Lower Face Contouring Bellevue & Kirkland

The rules of aesthetics break the face into thirds. An ideal face will be well balanced between the thirds without any overly prominent features or recessed features. Most people do not naturally fall into this category and a perfectly aesthetic face is rare. However, when considering cosmetic treatments, the rule of thirds can help providers and patients make decisions based on their goals and preferred look. The lower face—consisting of everything below the nose—is a commonly addressed area. There are several options to contour the lower face. The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery provides the best lower face contouring Bellevue and Kirkland offers.

Overview: Goals Of Lower Face Contouring

When contouring the lower face, the two most commonly treated areas are the jaw and chin. The chin—in particular—often benefits from slight augmentation. A small chin recession is common and some may have more noticeable receding of the chin either genetically or as they age. This can make patients appear older, affect their side profile, and make them seem heavier than they are.

Both men and women frequently seek out a more defined jawline. A relatively new and popular beauty standard—a sharp and angular jawline—society generally finds attractive regardless of gender. Some people may also experience overgrowth of the masseter muscle which can make the face look bulky and too masculine. These concerns can often be addressed with non-invasive facial contouring procedures.

Finally, fixing the dreaded double chin is among the most common lower face contouring procedures. Whether a person is born with it or later develops it, a double chin can cause insecurity and frustration. Multiple options are available to correct a double chin.

Additionally, each patient will have their own goals for the procedure. Dr. Jonov and the providers at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery work to customize each treatment plan and procedure to Dr. Jonov and his team at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery create personalized treatment plans. These plans are designed to help patients achieve their goals and receive excellent care.

Benefits & Risks

The benefits and risks of lower face contouring will vary based on the procedures a patient undergoes. Specifics of the patient’s health and lifestyle also factor in. In general, most procedures used to contour the lower face are low-risk and effective. Though, the providers at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery always take the time to discuss all of the relevant benefits and risks.

Overall, patients may experience benefits such as:

  • Slimmer looking face
  • More defined chin and/or jawline
  • Look younger
  • Increase in confidence and self-esteem
  • Remove excess skin and/or fat
  • Can help improve skin quality
  • Tighten the skin
  • Enhance the overall appearance of the face
  • Reduce a double chin
  • All procedures are fairly quick and do not necessarily require general anesthesia
  • Customizable treatment plan based on each patient’s needs
  • Surgical and non-surgical options available
  • In-patient environment
  • Low risk
  • Performed by the foremost expert cosmetic surgeons in Bellevue at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery

The risks of lower face contouring—like the benefits—differ depending on the procedure. However, some of the possible risks include:

  • Infection
  • Asymmetry
  • Inadequate or unexpected result
  • Complications associated with anesthesia
  • Allergic reactions
  • Blood vessel occlusion
  • Nerve damage
  • Nodule formation
  • Need for further or revisional surgeries or procedures
  • Fluid collection under the skin
  • Visible or unsightly scarring

Major risks or complications are rare. Many will resolve with basic treatment and leave no lasting effects. To further prevent the risk of complications, the patient’s provider will perform a health screening to determine candidacy and the overall safety of any given procedure for each patient.

Before

A Before Photo of Chin Liposuction Plastic Surgery by Dr. Craig Jonov in Bellevue and Kirkland

After

An After Photo of Chin Liposuction Plastic Surgery by Dr. Craig Jonov in Bellevue and Kirkland

Types Of Lower Face Contouring

Contouring the lower face can take many forms. Non-surgical and surgical procedures can help balance the look of the lower face and neck. Patients often undergo more than one procedure to achieve their goals, though, this varies based on the patient’s goals. Below is a more in-depth look at some of the most frequently performed procedures used to contour the lower face.

