For a round face, the goal is to shift from a circular, width-dominant shape to something more vertically defined and angular. With custom implants, you’re adding structure—but in round faces, soft tissue thickness is often the limiting factor, so reduction plays a bigger role than usual.
Here’s how to think about the best combinations:
Core Strategy for Round Faces
- Increase vertical definition (chin projection/length)
- Control lower cheek fullness
- Sharpen the jawline
- Avoid adding too much width in the midface
Most Effective Soft Tissue Reductions
1. Buccal Fat Reduction (High Value)
- Almost always useful in round faces
- Reduces the “ball-like” lower cheek fullness
- Allows cheek or jaw implants to actually show
- Creates a natural hollow under the cheekbone
Pair with:
- Submalar or modest malar implants (not overly wide)
- Jawline implants
Key point:
This is often the single biggest improvement for round faces when done correctly.
2. Submental Liposuction (Essential for Definition)
Very high impact even if fullness is mild
- Defines the jaw–neck angle
- Prevents chin/jaw implants from looking “buried”
- Makes the face look longer and leaner
Pair with:
- Chin implant (especially vertical lengthening)
- Jawline implants
3. Masseter Reduction (Conditional but Powerful)
Best if lower face width is muscular
- Slims the lower third of the face
- Transforms a square-round lower face into a tapered one
Pair with:
- Jaw implants designed for shape, not width
- Chin projection
Important:
- If you want a strong, wide jaw, skip this
- If you want a V-shape / taper, this helps a lot
4. Perioral Fat Reduction (Selective)
Only if there’s heaviness around mouth
- Reduces “bottom-heavy” look
- Helps chin projection stand out
Implant Strategy (Critical for Round Faces)
Soft tissue reduction only works well if the implants are designed correctly:
Chin (Most Important)
- Vertical lengthening + forward projection
- Creates elongation ? breaks roundness
Jawline
- Focus on definition, not width
- Avoid overly flared angles (can worsen roundness)
Cheeks
- Conservative width
- Prefer anterior or vertical augmentation, not lateral expansion
High-Value Combinations for Round Faces
Combo 1 (Most Reliable)
- Chin implant (vertical + projection)
- Jawline implant (moderate definition)
- Buccal fat removal
- Submental lipo
Creates length + sharpness
Combo 2 (More sculpted look)
- Chin implant
- Jawline implant
- Buccal fat removal
- Masseter Botox
Narrows lower face + adds structure
Combo 3 (Full transformation)
- Custom wraparound implant (chin + jaw)
- Buccal fat removal
- Submental lipo
- Possible masseter reduction
Most dramatic change from round ? angular
Common Mistakes in Round Faces
- Over-widening cheek implants ? makes face look even rounder
- Skipping fat reduction ? implants look hidden
- Too much jaw width ? “blocky” instead of defined
- No chin lengthening ? face stays circular
Bottom Line
For round faces:
- Buccal fat removal + submental lipo = foundation
- Chin projection/length = shape changer
- Jaw implants = refinement, not bulk
- Masseter reduction = optional narrowing tool
Dr. Barry Eppley
Plastic Surgeon