Having a defined jawline is often considered an attractive facial feature. As we age, the skin around the jawline can lose elasticity and sag, making the jawline appear less defined. Dermal fillers are an increasingly popular way to restore a youthful, chiseled jawline. But how much filler do you actually need to see results?
What causes a less defined jawline?
There are a few factors that contribute to a poorly defined jawline:
- Loss of elasticity in skin and soft tissue due to aging
- Loss of facial fat, leading to hollowness under the jaw
- Excess fat under the chin area, blurring the jawline
- Genetics and bone structure
As we get older, our skin naturally loses collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and elastic. This causes the skin along the jawline to sag. We also start to lose fat in the face, including along the jawline. This can make the area below the jaw look more hollow. Fat loss along with skin laxity leads to jowl formation and a lack of definition of the jawline.
How do dermal fillers enhance the jawline?
Dermal fillers can be injected along the jawline and chin to add volume and definition. The filler materials used most often for the jawline include:
- Hyaluronic acid (Restylane, Juvederm): These fillers add volume and can stimulate collagen production for smoother, firmer skin.
- Calcium hydroxyapatite (Radiesse): This thick filler adds volume and can stimulate long-term collagen production.
- Poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra): These collagen-stimulating fillers gradually add volume.
The provider injects small amounts of filler at various points along the jawline and angles of the jaw. This replaces lost volume to make the jawline appear more defined and tightens sagging skin. Results from fillers are not permanent, lasting 6-24 months on average before a touch-up is needed.
What factors determine how much filler you need?
The amount of filler needed for jawline enhancement depends on several factors:
- Your goals: Slight definition versus a dramatic transformation requires different amounts of filler. Discuss realistic goals with your provider.
- Your bone structure: The underlying bone structure impacts how much filler is needed. Narrow jawbones need more filler for definition.
- Your natural jawline: If you have mild sagging skin, you may need less filler than someone with very heavy jowls.
- Type of filler used: Thicker fillers like calcium hydroxyapatite provide more projection than lighter hyaluronic acid.
- Amount of skin laxity: More filler is needed to provide definition and lift very loose, sagging skin.
Your provider will assess your individual facial anatomy and recommend the appropriate amount and type of filler to achieve your desired look.
What is the typical amount of filler needed?
While the amount of filler needed is highly variable, most people need between 1-4 syringes for jawline enhancement. Here are some general guidelines on how much filler is typically used:
- Mild definition: Approximately 1 syringe of filler. Good for preventative enhancement in younger individuals.
- Moderate enhancement: 1-2 syringes of filler. Provides noticeable enhancement for mild to moderate skin laxity.
- Significant enhancement: 2-4 syringes of filler. Best for individuals with very sagging skin, hollowness under the jaw, or wishing for a highly sculpted look.
Most providers recommend starting with 1-2 syringes of filler and then having the patient return 2-4 weeks later for a touch-up assessment. More filler can be added at the follow-up visit if needed to achieve the desired results.
Does weight impact the amount of filler needed?
Yes, your weight can impact the amount of filler required for optimal jawline definition. Individuals who have excess fat under the chin or along the jawline typically require more filler to create definition.
The filler is used to camouflage the heavier jawline and recreate a sharper angle. Overweight patients may need up to 50% more filler to achieve results comparable to a person of average weight.
Losing weight prior to jawline filler can reduce the amount of product needed. But filler can still be beneficial for contouring, even if you have excess fat in the area.
Does the number of treatment areas impact filler amount?
Yes, the number of areas treated along the jawline impacts total filler needed. The more treatment areas, the more product is required.
Typical treatment areas include:
- Jawline contouring – enhancing the edge of the jaw
- Jawline definition – accentuating the jaw angle
- Pre-jowl sulcus – filling the hollows below the jaw
- Chin augmentation – adding projection if the chin is small
Treating just one or two zones requires less filler than treating all four areas for complete rejuvenation. Discuss your specific treatment zones with your provider.
Does the type of filler impact the amount needed?
