First thing’s first. Having a “weak” chin is not a condemnation of any man’s character. It says nothing about your personality. Or your manliness. All it means is you were genetically predisposed to a more recessed jawline. That’s it.
That said, we live in a world where appearance counts for A LOT, and while there’s about a million things about women’s bodies that we’ve been told we should be insecure about, having a less-defined jawline is one of just a handful for men.
So, let’s jump past the “I can’t believe we’re talking about this superficial nonsense” of it all, and agree to live in the actual world. The one where not having a superhero-strong jawline can make a man feel insecure about his appearance.
Good? Well, definitely not “good” but agreed?
Great.
Here at SG HQ, we’re in favor of you doing whatever it takes to feel your most confident, so long as you won’t go bankrupt or hurt anyone in the process.
Meaning? Don’t dip into your kid’s college fund for calf implants. But otherwise? You’ve got a blank permission slip from Team SG just waiting to be used on whatever it is—clothes, grooming products, going under the knife, whatever.
It’s why many guys are looking into a new trend that offers up the opportunity to achieve a sharper, more defined face: jawline filler.
What is jawline filler?
Today, men who are looking for that coveted chiseled look have an aesthetic treatment option available to them: jawline filler.
So, what is jawline filler for men, exactly? Well, imagine having the ability to contour and reshape your face without going under the knife.
Jawline filler, also known as jaw filler, chin filler, or mandibular augmentation, involves injecting a calcium-based filler with a small needle into strategic areas of the jawline to enhance the jawline definition and contour.
This non-surgical implant procedure is gaining popularity for its ability to create a more masculine, sculpted appearance, accentuating a man’s facial features and boosting his confidence.
Dr. Chris Bustamante, DNP, NP-C, sees four to five male patients a week for the procedure at his Manhattan based practice, Lushful Aesthetics.
So if you’re wondering if you’re the only one considering this option, Bustamante says the stigma of jawline filler for men is over. “I do them every single day.”
“Should I get jawline filler?”
The desire for a strong jawline is not a new phenomenon. From Greek statues to Hollywood heartthrobs, a defined chin has long been associated with attractiveness and masculinity.
So it’s not surprising that when you google “weak chin,” you’ll find countless threads on Reddit and Quora with men vulnerably sharing their insecurities around their jawlines.
Jawline filler offers a way to enhance what nature skimped on.
With precise injections (generally 5-7 syringes for one patient), a skilled provider can sculpt a more symmetrical and proportionate jawline, giving it the definition that many men want. Results can last up to three years.
The tl;dr? If you’ve got the money, and want to see results fast, going to a licensed injector could be the shortcut to confidence in your appearance that you’re looking for.
Who is a good candidate for jawline filler?
Good candidates for jawline filler are men (and women!) whose jawline and chin lack definition. Jawline filler will create a more balanced, defined side profile and add more definition in the lower third of the face.
Who should not get jawline filler?
Those with submental fullness or sagging—aka loose skin around your neck or a double chin—are not good candidates for jawline filler, as the procedure won’t provide the definition you’re looking for.
In fact, jawline filler in this case would actually distort your anatomy by making your face look larger.
The best treatment in this case is doing liposuction at your neck and then revisiting the conversation six months to a year later.
If sagging at the neck is your issue, you may want to consider a neck lift.
You also should not get jawline filler if the procedure is your budget won’t allow for the full amount of syringes needed to get the job done. An ethical practitioner won’t let you talk them down to injecting fewer syringes to reduce the price tag, but if you do see someone who’s willing to compromise here, you won’t be happy with the results.
In this case, it’s better to go with other ways to increase the presence of a jawline. You can grow facial hair that extends the length of your face, creating the illusion of a more defined chin and jawline. Another option is to go on a weight loss journey, since the presence of fat can obscure your facial features.
What to look for in a provider
Maybe you’re saying, “Megan, I’m in. You’ve convinced me. So where do I find a good injector for jawline filler near me?”
When it comes to any aesthetic treatment, selecting the right provider is key. Here’s what to look for:
Credentials and Experience
Ensure your provider is a licensed medical professional with expertise in facial aesthetic treatments. Look for certifications and training in dermal filler injections and a track record of successful procedures.
This means, assessing the specific provider’s work, not the medspa as a whole. The practice could be coasting on one lead injector while you wind up with someone more junior who doesn’t have the experience necessary to give you the results you want.
Reputation and Reviews
Research the provider’s reputation. Seek testimonials from previous patients or check online reviews. Word-of-mouth recommendations can offer valuable insights into an injector’s skill, professionalism, and patient satisfaction.
Bustamante is an anomaly in that he’s built a clientele that’s overwhelmingly men. If you can find a provider like him with plenty of experience treating men, great.
If not, be sure to ask for an explanation of how they treat feminine and masculine faces differently.
This will matter to what your results will look like, and also the price of treatment.
Examples of Their Work
Don’t hesitate to ask for before-and-after photos of previous clients. In fact, Bustamante goes so far as to say: Don’t patronize any provider who doesn’t prominently feature before and after’s of jawline filler on their website or social media channels.
Bustamante, for example, goes by @InjectorChris on social media and you’ll find a feed filled with before and healed after patients. (Psst, in addition to jawline filler he also sees lots of patients for girth enhancement, so y’know, scroll away from prying eyes.)
An honest consultation
A good provider will take the time to understand your goals and expectations from treatment. During the consultation, be sure to discuss in explicit detail what you want to get out of the treatment, any concerns you may have, and be prepared with questions.
The provider should provide a realistic assessment of what can be achieved and guide you through the process with transparency.
And remember, that can mean the provider may tell you that you’re NOT a good candidate for jaw filler!
Whether it’s because your jawline issues stem from loose skin (meaning lipo is your best bet) or because a full treatment is outside your budget. This is not a procedure where you should ask “Can I get by on less?” If you want results that are noticeable and lasting, you can’t budget down the number of syringes the injector would use. And a good injector won’t compromise on this, either.
What to expect from treatment
A personalized treatment
Obviously every face is unique, and a skilled provider will develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Your injector should have a keen eye for aesthetics, considering your facial proportions, bone structure, and individual preferences to achieve natural-looking results.
The right product
Bustamante recommends Radiesse, a dense, calcium-based filler that firms and tightens up the skin, and is used by more advanced providers.
Soreness and swelling
You can expect visible bruising for about two weeks after treatment. After a month, you should be 90% healed.
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The bottom line? The rise of jawline filler for men as an increasingly popular aesthetic treatment means more guys are acknowledging the “look good, feel good” connection for themselves. That’s a good thing!
Now go out and get the chiseled jawline of your dreams.
