The Beauty Standard with Dr. Roy Kim
"The Beauty Standard with Dr. Roy Kim" is your ultimate guide to exploring the world of beauty, aesthetics, and both non-invasive and invasive procedures. Join renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Roy Kim as he shares his expertise, delves into the latest advancements, and engages in insightful discussions with industry experts, bringing you a wealth of knowledge to enhance your confidence and empower your aesthetic journey.
The Beauty Standard with Dr. Roy Kim
Jawline Liposuction: The Truth Behind the Trend
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Jawline liposuction has become one of the most requested cosmetic procedures, with surgeons reporting quadrupled demand in recent years fueled by our selfie-obsessed, video call culture. What may look like a simple fat removal procedure actually requires artistic skill, proper candidate selection, and realistic expectations for truly satisfying results.
• Procedure works best for patients in their 20s-30s with good skin elasticity and subcutaneous fat
• Older patients or those with loose skin may experience more sagging after fat removal
• Small incisions (about 1cm) are made under chin and sometimes behind earlobes
• Recovery involves 2-3 weeks of swelling and bruising with limited neck movement
• Final results take patience—visible improvement at 2-3 months, complete results at 6 months
• Some surgeons use radiofrequency treatment for additional skin tightening
• Potential complications include contour irregularities, fibrosis, and rarely nerve damage
• Skilled surgeons leave a thin fat layer for natural results rather than removing all fat
• Multiple consultations with board-certified plastic surgeons recommended before deciding
• Weight fluctuations after treatment can affect long-term results
For those considering jawline liposuction or any cosmetic procedure, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your individual needs and goals.
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Welcome to the Beauty Standard with Dr Roy Kim. All right, so jawline liposuction Seems like it's everywhere now.
Speaker 2Oh yeah, it's definitely trending.
Speaker 1And you know you're probably hearing a lot about it, seeing it all over the place.
Speaker 2For sure.
Speaker 1And that's why we wanted to do a deep dive, really get into like what it is, who it's for all those details right, exactly. So for this one we're going deep into Allure magazine.
Speaker 2Okay.
Speaker 1They've got some great insights into this whole, like jawline craze.
Speaker 2Yeah, they do. They really get into the cultural side of it.
Speaker 1Which is interesting too.
Speaker 2Like it's not just about looking good, it's this whole thing about, like, how we see ourselves now.
Speaker 1Yeah, like all these video calls, selfies.
Speaker 2Exactly, and Allure even mentions this thing called mewing Mewing. Yeah, like younger people trying to reshape their jawlines with exercises.
Speaker 1Whoa, I had no idea.
Speaker 2It's a whole phenomenon.
Speaker 1It really is. So okay, let's say you're thinking all right, maybe I want in on this jawline thing, right?
Speaker 2And you're hearing about submental liposuction, sometimes called chin lipo, neck lipo, jawline lipo.
Speaker 1Oh, basically the same idea Removing fat, basically to get that sharper jawline.
Speaker 2That's the gist of it. Yeah, but, like Allure points out, it's about removing fat, not changing your bone structure. Right, it's not like reshaping your skull or anything.
Speaker 1No, no, of course not.
Speaker 2But they do say this procedure is getting super popular.
Speaker 1Oh yeah.
Speaker 2Yeah, like American Society of Plastic Surgeons saw a 6% increase last year just for submental liposuction 6%, that's a lot. It is.
Speaker 1And.
Speaker 2Allure even quotes some surgeons. Right yeah, they talked to Dr Sagar Patel in Beverly Hills. He says it's become his most requested procedure Wow. And Dr Meredith Vandegrift in New York she's seen requests for chin and neck work like quadruple in the past year Quadruple.
Speaker 1I mean it's clear everyone's looking at their jawlines now.
Speaker 2Yeah, but that doesn't mean it's the right thing for everyone, you know oh for sure, for sure.
Speaker 1So who's a good candidate then?
