The Beauty Standard with Dr. Roy Kim

Jawline Liposuction: The Truth Behind the Trend

• Dr. Roy Kim

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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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Join us next week as we explore another fascinating topic in the world of beauty, and remember: your body, your choice, your standard!

Speaker 1:

Welcome to the Beauty Standard with Dr Roy Kim. All right, so jawline liposuction Seems like it's everywhere now.

Speaker 2:

Oh yeah, it's definitely trending.

Speaker 1:

And you know you're probably hearing a lot about it, seeing it all over the place.

Speaker 2:

For sure.

Speaker 1:

And 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 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

They've got some great insights into this whole, like jawline craze.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, they do. They really get into the cultural side of it.

Speaker 1:

Which is interesting too.

Speaker 2:

Like it's not just about looking good, it's this whole thing about, like, how we see ourselves now.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, like all these video calls, selfies.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, and Allure even mentions this thing called mewing Mewing. Yeah, like younger people trying to reshape their jawlines with exercises.

Speaker 1:

Whoa, I had no idea.

Speaker 2:

It's a whole phenomenon.

Speaker 1:

It really is. So okay, let's say you're thinking all right, maybe I want in on this jawline thing, right?

Speaker 2:

And you're hearing about submental liposuction, sometimes called chin lipo, neck lipo, jawline lipo.

Speaker 1:

Oh, basically the same idea Removing fat, basically to get that sharper jawline.

Speaker 2:

That'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 1:

No, no, of course not.

Speaker 2:

But they do say this procedure is getting super popular.

Speaker 1:

Oh yeah.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, like American Society of Plastic Surgeons saw a 6% increase last year just for submental liposuction 6%, that's a lot. It is.

Speaker 1:

And.

Speaker 2:

Allure 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 1:

I mean it's clear everyone's looking at their jawlines now.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, but that doesn't mean it's the right thing for everyone, you know oh for sure, for sure.

Speaker 1:

So who's a good candidate then?

Speaker 2:

Well, allure says, think someone in their 20s or early 30s good skin elasticity and, you know, excess fat under the chin.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so younger skin that can bounce back, and the right kind of fat.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, and the location of that fat is important too. It needs to be the kind that's right under the skin.

Speaker 1:

So deeper fat, that's not going to work as well.

Speaker 2:

Not as well. No Allure explains. If it's deeper, like under the platysma muscle, liposuction might not be enough.

Speaker 1:

What would you do then?

Speaker 2:

You'd be looking at something more invasive, like a deep neck lift.

Speaker 1:

Oh, wow, okay.

Speaker 2:

And there's also things like the size of your salivary glands, position of your hyoid bone.

Speaker 1:

That affects your jawline.

Speaker 2:

It can yeah it affects the fullness of your neck. Liposuction wouldn't change that.

Speaker 1:

Right, 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 2:

It'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 1:

Oh, how so.

Speaker 2:

More sagging, more drooping. Even those muscle bands in your neck can become more prominent.

Speaker 1:

Oh 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 2:

Yeah, it's a bit of a debate in the field.

Speaker 1:

Is it like a good idea or not?

Speaker 2:

Allure 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 1:

So he's, cautious.

Speaker 2:

Very cautious yeah.

Speaker 1:

What about surgeons who are more open to it? How do they approach it?

Speaker 2:

Well, Dr Patel, who we mentioned before, he's willing to do it on older patients.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

But Allure explains. He's very transparent about the downsides. Talks about the risks like creepy skin. Uneven results.

Speaker 1:

So it's about having that open conversation, setting realistic expectations.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

This makes me think of another point Allure made. What about people who've lost a lot of weight? Where do they fit in?

Speaker 2:

Good question. Even if someone's young, if they've lost a lot of weight, their skin might not have that same elasticity.

Speaker 1:

Oh right, it's been stretched out.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, like a rubber band stretched too far, it loses its snapback.

Speaker 1:

Makes sense.

Speaker 2:

Allure says, in those cases, lipo could actually make things look hollow or saggy.

Speaker 1:

So you need that elasticity for the sculpted look.

Speaker 2:

You do. It's not just about removing fat, it's about how the remaining tissue responds.

Speaker 1:

Okay, now I'm curious about the procedure itself. What actually happens during jawline lipo?

Speaker 2:

So Allure says often it's done under local anesthesia.

Speaker 1:

Local, so you're awake.

Speaker 2:

Awake, but numb. Yeah, and the surgeon makes a tiny incision, like a centimeter long, under your chin.

Speaker 1:

Tiny incision, that's good.

Speaker 2:

And 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 1:

So it's not just like a vacuum sucking it out.

