A strong, defined jawline has become a major aesthetic goal, and jawline augmentation or mandible augmentation now appears on many people’s wish lists. Whether the concern is a naturally weak chin, age‑related jowling, or a lack of definition along the jaw, there are several ways to enhance the lower face, from surgical jaw implants to non‑surgical jawline contouring with dermal fillers.

This guide gives a balanced overview of jawline / mandible augmentation, so you can understand your options and the potential risks before you speak with a qualified surgeon.

What Is Jawline / Mandible Augmentation?

Jawline or mandible augmentation refers to treatments that add structure, projection, or definition to the lower third of the face, mainly the chin, jawline, and mandibular angles.

Common goals include:

  • Making a weak or receding chin appear stronger
  • Creating a sharper, more defined jawline
  • Balancing facial proportions and improving the side profile

Surgically, this is often achieved with facial implants or by repositioning the chin bone (genioplasty). Facial implant procedures are used to enhance an underdeveloped or aging face and can correct asymmetry or volume loss, including along the mandibular border. 

Chin augmentation specifically is most often performed to balance the appearance of the face by lengthening or enlarging a small chin relative to the nose. 

Non‑surgical jawline contouring typically uses dermal fillers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) describes dermal fillers as injectable implants used to create a smoother or fuller appearance in certain facial areas, including the chin.

Surgical Jawline / Mandible Augmentation Options

1. Chin and Jaw (Mandibular) Implants

Facial implants are one of the most direct ways to enhance a weak jawline. According to a National Institutes of Health (NIH) review, implants are commonly used in the chin and mandibular angle to improve facial aesthetics or correct asymmetry and congenital discrepancies. 

How they work (in general):

  • A surgeon creates a small incision, often inside the mouth or under the chin, then forms a pocket in front of the bone and under the soft tissues.
  • An implant made from materials such as silicone, porous polyethylene, or titanium mesh is positioned and fixed to the bone with stitches or screws.
  • The goal is to increase projection at the chin and/or along the jawline to create a more defined lower face.

These implants can be shaped to:

  • Project the chin forward.
  • Sharpen the jawline and angle of the mandible.
  • Fill prejowl hollows to smooth the transition from chin to jaw.

2. Sliding Genioplasty and Orthognathic Surgery

For some people, especially those with skeletal discrepancies, repositioning the bone itself offers a more comprehensive solution than implants.

  • In sliding genioplasty, the surgeon makes a cut in the lower border of the mandible and moves a segment of chin bone forward (or occasionally backward), then stabilizes it with plates and screws.
  • Orthognathic (jaw) surgery may be combined with genioplasty to correct bite problems and more complex deformities when the issue is not just the chin but the entire mandible.

These procedures are usually carried out by oral and maxillofacial surgeons or plastic surgeons with specialized training.

3. Jawline Contouring with Liposuction and Fat Sculpting

Sometimes the jawline looks weak not because of the bone, but because it is hidden by excess fat under the chin and along the neck.

MedlinePlus describes liposuction as a cosmetic surgery that removes unwanted fat to improve body contours, and notes that it can be used under the chin and neck. 

In a jawline context, submental (under‑chin) liposuction can:

  • Reduce a “double chin”
  • Reveal the underlying jaw and mandible
  • Be combined with implants or fat transfer for more sculpted definition

Your surgeon will determine whether fat removal, structural augmentation, or both make sense for your goals.

Non‑Surgical Jawline Augmentation: Dermal Fillers

Many people explore non‑surgical jawline contouring before considering implants. Dermal fillers are regulated by the FDA as medical devices and are used to create a fuller or smoother appearance in specific areas of the face and hands.

Key points from the FDA about dermal fillers:

  • Fillers help restore volume and contour for aesthetic purposes, and may be indicated for augmentation of structures such as the cheek and chin.
  • Materials include hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, poly‑L‑lactic acid, and others, with effects that may last months to years depending on the product.
  • Fillers are approved for specific areas; some cosmetic uses are off‑label, so it is important to discuss the exact product and injection sites with a licensed provider. 

For jawline enhancement, fillers are usually placed along:

  • The chin for forward projection and shape
  • The mandibular angle to sharpen the back of the jaw
  • The jawline border to smooth jowls and create a more continuous contour

Because fillers are temporary, they can be a way to “test drive” jawline changes before committing to surgery.

Potential Benefits of Jawline / Mandible Augmentation

Based on government-supported medical references, potential cosmetic benefits include:

  • Improved facial balance: Chin augmentation is primarily used to balance the face by lengthening or enlarging a weak chin so it better matches the nose and midface.
  • More defined jawline: Removing excess submental fat or adding structural support can sharpen the transition between face and neck.
  • Correction of asymmetry or congenital differences: Facial implants are indicated for asymmetry and craniofacial growth discrepancies, including deficiencies in the mandible.

It’s important to remember that the goal is improvement, not perfection. It is advised to patients considering chin augmentation to discuss realistic expectations with their surgeon. 

Risks and Safety Considerations

Every jawline enhancement method carries risks. Understanding them helps you make an informed decision.