Speaker 2Well, allure says, think someone in their 20s or early 30s good skin elasticity and, you know, excess fat under the chin.
Speaker 1Okay, so younger skin that can bounce back, and the right kind of fat.
Speaker 2Yeah, and the location of that fat is important too. It needs to be the kind that's right under the skin.
Speaker 1So deeper fat, that's not going to work as well.
Speaker 2Not as well. No Allure explains. If it's deeper, like under the platysma muscle, liposuction might not be enough.
Speaker 1What would you do then?
Speaker 2You'd be looking at something more invasive, like a deep neck lift.
Speaker 1Oh, wow, okay.
Speaker 2And there's also things like the size of your salivary glands, position of your hyoid bone.
Speaker 1That affects your jawline.
Speaker 2It can yeah it affects the fullness of your neck. Liposuction wouldn't change that.
Speaker 1Right, right, you can't just like suck away bone, can you Nope? Right, you can't just like suck away bone, can you Nope. But age also seems to be a factor Like why is that so important for jawline lipo?
Speaker 2It's all about skin elasticity. You know, as we age our skin loses that ability to bounce back Right. So Allure says if you take fat away from an older neck, it can actually make things worse.
Speaker 1Oh, how so.
Speaker 2More sagging, more drooping. Even those muscle bands in your neck can become more prominent.
Speaker 1Oh no. So instead of looking younger, it could highlight aging. That's interesting, but Allure mentions some surgeons do still work on older patients.
Speaker 2Yeah, it's a bit of a debate in the field.
Speaker 1Is it like a good idea or not?
Speaker 2Allure presents both sides. Actually they quote Dr Jonathan Cabin in DC. He's pretty skeptical. He sees a lot of people wanting jawline improvement but he doesn't think submental lipo is the answer for everyone, especially if aging is a factor.
Speaker 1So he's, cautious.
Speaker 2Very cautious yeah.
Speaker 1What about surgeons who are more open to it? How do they approach it?
Speaker 2Well, Dr Patel, who we mentioned before, he's willing to do it on older patients.
Speaker 1Okay.
Speaker 2But Allure explains. He's very transparent about the downsides. Talks about the risks like creepy skin. Uneven results.
Speaker 1So it's about having that open conversation, setting realistic expectations.
Speaker 2Exactly.
Speaker 1This makes me think of another point Allure made. What about people who've lost a lot of weight? Where do they fit in?
Speaker 2Good question. Even if someone's young, if they've lost a lot of weight, their skin might not have that same elasticity.
Speaker 1Oh right, it's been stretched out.
Speaker 2Yeah, like a rubber band stretched too far, it loses its snapback.
Speaker 1Makes sense.
Speaker 2Allure says, in those cases, lipo could actually make things look hollow or saggy.
Speaker 1So you need that elasticity for the sculpted look.
Speaker 2You do. It's not just about removing fat, it's about how the remaining tissue responds.
Speaker 1Okay, now I'm curious about the procedure itself. What actually happens during jawline lipo?
Speaker 2So Allure says often it's done under local anesthesia.
Speaker 1Local, so you're awake.
Speaker 2Awake, but numb. Yeah, and the surgeon makes a tiny incision, like a centimeter long, under your chin.
Speaker 1Tiny incision, that's good.
Speaker 2And sometimes a couple more small ones behind the earlobes. Okay, and then they use a thin tube called a cannula to loosen the fat and suction it out.
Speaker 1So it's not just like a vacuum sucking it out.
Speaker 2No, it's more precise than that Allure emphasizes it's a sculpting process. It it's more precise than that Allure emphasizes it's a sculpting process. A sculpting Like the surgeon has to be very careful, not just under the chin, but often working from earlobe to earlobe.
Speaker 1To get that smooth line.
Speaker 2Exactly that natural contour.
Speaker 1Speaking of shaping, Allure mentions radiofrequency energy. Have you heard of that?