Speaker 2:

No, 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 1:

To get that smooth line.

Speaker 2:

Exactly that natural contour.

Speaker 1:

Speaking of shaping, Allure mentions radiofrequency energy. Have you heard of that?

Speaker 2:

Yeah, 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 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

Basically, it heats the tissues under the skin.

Speaker 1:

Heats them up.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, the idea is it tightens the skin even more, so you get a more dramatic result.

Speaker 1:

Ah, so it's like an extra step.

Speaker 2:

Right, but there's debate on whether it actually makes a difference.

Speaker 1:

Like some surgeons swear by it, Others are like meh.

Speaker 2:

Allure quotes Dr Patel. Again he's not convinced. He says good, liposuction done right tightens the skin enough.

Speaker 1:

But then others think it's worth it.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, especially for people with looser skin or a heavier neck.

Speaker 1:

So it's not a clear-cut answer.

Speaker 2:

Not, really no.

Speaker 1:

Oh.

Speaker 2:

Might need more research on that one.

Speaker 1:

Okay, well, with any procedure there are risks, right, yeah, what did Allure say about potential complications?

Speaker 2:

Right Always risks. You've got the general ones infection, bleeding, scarring.

Speaker 1:

Those come with any surgery.

Speaker 2:

Exactly yeah, but Allure also talks about risks specific to submental liposuction.

Speaker 1:

Like what.

Speaker 2:

One is contour irregularities, meaning Like the treated area ends up lumpy, dented, asymmetrical.

Speaker 1:

Oh, I see, If the fat isn't removed evenly.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, and Allura says aggressive liposuction or too much radiofrequency energy can make that worse.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so it's about finding that balance.

Speaker 2:

Right, and they also talk about fibrosis, which is basically scar tissue.

Speaker 1:

So too much of a good thing can be bad.

Speaker 2:

Basically, 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 1:

Oh, interesting.

Speaker 2:

And hematomas, which are basically pools of blood under the skin.

Speaker 1:

That doesn't sound good.

Speaker 2:

It's not ideal. No, and though it's rare, there's always a chance of nerve damage.

Speaker 1:

Nerve damage. That sounds serious.

Speaker 2:

There's a nerve in the jaw called the marginal mandibular nerve.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

Allure 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.

Speaker 1:

Yikes, 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 2:

That's pretty standard after surgery. It is, but pain is usually minimal. Dr Chidester, a surgeon who actually had the procedure himself.

Speaker 1:

Oh, wow.

Speaker 2:

He said it felt like a bad sunburn.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so manageable.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, but you have to avoid strenuous exercise, anything that strains your neck for a couple of weeks.

Speaker 1:

Makes sense.

Speaker 2:

Allure 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 1:

I love that image.

Speaker 2:

It's pretty funny.

Speaker 1:

Allure also talked about lymphatic massage. What's that all about?

Speaker 2:

That's super important after submental lipo helps drain fluid, minimizes swelling, speeds up healing.

Speaker 1:

So it's not just like a spa treatment.

Speaker 2:

No, no, it's really beneficial for recovery.

Speaker 1:

Did they say anything about how to do it?

Speaker 2:

Yeah, they mentioned Dr Patel again. He connects his patients with a massage therapist who teaches them how to do it at home.

Speaker 1:

That's going above and beyond.

Speaker 2:

It is Shows he cares about his patients.

Speaker 1:

And compression garments. They talked about those too, right.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, but there's debate about how effective they are.

Speaker 1:

Really.

Speaker 2:

Ulrich 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 1:

So different approaches.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, no, clear consensus on that one.

Speaker 1:

But what everyone really wants to know is when do you see results?

Speaker 2:

Right, everyone wants that jawline ASAP.

Speaker 1:

Exactly.

Speaker 2:

Elora says you'll see some initial changes within a few weeks, but the most noticeable improvement takes two to three months.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so some patients required.

Speaker 2:

Definitely and for the final results you're looking at around six months.

Speaker 1:

Six months Wow.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, that's when all the swelling is gone. Tissues have settled.

Speaker 1:

So it's a process.

Speaker 2:

It is and remember. Results vary depending on your skin elasticity, how much fat was removed, how well you follow the post-op instructions.

Speaker 1:

So many factors.

Speaker 2:

Lots to consider.

Speaker 1:

This has been incredibly informative. So, to sum it up, what's the big takeaway from Allure's deep dive?

Speaker 2:

I think it's that jawline liposuction can work, but it's not a miracle fix.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

Talk to a qualified surgeon, manage your expectations. Understand the risks.

Speaker 1:

It's a journey.

