Chin fillers. Believe it or not, chin fillers have increased in popularity despite not being as widely known or embraced as cheek or lip fillers. The reason? Chin fillers can add dimensions, and depth, and balance out facial features as well as re-shape (to an extent) the overall profile – especially when combined with jawline fillers.
Like most injectable trends, social media has a lot to do with the slow but steady increase in demand for chin and jaw fillers. After all, it is all about creating a picture-perfect face profile.
Aesthetic medicine specialist and owner of Aesthetic Facial Enhancement, Dr Alek Nikolic, shares his thoughts on the trend, shedding light on the benefits and providing more on the actual procedure as well as what to consider when wanting to achieve the jawline of your dreams.
What are chin and jaw fillers?
Chin and jaw fillers – also known as soft tissue fillers – are cosmetic injections designed to add support, volume, and contouring to specific areas of the face. These fillers typically consist of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body. By strategically injecting fillers into targeted areas, cosmetic practitioners can sculpt and enhance the appearance of the jawline.
“Many believe fillers create an unnatural-looking volume when injected but the truth is chin and jaw fillers are used to create a smoother, tighter-looking jawline. The filler is used to shape the chin and tighten the surrounding skin and help lift the jowl,” explains Dr Nikolic.
What are the benefits of chin and jaw fillers?
Chin and jaw fillers provide a quick and effective way to enhance the definition of the jawline. They can address issues like weak chins, undefined jawlines, or asymmetry of the face, creating a more balanced facial profile.
“The chin is the central pillar of the face. If the chin is out of proportion then the rest of the face will appear to be too. By injecting dermal filler in the jawline it will create structure and definition along the jawline and chin,” adds Dr Nikolic.
This “tweakment” is a great non-invasive alternative to surgical procedures like jaw implants or genioplasty. This means minimal downtime, reduced risks, and a more convenient option for those seeking facial enhancement without undergoing surgery.
One of the key advantages of chin and jaw fillers lies in the immediacy of results. Patients can notice a visible improvement in their jawline contours shortly after the procedure, making it an ideal option for individuals with busy lifestyles.
What to expect
The dream jawline starts with a consultation with a qualified and experienced medical practitioner to discuss desired results, expectations, and any concerns one may have.
It is important to note that every chin and jaw filler treatment is different depending on the patient’s desired results including working to precise measurements and in tandem with one’s bone structure.
“The number one question that I get asked when it comes to any procedure is whether or not it will hurt – but this ultimately depends on the patient’s pain threshold. For those patients concerned about the pain, they can be administered with a topical numbing cream to make the treatment more comfortable,” says Dr Nikolic.
The actual procedure may involve a series of injections along the jawline and into the chin depending on the desired results.
“As the patient arrives the front of staff will apply a strong anaesthetic (numbing) cream to the skin to minimise any discomfort. When we are ready to start the treatment the anaesthetic cream is wiped off, followed by alcohol to sterilise the skin. The choice of filler is dependent on the area to be treated - today we have specific fillers that are formulated to achieve specific desired effects like contouring or lifting facial structures. I prefer to make marks on the skin which act as a road map and guide me for the placement of the filler to reshape the chin and redefine and lift the jawline,” explains Dr Nikolic.
Potential side effects
The side effects and risks of facial filler treatments are as follows:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Infection: This can be seen with any injectable and thankfully is rare.
- Necrosis of tissue: This is also extremely rare and is reversible with a dissolving solution.
- Blindness: This side effect has never been reported with filler treatments of the lower face.
- Chin and jaw filler treatments typically have minimal downtime. Some patients may experience mild swelling or bruising, but these effects are temporary and usually subside within five to seven days.
Things to consider
The number one consideration must always be to research and contact a qualified practitioner. Selecting a skilled and experienced practitioner is crucial for a successful outcome. Ensure the chosen professional is certified and has a track record of performing safe and effective filler procedures.
While chin and jaw fillers can significantly enhance your jawline, it's important to have realistic expectations and an open conversation about how long results could last. Discussing goals with the practitioner will help ensure they align with achievable results.
The effects of hyaluronic acid fillers are not permanent, they usually last from twelve to eighteen months depending on the type of filler used. Individuals seeking a long-term solution may need periodic touch-ups to maintain their desired jawline.
“Unlocking your dream jawline with chin and jaw fillers is a safe and effective way to enhance your facial aesthetics and a great route to take for non-invasive but noticeable changes to your facial features and profile,” says Dr Nikolic. “By understanding the benefits, procedure, and considerations involved, you can make informed decisions about this cosmetic solution”.
Consult with a qualified practitioner to embark on the journey to a more defined and confident version of yourself.
About the Expert:
Dr Alek Nikolic is a renowned specialist in aesthetic medicine and is at the forefront of the latest developments in his field. With a focus on skin care, skin ingredients and cosmetic dermatology treatments such as lasers, chemical peels, Botox, and Dermal Fillers, he has performed over 20,000 procedures to date. He is responsible for training many medical practitioners both locally and internationally.
After receiving his MBBCh from the University of the Witwatersrand (1992), he went on to do an MBA at the University of Cape Town (2000). With over 24 years in private practice, he has lectured and performed live demonstrations across the globe, including Bangkok, Rome, Paris, Monte Carlo, Prague, and Warsaw.
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