Speaker 2Yeah, like Renuvian FaceTite, those sorts of things. How's that all about? So, after the liposuction, some surgeons use this device that emits radiofrequency energy.
Speaker 1Okay.
Speaker 2Basically, it heats the tissues under the skin.
Speaker 1Heats them up.
Speaker 2Yeah, the idea is it tightens the skin even more, so you get a more dramatic result.
Speaker 1Ah, so it's like an extra step.
Speaker 2Right, but there's debate on whether it actually makes a difference.
Speaker 1Like some surgeons swear by it, Others are like meh.
Speaker 2Allure quotes Dr Patel. Again he's not convinced. He says good, liposuction done right tightens the skin enough.
Speaker 1But then others think it's worth it.
Speaker 2Yeah, especially for people with looser skin or a heavier neck.
Speaker 1So it's not a clear-cut answer.
Speaker 2Not, really no.
Speaker 1Oh.
Speaker 2Might need more research on that one.
Speaker 1Okay, well, with any procedure there are risks, right, yeah, what did Allure say about potential complications?
Speaker 2Right Always risks. You've got the general ones infection, bleeding, scarring.
Speaker 1Those come with any surgery.
Speaker 2Exactly yeah, but Allure also talks about risks specific to submental liposuction.
Speaker 1Like what.
Speaker 2One is contour irregularities, meaning Like the treated area ends up lumpy, dented, asymmetrical.
Speaker 1Oh, I see, If the fat isn't removed evenly.
Speaker 2Exactly, and Allura says aggressive liposuction or too much radiofrequency energy can make that worse.
Speaker 1Okay, so it's about finding that balance.
Speaker 2Right, and they also talk about fibrosis, which is basically scar tissue.
Speaker 1So too much of a good thing can be bad.
Speaker 2Basically, yeah. Yeah, anything else Allura mentioned. Yeah, anything else Allura mentioned? Yeah, fill me in. Well, they talk about hyperpigmentation, so the skin getting darker in the treated area.
Speaker 1Oh, interesting.
Speaker 2And hematomas, which are basically pools of blood under the skin.
Speaker 1That doesn't sound good.
Speaker 2It's not ideal. No, and though it's rare, there's always a chance of nerve damage.
Speaker 1Nerve damage. That sounds serious.
Speaker 2There's a nerve in the jaw called the marginal mandibular nerve.
Speaker 1Okay.
Speaker 2Allure says it controls muscles in your lower lip, so if it gets nicked during surgery it could cause weakness or even paralysis in your lower lip.
Recovery Process and Timeline
Speaker 1Yikes, definitely something to discuss with your surgeon, for sure. Speaking of after the procedure, what about recovery? Did Allure cover that? Yeah, they say expect swelling and bruising for at least a couple of weeks.
Speaker 2That's pretty standard after surgery. It is, but pain is usually minimal. Dr Chidester, a surgeon who actually had the procedure himself.
Speaker 1Oh, wow.
Speaker 2He said it felt like a bad sunburn.
Speaker 1Okay, so manageable.
Speaker 2Yeah, but you have to avoid strenuous exercise, anything that strains your neck for a couple of weeks.
Speaker 1Makes sense.
Speaker 2Allure quotes Dr Patel. He tells his patients walk around like a robot after surgery. Like a robot To keep everything still so. The skin heals well.
Speaker 1I love that image.
Speaker 2It's pretty funny.
Speaker 1Allure also talked about lymphatic massage. What's that all about?
Speaker 2That's super important after submental lipo helps drain fluid, minimizes swelling, speeds up healing.
Speaker 1So it's not just like a spa treatment.
Speaker 2No, no, it's really beneficial for recovery.
Speaker 1Did they say anything about how to do it?
Speaker 2Yeah, they mentioned Dr Patel again. He connects his patients with a massage therapist who teaches them how to do it at home.
Speaker 1That's going above and beyond.
Speaker 2It is Shows he cares about his patients.
Speaker 1And compression garments. They talked about those too, right.
Speaker 2Yeah, but there's debate about how effective they are.