Speaker 2:

It is, and it's not just about aesthetics.

Speaker 1:

What do you mean?

Speaker 2:

Well, it's about making choices that are right for you. Allure talks about alternative procedures too.

Speaker 1:

Oh right.

Speaker 2:

Like deep neck lifts, face lifts Exactly For people with more skin laxity or deeper fat deposits.

Speaker 1:

Liposuction alone might not be enough, so more invasive options, but potentially more dramatic results.

Speaker 2:

That's the trade-off Longer recovery, maybe more risks too, but for some it might be the better choice.

Speaker 1:

This really shows how important it is to talk to a surgeon. Figure out what's right for you.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely. Get multiple consultations, ask questions, make sure you feel good about your surgeon.

Speaker 1:

It's a big decision.

Speaker 2:

It is, and Allure also stresses realistic expectations, those before and after photos. They can be misleading.

Speaker 1:

Oh yeah, for sure.

Speaker 2:

Everyone's different Results will vary.

Speaker 1:

And it's not just about the physical change.

Speaker 2:

Right. It's not a quick fix for body image issues or low self-esteem.

Speaker 1:

Those are deeper issues.

Speaker 2:

They are. Sometimes you need therapy, lifestyle changes or just learning to accept yourself.

Speaker 1:

It's about inner beauty too.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

Did Allure have any final words of wisdom?

Speaker 2:

They really emphasize finding an ethical, experienced surgeon, someone honest about the risks and limitations.

Speaker 1:

Transparency is key.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely Be an active part of the decision. Ask questions, make sure your needs are heard.

Speaker 1:

Great advice, thanks. This deep dive has been so eye-opening. What's one final thought you want to leave our listener with?

Speaker 2:

Hmm, 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 1:

We've covered so much today, from cultural trends to the details of cemental liposuction and how to make informed choices.

Speaker 2:

It's been a good discussion.

Speaker 1:

It 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 2:

Looking forward to it Me too, See you there See you then Welcome back.

Speaker 1:

So we were talking about finding a surgeon you trust and having realistic expectations, right?

Speaker 2:

Right right.

Speaker 1:

And Allure makes a good point that it's not just about like taking out all the fat.

Speaker 2:

Okay, yeah, there's got to be more to it than that Exactly it's about like sculpting. Sculpting.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, like they interviewed surgeons who really emphasized being conservative.

Speaker 2:

Conservative, like not removing too much.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, like Dr Cabin, he talked about leaving a thin layer of fat.

Speaker 2:

Why would you leave some?

Speaker 1:

To keep a natural look, especially in the neck.

Speaker 2:

Oh, so you don't want that like super tight pulled look.

Speaker 1:

No, it can look unnatural, kind of hollow even.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, I've seen that before. It doesn't look good.

Speaker 1:

Exactly. 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 2:

That's the key and it makes sense Everyone's different right Right.

Speaker 1:

What works for one person might not work for another.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. You can't just have a one-size-fits-all approach.

Speaker 1:

I guess not Now. Allure also mentioned something about complications. If you need more procedures later on.

Speaker 2:

Oh right, Like if you have aggressive liposuction or too much radiofrequency.

Speaker 1:

What happens then?

Speaker 2:

It can create scarring fibrosis and that makes future procedures more difficult.

Speaker 1:

Like if you wanted a neck lift down the line.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. It can make it harder for the surgeon to work with the tissues.

Speaker 1:

Wow. So it's not just about the immediate results, it's about thinking long term?

Speaker 2:

Absolutely. It's about preserving your options for the future.

Speaker 1:

Makes you really appreciate finding a surgeon who's thinking ahead.

Speaker 2:

Definitely you want someone who understands the bigger picture, for sure.

Speaker 1:

Okay, I want to circle back to the cultural stuff for a minute.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

Like why are defined jawlines such a big deal these days?

Speaker 2:

It's a good question. I mean you can't deny social media plays a role.

Speaker 1:

Oh, totally Instagram TikTok all those perfect faces.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. Allure talks about how we're constantly bombarded with these images.

Speaker 1:

It's hard not to compare yourself.

Speaker 2:

It is, and it can make you feel like you don't measure up.

Speaker 1:

I get that. Do you think it's just social media, though, or is there more to it?

Speaker 2:

I think it's a few things Like Allure mentioned video calls too.

Speaker 1:

Oh yeah, that's a good point.

Speaker 2:

Especially during the pandemic, everyone was staring at their own face on camera.

Speaker 1:

Ugh, don't remind me All those little imperfections.

Speaker 2:

Suddenly they're front and center.

Speaker 1:

And the angles, the lighting, it can be brutal.

