A well-defined jawline can dramatically sharpen your overall facial appearance. It’s often associated with youth, vitality, and confidence. But if your natural jaw contour doesn’t give you the structure or definition you want, cosmetic surgery offers two powerful solutions: neck liposuction and chin augmentation.
Each option tackles a different aspect of jawline definition. But they aren’t interchangeable. The best choice for you depends on your anatomy, your aesthetic goals, and what’s causing the lack of definition in the first place.
At Centre for Surgery, a leading cosmetic surgery clinic in London known for medical precision and natural-looking results, we regularly help patients refine their jawlines using advanced surgical techniques tailored to their unique facial structure.
Let’s break down everything you need to know so you can decide which procedure—neck liposuction or chin augmentation—might be right for you.
What Actually Shapes Your Jawline?
The jawline isn’t defined by one single feature. It’s shaped by a combination of your chin, jawbone, fat distribution under the chin, skin quality, and even neck muscle tone.
RELATED: What is the Ideal Female Jawline?
If your lower face looks soft or lacks contour, there might be a few different reasons. You could have a weak or recessed chin. You might carry excess fat under your chin or around the neck. Or your skin might be loose or sagging, obscuring the structure underneath.
That’s why identifying the real cause of your jawline concerns is crucial before deciding on a treatment.
Neck Liposuction
Neck liposuction is designed to target and remove stubborn fat under the chin and along the upper neck. It works well for people with good skin elasticity who want a cleaner, more sculpted jawline without touching the bone structure.
If your jawline lacks definition because of a “double chin” or general fullness around the neck, liposuction can make a dramatic difference. It clears away the soft tissue that’s blurring the angle between your chin and neck.
The procedure involves small incisions, usually hidden under the chin or behind the ears. Through these, a surgeon inserts a thin tube called a cannula to break up and suction out fat. It’s often done under local anaesthetic and doesn’t usually require an overnight hospital stay.
The recovery period after neck liposuction is relatively short. Swelling and bruising may last a couple of weeks, but most patients can return to work within a few days. You’ll be asked to wear a compression garment for support during healing. Full results become more visible as swelling subsides, typically within a few months.
Chin Augmentation
Chin augmentation, on the other hand, adds projection and shape to a weak or underdeveloped chin. It doesn’t remove anything—it builds up structure, usually using a silicone implant or through a technique called sliding genioplasty, where the patient’s own bone is repositioned.
This procedure is ideal if your chin sits too far back or lacks projection, which can make your face look unbalanced or your jawline look less defined. Sometimes, a small chin can even make a normal neck appear fuller than it is.
The surgery enhances the front of the lower face, improving both the jawline and facial proportions. It’s often done under general anaesthetic, with incisions typically made inside the mouth or under the chin to keep scars hidden.
Recovery after chin implants can take a bit longer than liposuction. You may experience more noticeable swelling, especially in the first week. It can take several weeks for the final shape to settle, but most patients feel comfortable returning to work after 7 to 10 days.
Which One Do You Need?
Choosing between neck liposuction and chin augmentation isn’t just about what you think looks better—it’s about what your face actually needs.
If your chin is in a good position but the area under it is full or sagging, liposuction is likely the better choice. It works by removing the padding that’s hiding your natural jaw shape.
If your chin sits too far back, appears small, or throws off the balance of your profile, chin augmentation will provide the structural support needed to create a sharper look.
Some patients actually need both. A weak chin and excess fat often go hand in hand, especially if the underlying bone structure doesn’t support the overlying tissue well. Combining chin augmentation with neck liposuction can transform the lower face, creating a clean, well-proportioned silhouette from every angle.
When Skin Tightness Comes Into Play
There’s another key factor to consider—skin quality. Both procedures rely, to some extent, on your skin’s ability to contract and adapt to the new contours of your face.
If your skin is loose or sagging, particularly due to age or weight loss, liposuction alone may not give you the defined look you want. In such cases, it may need to be paired with a skin-tightening treatment such as argo plasma or a lower facelift.
Chin augmentation can stretch skin slightly, which might improve tightness in some patients. However, it’s not a replacement for procedures that directly target lax skin.