Speaker 1Really.
Speaker 2Ulrich says some surgeons recommend a loose fitting neck garment for a few days, just to control swelling. Okay, others have patients wear a tighter chin strap for a week or more.
Speaker 1So different approaches.
Speaker 2Yeah, no, clear consensus on that one.
Speaker 1But what everyone really wants to know is when do you see results?
Speaker 2Right, everyone wants that jawline ASAP.
Speaker 1Exactly.
Speaker 2Elora says you'll see some initial changes within a few weeks, but the most noticeable improvement takes two to three months.
Speaker 1Okay, so some patients required.
Speaker 2Definitely and for the final results you're looking at around six months.
Speaker 1Six months Wow.
Speaker 2Yeah, that's when all the swelling is gone. Tissues have settled.
Speaker 1So it's a process.
Speaker 2It is and remember. Results vary depending on your skin elasticity, how much fat was removed, how well you follow the post-op instructions.
Speaker 1So many factors.
Speaker 2Lots to consider.
Speaker 1This has been incredibly informative. So, to sum it up, what's the big takeaway from Allure's deep dive?
Speaker 2I think it's that jawline liposuction can work, but it's not a miracle fix.
Speaker 1Right.
Speaker 2Talk to a qualified surgeon, manage your expectations. Understand the risks.
Speaker 1It's a journey.
Speaker 2It is, and it's not just about aesthetics.
Speaker 1What do you mean?
Speaker 2Well, it's about making choices that are right for you. Allure talks about alternative procedures too.
Speaker 1Oh right.
Speaker 2Like deep neck lifts, face lifts Exactly For people with more skin laxity or deeper fat deposits.
Speaker 1Liposuction alone might not be enough, so more invasive options, but potentially more dramatic results.
Speaker 2That's the trade-off Longer recovery, maybe more risks too, but for some it might be the better choice.
Speaker 1This really shows how important it is to talk to a surgeon. Figure out what's right for you.
Natural Results and Finding Your Surgeon
Speaker 2Absolutely. Get multiple consultations, ask questions, make sure you feel good about your surgeon.
Speaker 1It's a big decision.
Speaker 2It is, and Allure also stresses realistic expectations, those before and after photos. They can be misleading.
Speaker 1Oh yeah, for sure.
Speaker 2Everyone's different Results will vary.
Speaker 1And it's not just about the physical change.
Speaker 2Right. It's not a quick fix for body image issues or low self-esteem.
Speaker 1Those are deeper issues.
Speaker 2They are. Sometimes you need therapy, lifestyle changes or just learning to accept yourself.
Speaker 1It's about inner beauty too.
Speaker 2Exactly.
Speaker 1Did Allure have any final words of wisdom?
Speaker 2They really emphasize finding an ethical, experienced surgeon, someone honest about the risks and limitations.
Speaker 1Transparency is key.
Speaker 2Absolutely Be an active part of the decision. Ask questions, make sure your needs are heard.
Speaker 1Great advice, thanks. This deep dive has been so eye-opening. What's one final thought you want to leave our listener with?
Speaker 2Hmm, I think it's this Approach any decision about cosmetic surgery with knowledge, self-awareness and a sense of empowerment. Beautifully said, thank you.
Speaker 1We've covered so much today, from cultural trends to the details of cemental liposuction and how to make informed choices.
Speaker 2It's been a good discussion.
Speaker 1It has, but we're not done yet. There's still more to unpack about jawline liposuction. So make sure to join us for part two of our deep dive, where we'll go even deeper into the nuances of this procedure.
Speaker 2Looking forward to it Me too, See you there See you then Welcome back.
Speaker 1So we were talking about finding a surgeon you trust and having realistic expectations, right?
Speaker 2Right right.
Speaker 1And Allure makes a good point that it's not just about like taking out all the fat.
Speaker 2Okay, yeah, there's got to be more to it than that Exactly it's about like sculpting. Sculpting.