Speaker 2:

It can. Yeah, allure also talks about this. Emphasis on symmetry. Strong features.

Speaker 1:

Like a defined jawline equals attractiveness.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, it's seen as youthful, healthy, confident.

Speaker 1:

It's crazy how these beauty standards get ingrained.

Speaker 2:

It is, but at the end of the day it's about feeling good about yourself.

Speaker 1:

Exactly, regardless of trends.

Speaker 2:

Totally. Allure makes it clear that procedures should enhance your natural features, not change you completely.

Speaker 1:

That's a good way to put it. What advice would you give to someone feeling the pressure to have that perfect jawline?

Speaker 2:

Honestly take a break from social media. Focus on what makes you feel good. Tune out the noise, Exactly.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

True 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 1:

Not just to fit in or follow a trend.

Speaker 2:

Right, it should be about you and what you want.

Speaker 1:

It's your body, your choice.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely. And if you do decide to go for it, find a surgeon who gets you.

Speaker 1:

Someone who understands your goals.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. Allura really emphasizes that Finding a surgeon who's invested in your well-being, not just the aesthetics.

Speaker 1:

It's a partnership right.

Speaker 2:

It should be.

Speaker 1:

This 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 2:

I 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 1:

Do your research? Ask questions.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. Advocate for yourself. Make sure you feel good about every step of the process.

Speaker 1:

All right, so we're back for the final part of our deep dive into jawline liposuction.

Speaker 2:

And we've got a few more gems from Allure to share right.

Speaker 1:

Oh, definitely, we're going to wrap up this exploration with some final insights.

Speaker 2:

Okay, good.

Speaker 1:

So one thing that Allure brought up and it kind of surprised me was how the results can be affected by future weight changes.

Speaker 2:

Ah yeah, that's something a lot of people don't think about.

Speaker 1:

I know I didn't so explain that. Like, if you gain or lose weight after the procedure, what happens?

Speaker 2:

Well, liposuction does remove fat cells permanently, yeah Right, but the ones that are left, they can still change size.

Speaker 1:

So if you gain weight, those fat cells could get bigger.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, and that could change how your jawline looks, maybe make it less defined.

Speaker 1:

So it's not like a one-time thing. You got to maintain it, it's part of the whole picture.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, yeah. Maintaining a stable weight is key for long-term results.

Speaker 1:

Makes sense, makes sense and this really highlights something we've been talking about, like finding a good surgeon.

Speaker 2:

Oh, absolutely, that's so important.

Speaker 1:

Allure really stressed that right.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, 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 1:

So what should you look for in a surgeon besides technical skill?

Speaker 2:

Allure talks about communication like someone who listens, who's realistic about what's achievable.

Speaker 1:

So they don't overpromise.

Speaker 2:

Right and they answer your questions, make you feel comfortable with the whole process.

Speaker 1:

It's about finding a partner, not just someone who's going to do a procedure on you.

Speaker 2:

That's a good way to put it. Yeah, and they also recommend getting multiple consultations.

Speaker 1:

Oh right.

Speaker 2:

Shop around a bit, yeah, get different perspectives, ask all your questions. Make sure you really connect with the surgeon you choose.

Speaker 1:

That's a great tip. I mean, it's a big decision.

Speaker 2:

It is Definitely not something to rush into.

Speaker 1:

Well, 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 2:

I think it's this Jolene liposuction can work, but it's not a magic solution.

Speaker 1:

Not for everyone right.

Speaker 2:

Right. Do your research, weigh the pros and cons. Talk to a qualified surgeon and be realistic about your expectations.

Speaker 1:

It's about making informed choices.

Speaker 2:

Exactly and approaching it with a sense of empowerment, not pressure.

Speaker 1:

It's your body, your decision.

Speaker 2:

Totally.

Speaker 1:

This has been such a great conversation. Thank you so much for sharing your insights.

Speaker 2:

My pleasure, always happy to talk about this stuff.

Speaker 1:

And to our listeners. Thank you for joining us on this deep dive into jawline liposuction.

Speaker 2:

We hope you found it helpful.

Speaker 1:

We covered a lot the trends, the procedure itself, the importance of making informed choices.

Speaker 2:

And remember true beauty is about more than just looks.

Speaker 1:

It's about feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin.

Speaker 2:

That's what matters most.

Speaker 1:

Couldn'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 2:

They can guide you through the process.

Speaker 1:

And until next time, stay curious and keep exploring the world around you.

Speaker 2:

See you then. Thank you for listening to the Beauty Standard with Dr Roy Kim.

Speaker 1:

Make sure to follow for future topics and episodes.