Non-Surgical Alternatives: Are They Worth Considering?
For patients seeking subtle improvements or not yet ready for surgery, non-surgical treatments like injectable fillers or fat-dissolving injections (such as Aqualyx or Kybella) can help enhance the jawline.
Fillers can mimic the effect of a chin implant by adding volume and shape, but the results are temporary and less dramatic. Fat-dissolving injections can reduce double chin fat, but require multiple sessions and work best for mild to moderate cases.
These options can be useful in certain situations, especially for testing out results before committing to surgery. But they can’t match the lasting, structural improvements offered by surgical methods.
Are the Scars Noticeable?
Both neck liposuction and chin augmentation are designed to leave minimal scarring.
For liposuction, the incisions are tiny and well-hidden under the chin or behind the ears. They usually fade very well with time.
RELATED: Chin Liposuction Scars – Are They Visible?
For chin implants, if the incision is made inside the mouth, there’s no visible scar at all. If done under the chin, the scar is usually small and discreet, blending into the natural crease.
Scarring concerns should always be discussed with your surgeon. At Centre for Surgery, we use advanced techniques to minimise scarring and support your healing process with professional aftercare.
Long-Term Results: What to Expect
Both procedures offer long-lasting results, especially when performed by an experienced facial plastic surgeon and supported with proper aftercare.
Neck liposuction permanently removes fat cells. As long as you maintain a stable weight, the results should last indefinitely.
Chin implants are also permanent and do not typically need to be replaced unless there’s a complication, which is rare. Sliding genioplasty (a bone-based technique) provides permanent reshaping using your own bone.
RELATED: How Long Does Chin Augmentation Last?
Keep in mind, natural ageing will continue. Skin and soft tissue may change over time, but your improved structure will still give your face a more refined foundation as you age.
Choosing a Surgeon Matters
The difference between a subtle improvement and a dramatic transformation often comes down to the skill of the surgeon.
You need someone who understands facial anatomy, proportions, and aesthetics—someone who can look at your face and know what’s throwing things off and how to correct it.
At Centre for Surgery, our consultants take a highly personalised approach. We don’t just perform procedures—we help shape your overall look to better reflect the version of yourself you want to show the world.
Still Not Sure? Here’s a Quick Visual Checklist:
Ask yourself the following:
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Does my chin appear small or set back, even when I’m at a healthy weight?
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Does the area under my chin look full or soft, even when the rest of my face is lean?
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Do I lack definition at the angle where my chin meets my neck?
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Does my profile look unbalanced or “bottom-heavy”?
If your answers point to fullness or sagging beneath the chin, liposuction may be enough. If your lower face looks recessed or out of proportion, chin augmentation is likely needed. If it’s both—consider combining the two.
FAQs
Can I get both neck liposuction and chin augmentation at the same time?
Yes, these procedures are often combined in a single surgery for maximum impact. They complement each other well when both fat reduction and structural support are needed.
Is one option more painful than the other?
Discomfort varies by patient. Neck liposuction generally involves less pain and quicker recovery. Chin implants or bone-based chin surgery may cause more swelling and tightness for the first week or two.
Will either procedure fix sagging skin or jowls?
Not directly. If sagging skin is the main issue, you may need a skin tightening treatment or facelift in combination with one of these procedures.
How soon will I see results?
Initial changes are visible within days. Swelling typically takes several weeks to months to resolve, with final results appearing after this period.
Can fillers give me the same result as a chin implant?
Not quite. Fillers are temporary and only add volume. Implants reshape the structure, giving more lasting and dramatic changes.
About Centre for Surgery
Centre for Surgery is a specialist cosmetic surgery clinic based in London, known for excellence in facial sculpting, precision techniques, and patient-focused care. Our team includes some of the UK’s most experienced surgeons in facial aesthetic procedures, including neck liposuction and chin augmentation. We tailor every treatment to the individual, prioritising natural results and safe outcomes.
Whether you’re looking for subtle refinement or a striking transformation, we’ll help you find the right solution for your face, your goals, and your lifestyle.
