Jaw fillers are gels that get injected into the skin. They provide volume and stimulate hyaluronic acid or collagen production. This can lessen the appearance of sagging, baggy skin, and bone loss around the jaw.

Jaw filler can be used to:

• reduce the effects of age-related volume loss in the lower face
• create a more oval-looking jawline
• reduce the appearance of jowls
• contour the jawline, giving it a sharper appearance
• balance an asymmetrical jawline
• strengthen or add proportion to the chin
• provide a strong foundation and frame for the face

Jaw filler results are immediately visible. Individual results vary, but for many users, hyaluronic acid filler may last as long as 2 years. Calcium hydroxylapatite may last as long as 15 months.

No matter which type you use, you may start to see diminished results in 9 to 12 months, especially if refresher injections aren’t administered consistently.

Pain can be subjective, and some people may feel more discomfort than others when receiving jaw filler injections.

Talk to your doctor ahead of time if you’re anxious about the discomfort you anticipate.

Before you receive any filler injections, your practitioner may numb the area with a topical cream or other type of local anesthetic.

If you’re in the hands of an experienced injector, jaw filler injections shouldn’t hurt. You may feel brief pressure or a strange sensation with each injection, but likely not much more than that.

You may feel a small amount of pain or discomfort at the injection sites once the numbing cream wears off. This shouldn’t last for more than 1 day.

Severe or lasting pain, while unlikely, warrants an immediate call to your doctor.

During your initial consultation, ask your doctor what you can expect during and after getting jaw filler.

Before the procedure

Here’s generally what you can expect to do before getting jaw fillers:

Let your doctor know of any medications or supplements you currently take.
Stop taking blood thinners, over-the-counter pain medications, or supplements such as St. John’s Wort, vitamin E, garlic, ginseng, and primrose oil.
Avoid drinking alcohol for 1 or 2 days prior to getting fillers.
Halt any use of topical skin treatments containing glycolic acid, retinols, or retinoids several days before your appointment.
Don’t use any hair removal products, including tweezers, during this time.
Drink and eat normally prior to your treatment, since jaw filler is a nonsurgical procedure.

During procedure

You should arrive for jaw filler treatment without makeup and in comfortable clothing. Here’s the short procedure you can expect:

Your medical provider numbs the area of injection.
After numbing, a small amount of filler gel will be injected strategically in multiple sites along the mandible. A cannula may be used to help guide the filler in.
Your doctor should go slowly and continually assess the results of each injection during treatment.
Jaw filler treatment takes around 30 minutes from start to finish.

After procedure

You may notice some bruising or swelling after getting jaw filler. Ask your doctor if using topical arnica to reduce bruising is a good idea.

You may also apply ice immediately after treatment and afterwards, as needed.

Even with mild swelling, your results should be visible and apparent immediately. You should also be able to return to work or to your normal activities immediately following jaw filler treatment.

Here’s what you can do to ensure that you have the best possible results:

Don’t try to cover up post-procedure redness or swelling with makeup or concealer.
Avoid strenuous exercise.
Don’t drink alcohol.
Avoid being out in bright sunlight.