Speaker 1Yeah, like they interviewed surgeons who really emphasized being conservative.
Speaker 2Conservative, like not removing too much.
Speaker 1Yeah, like Dr Cabin, he talked about leaving a thin layer of fat.
Speaker 2Why would you leave some?
Speaker 1To keep a natural look, especially in the neck.
Speaker 2Oh, so you don't want that like super tight pulled look.
Speaker 1No, it can look unnatural, kind of hollow even.
Speaker 2Yeah, I've seen that before. It doesn't look good.
Speaker 1Exactly. He says it's better to be cautious because fixing it later is really tough. So it's about finding that balance between definition and looking natural.
Speaker 2That's the key and it makes sense Everyone's different right Right.
Speaker 1What works for one person might not work for another.
Speaker 2Exactly. You can't just have a one-size-fits-all approach.
Speaker 1I guess not Now. Allure also mentioned something about complications. If you need more procedures later on.
Speaker 2Oh right, Like if you have aggressive liposuction or too much radiofrequency.
Speaker 1What happens then?
Speaker 2It can create scarring fibrosis and that makes future procedures more difficult.
Speaker 1Like if you wanted a neck lift down the line.
Speaker 2Exactly. It can make it harder for the surgeon to work with the tissues.
Speaker 1Wow. So it's not just about the immediate results, it's about thinking long term?
Speaker 2Absolutely. It's about preserving your options for the future.
Speaker 1Makes you really appreciate finding a surgeon who's thinking ahead.
Speaker 2Definitely you want someone who understands the bigger picture, for sure.
Speaker 1Okay, I want to circle back to the cultural stuff for a minute.
Speaker 2Okay.
Speaker 1Like why are defined jawlines such a big deal these days?
Speaker 2It's a good question. I mean you can't deny social media plays a role.
Speaker 1Oh, totally Instagram TikTok all those perfect faces.
Speaker 2Exactly. Allure talks about how we're constantly bombarded with these images.
Speaker 1It's hard not to compare yourself.
Speaker 2It is, and it can make you feel like you don't measure up.
Speaker 1I get that. Do you think it's just social media, though, or is there more to it?
Speaker 2I think it's a few things Like Allure mentioned video calls too.
Speaker 1Oh yeah, that's a good point.
Speaker 2Especially during the pandemic, everyone was staring at their own face on camera.
Speaker 1Ugh, don't remind me All those little imperfections.
Speaker 2Suddenly they're front and center.
Speaker 1And the angles, the lighting, it can be brutal.
Speaker 2It can. Yeah, allure also talks about this. Emphasis on symmetry. Strong features.
Speaker 1Like a defined jawline equals attractiveness.
Speaker 2Yeah, it's seen as youthful, healthy, confident.
Speaker 1It's crazy how these beauty standards get ingrained.
Speaker 2It is, but at the end of the day it's about feeling good about yourself.
Speaker 1Exactly, regardless of trends.
Speaker 2Totally. Allure makes it clear that procedures should enhance your natural features, not change you completely.
Speaker 1That's a good way to put it. What advice would you give to someone feeling the pressure to have that perfect jawline?
Speaker 2Honestly take a break from social media. Focus on what makes you feel good. Tune out the noise, Exactly.
Speaker 1Yeah.
Speaker 2True beauty comes from within. It's about embracing who you are. Love that, and if you are considering jawline liposuction, make sure it's for the right reasons.
Speaker 1Not just to fit in or follow a trend.
Speaker 2Right, it should be about you and what you want.
Speaker 1It's your body, your choice.
Speaker 2Absolutely. And if you do decide to go for it, find a surgeon who gets you.
Speaker 1Someone who understands your goals.
Speaker 2Exactly. Allura really emphasizes that Finding a surgeon who's invested in your well-being, not just the aesthetics.
Speaker 1It's a partnership right.
Speaker 2It should be.
Speaker 1This has been so insightful. What's one key takeaway you want to leave our listener with as we head into the last part of our discussion?
