“What are the risks associated with a jaw contouring treatment?”

To better answer this question it would be great to know what procedure it is that you are having. There are several treatments for re-contouring your jaw. For example, the jaw can be re-contoured with use of fillers. Fillers can help to make the jaw line more straight. Common risks of fillers are bruising and swelling. However, there can be some serious risk if injection is done improperly. The jaw can also be countered using liposuction or other types of treatments that remove or dissolve fat. This also can lead to bruising and swelling. Again if done improperly you can have some serious side effects. Finally, the jaw can be re-contoured using a facelifting or a neck lifting procedure. This procedure should be performed by a trained facial plastic surgeon and leads to great results when done properly.

Depends on what treatments you are talking about. Conservative treatments with lasers and RF can improve the contour. You may be able to compliment such treatments with PRP (stem cells) or hyaluronic acid fillers to improve the jaw line.

Jaw line drooping?? That does not make sense, it sounds more like aging and facial rejuvenation.

William A. Stefani, MD

If you have drooping of the soft tissues of your face, a face and neck lift is the most effective way to tighten up your face and restore your jawline.
Complications, although rare, include bleeding and motor nerve injury.

Hello and thank you for your question. A jaw contouring treatment can be performed using three types of fillers:


1. Hyaluronic acid fillers which can be reversed using an enzyme called hyaluronidase. Potential side effects here include short-term swelling/redness/pain at the injection sites. Usually, very short-lived side effects and the results will require top-ups every few months to one year. Infection, bruising, and asymmetry may also be potential side effects that would require intervention.
2. Collagen boosters - these include materials such as Radiesse which is made from a different material. These fillers have the advantage of boosting more of the body's own collagen and lasting a little longer, but carry the risk of forming nodules that are difficult to treat and may last for up to one year or longer. There is no known enzyme to break down this material, but in experienced hands, it is safe and effective. Sculptra and Ellanse are other options in this class.
3. Fat from your own body. This has the advantage of being natural, very long-lasting, and effective but the down-side is that it's more invasive, requiring anesthesia and more instrumentation and has a longer down-time.

As always, the best approach is to seek out the services of a board-certified, experienced practitioner.

Good luck.

The risks of jaw contouring could be marginal mandibular nerve injury. It depends on the treatment you are going to undergo.

Sherry Collawn, M.D., Ph.D.