Yes, thicker fillers like calcium hydroxyapatite (Radiesse) provide more volume and projection per syringe. Thinner hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvederm, Restylane) require more syringes to provide the same level of enhancement.
Here is a general comparison of filler thickness and projected volume per syringe:
| Filler Material | Thickness | Volume per Syringe |
| Hyaluronic acid | Thinner | 0.8-1 mL |
| Calcium hydroxyapatite | Thicker | 1.3 mL |
While calcium hydroxyapatite provides more volume per syringe, it may not be ideal for all patients. Discuss options with your provider to select the best filler and amount for your treatment goals.
Should filler be combined with other procedures?
Using dermal filler alone can provide moderate enhancement of the jawline. But combining it with other procedures can provide more dramatic rejuvenation.
Potential combination treatments include:
- Microneedling: Helps improve skin texture and collagen production to better hold filler.
- Ultherapy: Ultrasound skin tightening helps lift and tighten loose skin around the jaw.
- Kybella: Injections to dissolve fat under the chin can complement filler for contouring.
- Laser resurfacing: Can be done after filler placement to improve skin smoothness.
Such combination treatments may allow for lower amounts of filler to be used to achieve optimal results. Discuss the potential benefits of additional procedures with your provider.
What should you expect during your appointment?
The procedure for jawline filler is relatively quick and comfortable. Here is what to expect:
- Your face will be cleansed and a numbing cream applied for 20-30 minutes prior to minimize discomfort.
- The injection sites are marked based on your targeted treatment zones.
- A thin needle is used to inject small amounts of filler into the desired areas along the jawline.
- Your provider will massage the area to evenly distribute the filler.
- Icing and arnica can help minimize temporary swelling and bruising.
- Results are visible right away, but it can take 2-4 weeks to see the final enhancement as swelling subsides.
Plan for your initial appointment to take 30-60 minutes. Have follow-up visits 2-4 weeks later to assess if any touch-up filler is needed.
How long do results last?
Jawline filler results are temporary, lasting 6-24 months for most patients. Hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm Voluma XC tend to last 12-24 months. Radiesse typically lasts 18-24 months. Sculptra results can last up to 2 years.
The duration of results depends on factors like:
- The amount of filler used
- The type of filler material
- Your metabolism
Touch-up and repeat injections help maintain your enhanced jawline. Over time, you may need less filler to achieve results as the skin becomes conditioned.
Are there any risks or side effects?
Dermal fillers approved for use are considered very safe with minimal risks. However, some potential side effects include:
- Bruising, redness, swelling at injection sites
- Temporary numbness or tingling
- Asymmetry due to uneven distribution of filler
- Nodule formation if too much filler is used
- Rare allergic reaction to filler ingredients
Choosing an experienced provider who has expertise with jawline filler injections reduces the likelihood of side effects. Any potential complications can also be addressed right away before they become exacerbated.
How much does jawline filler cost?
The average cost per syringe of filler is typically between $600-$800. However, the total cost depends on a few factors:
- Geographic location – Costs are higher in major metro areas
- The provider’s experience level – An expert injector often charges more
- Number of syringes used – More syringes increases the total cost
Many practices offer discounts when you purchase 2 or more syringes. Overall, expect to spend around $1,200-$3,000 or more for dramatic jawline enhancement using multiple syringes.
Should you get jawline filler?
If you are bothered by a less defined jawline, filler can be an effective temporary solution. Best candidates for jawline filler include:
- Those in their 30s-50s showing early signs of sagging skin or jowls
- People concerned about an inherited narrow jawline
- Individuals who have lost facial volume due to aging or weight loss
- Anyone looking to temporarily enhance their appearance before a special event
Jawline filler should be avoided if you have certain medical conditions, take blood thinners, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have bleeding disorders. Discuss your full medical history with your provider.
Conclusion
The amount of filler needed for jawline enhancement depends on your specific goals and anatomy. Most patients require 1-4 syringes for significant definition. Combining filler with other treatments may allow you to use lower amounts for optimal rejuvenation.
Work with an experienced aesthetic provider to determine the right filler amounts and types to meet your facial rejuvenation goals safely and effectively.
