First thing's first: at GLAMOUR, we are all about 'your beauty, your rules' – and if you want to trial cosmetic treatments, that's your call. If you'd rather embrace your fine lines and natural beauty in all its glory, you do you! If you want to trial a treatment, that's totally up to you. All we advise is that you seek the best advice and do things on your terms – and we hope to provide you with exactly that. We also aim to share honest reviews of treatments we've tried. If you're looking to trial something yourself, please do your research and consult an expert. Here, one GLAMOUR writer tries chin filler and gives her honest verdict…
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always thought I had a double chin, even back when I was a kid – it’s just anatomy for some people.
As I grew older, I came to realise that not only did I have a small pocket of fat beneath my chin, but I had a weak bone structure – therefore a ‘structurally weak’ chin. This, I'll be honest, was causing issues for my self-esteem. The tip of my chin is naturally slightly recessed, meaning it is not in proportion with my side profile. This was making my lower face sag, creating unwanted jowles. As I get older, this has become more of a concern for me.
I recently discovered the amazing results jaw and chin filler can achieve, so I decided to book a consultation with Dr Toni Burke at The Fitzrovia Clinic.
Dr Burke qualified as a medical doctor in 2004, specialising in Aesthetic Medicine in 2008. Alongside working as a Harley Street practitioner and trainer for the last decade, she is a full member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) and on the specialist advisory board for Complications in Aesthetic Medicine (CMAC). We asked her all about the chin filler procedure below…
What does jaw filler do?
“Patients who may be most suitable for jawline filler are those seeking to refine their profile, perhaps addressing jawline definition, a weak chin or even a double chin.
"It's a versatile treatment that can help to camouflage jowling and add structure to the lower face, minimising a double chin by enhancing jawline projection. Essentially, it's about creating harmony in the face by enhancing both the jawline and chin, improving that transition from neck to jawline, addressing each facial profile, asymmetry, sagging skin, or age-related volume loss.”
What does the procedure involve?
“At Fitzrovia Clinic, we make every effort to provide a pain-free experience by using local anaesthetic for all filler treatments.
"Additionally, most fillers contain additional numbing within the product for enhanced comfort. Whether we use a needle or a flexible cannula, we adjust our approach based on a specific treatment and the patient's anatomy. Results are immediately visible, and any minor swelling and redness quickly subside over the few days after treatment. Many find that they can return to work afterwards with no concerns.”
Is there anything you should know or do before getting jaw filler?
“Leading up to your appointment, it's helpful to avoid anything that could increase the risk of bruising. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen, NSAIDs, fish oil, and vitamin E, which can all contribute to more bruising.
"It's also important to choose a medically trained and experienced practitioner, ideally within a CQC-registered clinic. Scheduling a consultation prior to any treatment is essential for discussing your goals and ensuring you're a suitable candidate. If you’re aiming to have treatment before an event, I’d recommend having a consultation at least 2 months beforehand.”
What is the aftercare advice?
“I highly recommend steering clear of strenuous activities and resist touching the treated area or applying makeup for at least the initial 24 hours post-procedure. For any swelling or discomfort, try using a cool compress intermittently. We advise all our patients to contact us immediately if they have any concerns or notice any unusual symptoms following their treatment.”
How long does jaw filler last?
“In comparison to Botox treatments, fillers tend to be much longer-lasting. We expect hyaluronic acid-based fillers like Teosyal, Juvederm, or Restylane to last at least 1-2 years. Collagen stimulators such as Ellanse and Radiesse offer even longer-lasting results, lasting 2 plus years.”
Are there any long-term effects?
“All filler treatments carry some risks, but luckily, serious complications are very rare. When it comes to jawline filler, the main issue I've observed is overfilling. It's easy to lose sight of the natural, original shape of a jawline and mistakenly believe that filler has broken down. To prevent this, it's essential to select a practitioner who is experienced with this treatment and can provide balanced results.”
The verdict?
My main concern was my jowling cheeks, my lack of definition in my jaw, my double chin and my side profile. Dr Burke told me that I was the perfect patient for chin filler and suggested a small dose of fat-dissolving injections to elevate the final results. She measured the fat beneath my chin with an ultrasound, it measured to around 0.77cm – I was sold. I visited The Fitzrovia Clinic three times, once for filler and twice for fat-dissolving injections.
The first treatment was the filler itself. Fortunately, I have no issues with needles, so I wasn’t apprehensive at all about the procedure. It was quick, maybe felt slightly strange at times (which is normal), but it was almost completely painless.
Dr Burke spoke to me through every part of the treatment, warning me if there may be a sharp pinch, reassuring me and checking that I was OK every step of the way. She used both needles and a cannula to insert the filler into the tip of my chin, along my jawline and into the corners of my jaw by my ear. The aim was to bring my chin further down and further out, this would balance my structure and support my lips more.
The whole procedure took around 45 minutes and had immediate effects. As soon as I sat up, I felt my face looked more balanced and supported, my jawline more defined and my double chin had almost disappeared. It was effective enough to sculpt my jaw and chin into a more pronounced smile, but subtle enough that people wouldn't be aware I'd had the tweakment. I was over the moon leaving the clinic that day.
I visited twice more for fat-dissolving injections. These just felt like regular injections – virtually painless. The fat-dissolving injections, as expected, did cause slight swelling for a couple of days, but nothing noticeable to anyone but myself. I had two treatments for fat injections; it’s recommended to have 2-3 syringes for optimal results.
Overall, I’m overwhelmingly happy with the results. I can actually feel the difference, not only see it in the mirror. My double chin is virtually gone, I don’t feel so claustrophobic around my neck, and I can put my chin to my chest with much more ease than before the treatment. I’ve recently been abroad with my sister, who loves snapping candid photographs while you’re not looking. I usually wince when looking at my chin in photos. This time, I can honestly say I didn’t wince once. My chin was defined at every angle in every photo.
The best thing about this treatment is that absolutely no one has noticed or asked me about it. Dr Toni is the Queen when it comes to delivering undetectable, natural results that improve your first and foremost boost your confidence.
At The Fitzrovia Clinic, jaw filler prices start from £450 per syringe ( I had three), and fat-dissolving treatment is £850 for two injections.
For more from Glamour UK Senior Visual Editor Chelsea Hughes, follow her on Instagram @chelshughes92.
