the baby. Similarly, individuals with known allergies or sensitivities to the ingredients of the fillers are not suitable candidates for the treatment. People with acute skin infections or inflammation in the treatment area should allow them to subside before undergoing the treatment.
A comprehensive consultation with a qualified doctor is essential before undergoing the treatment to assess potential risks and contraindications.
Treatment Costs
The prices for jawline augmentation vary primarily based on the type and quantity of filler used. In general, the costs in my practice in Munich range from €500 to €1100 for jawline augmentation. This estimate is assuming that 1ml to 2ml of filler will be used for the chin area during the treatment. In some cases, a larger quantity of filler may be required to achieve the desired results.
It is important to note that the mentioned amounts are only intended as a guideline. The actual costs for a jawline contouring treatment will be calculated and billed according to the German Medical Fee Schedule (GOÄ). That means that individual costs for patients receiving Jawline contouring treatment in my practice may vary.
Since jawline contouring is considered a cosmetic procedure and not a medically necessary treatment, it is generally not covered by health insurance or private insurance plans.
Conclusion: An Attractive Chin Contour Through Jawline Augmentation
The jawline enhancement using modern fillers such as Volux or HArmonyCa offers an effective way to tighten the chin line and contour the lower face.
The treatment is non-invasive and provides immediate results with relatively low risks. However, it is essential to make the right choice of filler and physician to achieve optimal results and ensure the safety of the treatment.
To find out if jawline contouring is the right choice for you, please feel free to schedule a consultation appointment. Together, we can discuss your individual needs and goals and choose the best treatment method for your face.
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About the Author:
Dr. med. univ. Eva Maria Strobl is the owner of LIPS and SKIN Aesthetic Medicine practice in Munich. She is a trained specialist in general medicine (MedUni Vienna) and has over 10 years of specialization in non-surgical aesthetic procedures. Dr. Strobl is a member of the German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum Therapy e.V. (DGBT), the German Society of Anti-Aging Medicine e.V. (GSAAM) and of Network Global Health. She publishes regularly on her blog and on DocCheck.
Sources of this article:
Sattler/Sommer, Bildatlas der ästhetischen Augmentationsverfahren mit Fillern, KVM Verlag
De Maio, MD Codes™: A Methodological Approach to Facial Aesthetic Treatment with Injectable Hyaluronic Acid Fillers, Link
Seo, Facial Volumization with Fillers, Springer