 

Surgical Risks (Implants, Genioplasty, Liposuction)

For chin augmentation surgery, some common complications count as bruising, swelling, and movement of the implant. Other possible issues include damage to teeth, temporary numbness of the lower lip, and rare events like blood clots or infection that may require implant removal. Poor cosmetic results, scarring, fluid collections, and unevenness are also possible. 

NIH resources on facial implants highlight that:

  • Important nerves, such as the mental nerve (supplying sensation to the lower lip and chin) and branches of the facial nerve, must be protected during surgery. Injury can affect lip movement or sensation.
  • Implants placed where chewing muscles attach must be carefully positioned; poor placement may cause discomfort or impaired function.

For liposuction, the procedure uses suction to remove excess fat for  body contouring, and, like other surgeries, has risks related to bleeding, infection, anesthesia, and contour irregularities. 

Non‑Surgical Risks 

The FDA outlines both common and serious risks of dermal fillers used in the face:

  • Common effects: bruising, redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, itching, rash, or lumps at the injection site.
  • Less common but serious effects: infection, open wounds, allergic reactions, and tissue death (necrosis).
  • Rare but severe complications: accidental injection into a blood vessel can lead to skin necrosis, permanent vision loss, or stroke.

Because of these risks, the FDA strongly recommends:

  • Working only with licensed health‑care providers experienced in dermal filler injections.
  • Using FDA‑approved fillers supplied in properly labeled, sealed syringes.
  • Never buying fillers online or injecting yourself.

Who Is a Candidate for Jawline / Mandible Augmentation?

There is no single ideal candidate, but government medical sources point to a few common criteria:

  • For chin augmentation / genioplasty, good candidates are people with small or receding chins (microgenia) who otherwise have a normal bite.
  • NIH guidance on facial implants emphasizes that growth should be complete and that active infection or inadequate tissue support are contraindications.
  • For liposuction, the procedure is intended for people who want to reduce localized fat deposits and is not a weight‑loss method for those who are very overweight. 

Across all options, surgeons will assess:

  • Overall health and medical history
  • Jaw and dental alignment
  • Skin quality and soft tissue thickness
  • Realistic expectations and readiness for surgical or non‑surgical procedures

Recovery and What to Expect

Recovery varies by procedure and by individual, but here’s a general framework for chin surgery:

  • Swelling and soreness are expected; your surgeon will advise appropriate pain relief.
  • Some numbness in the chin can last for weeks to months.
  • Most people return to work and usual activities in about 7–10 days, with swelling continuing to settle over several weeks.

For liposuction, patients commonly wear a compression garment after surgery to limit swelling and support tissue as it contracts into the new contour. 

Dermal filler recovery is usually shorter but swelling, bruising, and tenderness are common for a few days after treatment. 

Your own surgeon or injector is the best source for specific timelines and restrictions based on the exact technique used.

Contact Us

    Best time to contact? AnytimeMorningAfternoonEvening

    Choosing the Right Approach

    Jawline / mandible augmentation is not one procedure but a spectrum of options:

    • Jaw implants and genioplasty offer structural, often long‑lasting changes but involve surgery and recovery.
    • Liposuction can unmask a hidden jawline by removing fat under the chin and along the neck.
    • Dermal fillers provide non‑surgical jawline contouring and are adjustable over time, but require repeat treatments and carry their own risks.

    Enhance your facial definition with Seattle Plastic Surgery 

    Our skilled, board-certified surgeons specialize in creating balanced, sculpted lower-face contours using advanced surgical techniques and a personalized approach. Whether you’re seeking a sharper jawline, improved symmetry, or stronger chin definition, our team delivers results that look natural and harmonize beautifully with your features.

    Take the next step toward a more refined profile. Schedule your consultation by calling (206) 561-9127, using our online form to get a free quote using a price simulator, or sending us a message through chat. Our team is here to guide you through every step of your transformation. 

    FAQs

     

    How long does jawline augmentation last?

    The results depend on the technique. Jaw implants and surgical mandible augmentation are permanent, while dermal fillers typically last 12–24 months before a touch-up is needed.

    How much does jawline augmentation cost?

    Pricing varies based on the method used, depending on implants, anesthesia, and surgeon fees.

    What is a jawline augmentation?

    Jawline augmentation is a procedure that enhances the shape, definition, and balance of the lower face. It can be performed non-surgically with fillers or surgically using implants or bone contouring.

    What is implant mandible augmentation?

    Implant mandible augmentation uses custom or pre-shaped implants placed along the jawline or chin to create permanent definition, correct asymmetry, and improve overall facial structure.

    What is the cost of jawline surgery?

    The cost of jawline surgery varies based on the specific technique used, the complexity of your facial anatomy, and whether the procedure involves implants, bone contouring, or combined enhancement. During your consultation, our providers will suggest a personalized treatment plan and outline all factors that determine your final surgical investment.

    How painful is mandible surgery?

    Patients typically experience mild to moderate discomfort, swelling, and tightness for the first week. Pain is usually well managed with prescribed medication, and most people return to normal activities within 1–2 weeks.

    STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

    Give us a call at 206-350-7606 or chat by clicking the icon in the lower left hand corner of your screen. Additionally, you can contact us by filling out the form above.