Speaker 2I think the biggest one is that knowledge is power. The more you know about jawline liposuction, the procedure, the risks, the recovery, all of it the better prepared you'll be to make the right decision for you.
Speaker 1Do your research? Ask questions.
Speaker 2Exactly. Advocate for yourself. Make sure you feel good about every step of the process.
Speaker 1All right, so we're back for the final part of our deep dive into jawline liposuction.
Speaker 2And we've got a few more gems from Allure to share right.
Speaker 1Oh, definitely, we're going to wrap up this exploration with some final insights.
Speaker 2Okay, good.
Speaker 1So one thing that Allure brought up and it kind of surprised me was how the results can be affected by future weight changes.
Speaker 2Ah yeah, that's something a lot of people don't think about.
Speaker 1I know I didn't so explain that. Like, if you gain or lose weight after the procedure, what happens?
Speaker 2Well, liposuction does remove fat cells permanently, yeah Right, but the ones that are left, they can still change size.
Speaker 1So if you gain weight, those fat cells could get bigger.
Speaker 2Exactly, and that could change how your jawline looks, maybe make it less defined.
Speaker 1So it's not like a one-time thing. You got to maintain it, it's part of the whole picture.
Speaker 2Yeah, yeah. Maintaining a stable weight is key for long-term results.
Speaker 1Makes sense, makes sense and this really highlights something we've been talking about, like finding a good surgeon.
Speaker 2Oh, absolutely, that's so important.
Speaker 1Allure really stressed that right.
Speaker 2Yeah, a skilled surgeon. They'll not only understand the techniques, but they'll have an eye for aesthetics too. So it's like finding an artist, but for like facial sculpting Exactly Someone who can create natural looking results, not just remove fat haphazardly.
Speaker 1So what should you look for in a surgeon besides technical skill?
Speaker 2Allure talks about communication like someone who listens, who's realistic about what's achievable.
Speaker 1So they don't overpromise.
Speaker 2Right and they answer your questions, make you feel comfortable with the whole process.
Speaker 1It's about finding a partner, not just someone who's going to do a procedure on you.
Speaker 2That's a good way to put it. Yeah, and they also recommend getting multiple consultations.
Speaker 1Oh right.
Speaker 2Shop around a bit, yeah, get different perspectives, ask all your questions. Make sure you really connect with the surgeon you choose.
Speaker 1That's a great tip. I mean, it's a big decision.
Speaker 2It is Definitely not something to rush into.
Speaker 1Well, this has been such a fascinating deep dive. I've learned so much. If you had to like, boil it all down. What are the big takeaways for our listener?
Speaker 2I think it's this Jolene liposuction can work, but it's not a magic solution.
Speaker 1Not for everyone right.
Speaker 2Right. Do your research, weigh the pros and cons. Talk to a qualified surgeon and be realistic about your expectations.
Speaker 1It's about making informed choices.
Speaker 2Exactly and approaching it with a sense of empowerment, not pressure.
Speaker 1It's your body, your decision.
Speaker 2Totally.
Speaker 1This has been such a great conversation. Thank you so much for sharing your insights.
Speaker 2My pleasure, always happy to talk about this stuff.
Speaker 1And to our listeners. Thank you for joining us on this deep dive into jawline liposuction.
Speaker 2We hope you found it helpful.
Speaker 1We covered a lot the trends, the procedure itself, the importance of making informed choices.
Speaker 2And remember true beauty is about more than just looks.
Speaker 1It's about feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin.
Speaker 2That's what matters most.
Speaker 1Couldn't agree more. If you're considering jawline liposuction or any cosmetic procedure, remember to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your individual needs and goals.
Speaker 2They can guide you through the process.
Speaker 1And until next time, stay curious and keep exploring the world around you.
Speaker 2See you then. Thank you for listening to the Beauty Standard with Dr Roy Kim.
Speaker 1Make sure to follow for future topics and episodes.