Non-Surgical Lower Face Contouring

  • Fillers: Hyaluronic acid fillers and semi-permanent fillers can augment the chin and shape the jawline. This option is perfect for patients with only a slight recession of the chin or who want to hide a mild double chin. Fillers can also address more localized concerns such as chin dimples. The injections will need refreshed an average of once or twice per year and are considered a safe, effective treatment.
  • Botox: Botox injections are more associated with the upper face. However, in the case of an overgrown or overly large masseter muscle, Botox can help reduce its activity and size. This can help slim the face and improve the contour of the jawline.
  • Deoxycholic acid: Deoxycholic acid injections are the only non-surgical way to eliminate a double chin. As a bile acid, deoxycholic acid helps break down fat. Using localized injections of deoxycholic acid, patients can non-surgical address excess fat under the chin. With that said, this does require multiple treatments and is better at treating smaller amounts of submental fat.
  • Threads: Threads—sometimes called PDO threads or a thread lift—can help lift sagging skin that shows the earliest signs of aging. This can help better define the jawline and prevent the need for facelift surgery in the near future. Small, barbed threads are inserted under the skin. The barbs help pull the skin in the desired direction. Over the course of several weeks, the threads dissolve and leave behind the results. Like injectables, this does not provide permanent results, but it can complement other non-surgical procedures. 
  • Radiofrequency Microneedling: Radiofrequency microneedling combines a skin tightening procedure with high quality skincare. Maintaining skin quality helps maintain the face’s contours. It also can address concerns such as sun damage, scarring, and wrinkles. The radiofrequency component may help slightly sculpt the face because it penetrates the deeper layers of skin to treat underlying fat. This is normally used in conjunction with other lower face contouring treatments.

Surgical Lower Face Contouring

  • Liposuction: Liposuction is a minimally invasive surgery that inserts a cannula beneath the skin to break up and remove unwanted fat. While it can treat larger areas like the abdomen and thighs, it can also remove fat from certain areas of the face. When it comes to lower face contouring, under the chin is the most commonly treated area. This does permanently remove the fat, though patients should maintain a healthy lifestyle to continue enjoying their results. However, this is an extremely effective way to enhance the lower face.
  • Chin Implant: For patients that have a more dramatically recessed chin, inserting a silicone chin implant may better suit their facial features. This is also designed to be a permanent procedure. It may also reduce the appearance of a double chin, elongate the jaw, and generally balance out the face.
  • Chin Reduction: Occasionally, a patient may have an overly prominent chin. For men, this is not as much of an issue as with women because a prominent chin is generally considered attractive for a man. Whereas, women sometimes find an overly prominent chin as too masculine. Regardless, men and women may benefit from a chin reduction if their chin is out of proportion to the rest of their face.
  • Facelift: More commonly associated with anti-aging, a facelift can also dramatically enhance the lower face. With age and sagging skin, a person’s bone structure becomes hidden and features less prominent. Removing the excess skin and fat of the lower face restores a more youthful jawline and face profile. 
  • Neck Lift: Technically not part of the face, the neck can impact the appearance of the lower face, especially the chin. Therefore, a neck lift can have positive effects on the aesthetics of the lower face.

Other Possible Procedures

The rule of thirds necessitates the understanding that each third works with the others to create a balanced appearance. Therefore, sometimes the concern may be in the lower face, but addressing the midface may be adequate or recommended along with treating the lower face. Some examples of procedures like this include:

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Contouring Age Your Face?

Normally, no, undergoing lower face contouring does not age the face. It can actually make the face look younger in many cases. However, if a patient or provider overdoes it, this can lead to an older appearance or worsen existing aging. Therefore, it is best to work closely with a provider to determine the right treatments and understand the expected results.

How Long Does Lower Face Contouring Last?

It depends on the procedures performed. Non-surgical lower face contouring can last anywhere from three months to upwards of two years based on the chosen procedure. On average, patients can expect non-surgical results to last around one year. Surgical face contouring is usually permanent.

Is Lower Face Contouring Different For Men & Women?

Often, yes, lower face contouring will look different for men and women. While most of the procedures are the same, the patient’s provider may adjust their technique or recommendations depending on the patient and their goals. Men tend to like stronger features while women may want softer features. The exact injection sites and injectables used will differ based on these goals. 

However, each technique and product is not specifically gendered. Each may be appropriate for patients of any gender identity based on their starting anatomy, history, and goals.

What Can I Expect To Spend On Lower Face Contouring?

The final cost of lower face contouring will be determined by the specific procedures performed. For example, Botox may cost around $450-$550 to treat both sides of the masseter while a facelift starts at over $11,000. Patients can receive a preliminary quote based on their desired procedures using Price Simulator. Our price list can also provide insight into pricing for our various lower face contouring treatments.

The Best Lower Face Contouring In Bellevue

The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery proudly serves the Greater Bellevue and Kirkland areas. Featuring multiple providers with decades of experience, The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery aims to provide a high standard of care. Whether patients want a small injectable touch-up or a complete makeover, Dr. Jonov and his team can help. The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery offers the best lower face contouring Bellevue and Kirkland provides.

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 425-775-3561. Patients can also reach out online via chat, contact form, or Price Simulator. Those interested in non-surgical procedures can schedule their initial consultation appointment online.