A recent survey revealed that over 40% of respondents considered a strong, well-defined jawline to be a desirable facial feature. According to another study on attractiveness, 89% of participants associated a defined jawline with youth and confidence. This just highlights that our jawlines truly play a crucial role in our overall facial harmony and the perception others have of us.
Anatomically, a weak or recessed chin can make the nose appear larger or create a “soft” profile, while excess fat under the chin can lead to a double chin and thus a lack of definition in the jaw area.
And it is not a modern trend. Throughout history, a strong jaw has been a symbol of masculinity, wisdom, and even nobility. In ancient Greece and Rome, sculptures of gods, heroes, and philosophers often featured strong, chiselled jawlines. Similarly, in ancient Egypt, pharaohs and elite figures were portrayed with symmetrical, angular features, including a defined jaw.
During medieval times, knights and noblemen were often idealised with square, sturdy contours. Fast forward to Hollywood’s Golden Age, leading men like Marlon Brando and Paul Newman were also cast thanks to their classic, strong-jawed profiles. However, for many, these concerns are not just aesthetic, they are deeply personal. It is estimated that around 15 to 20% of people naturally have a weaker chin or jaw structure and that submental fat (double chin) affects 68% of adults in the U.S., contributing to a less defined lower face. Not to mention, a weak jaw or double chin can be caused by various factors including genetics and ageing. This means your facial definition can be determined early in life or change later on. Thanks to modern methods, whether you are seeking a subtle enhancement or a bold transformation, surgical and non-surgical jawline and chin contouring focus on enhancing what you already have, bringing balance and structure to your face.
Surgical Contouring
A recent survey revealed that about 24% of Brits have considered cosmetic surgery on their jaw, highlighting just how many people are dissatisfied with their jaw’s overall appearance and are seeking change. If you are one of them, surgery provides significant structural transformation and permanent results. It can dramatically alter the bone structure and address asymmetry or congenital deformities.
Naturally, it is important to note that choosing the surgical route requires you to be in generally good health, ideally a non-smoker or willing to quit before and after the procedure. You should also have realistic expectations about the results and recovery process, and be committed to following post-surgical care instructions.
Dr Yannis Alexandrides, a specialist in facial aesthetics, offers a range of expertly performed procedures tailored to help you beautifully achieve your unique facial structure and aesthetic goals.
Jaw Reduction & Reshaping
This procedure is popular among both men and women looking to achieve a softer or more refined look, as jaw reduction and reshaping target the angles and width of the lower jaw. These procedures are ideal for individuals who feel their jawline is overly wide, square, or asymmetrical, and who want a more slender, V-shaped, or oval facial contour, or who wish to feminise or masculinise their jawline. Through precise sculpting of the bone, Dr Alexandrides can create a more tapered, elegant appearance.
Submental Liposuction (Under-Chin Lipo)
Submental liposuction focuses on the area just beneath the chin. This surgical technique removes stubborn fat deposits that create a double chin or poorly defined jawline, instantly sharpening the angle between the chin and neck. The results are immediate and striking. This is a particularly popular choice for patients who are otherwise healthy and within a stable weight range but struggle with localised fat that simply refuses to budge. Your skin should also have enough skin elasticity to contract and re-drape smoothly after fat removal.
Chin Implants
In the UK, approximately 3,000 individuals undergo orthognathic (jaw) surgery each year to make corrections. This is because a recessed or small chin can throw off the entire balance of the face, and can even lead to functional issues. However, chin implants are designed to enhance projection and give the chin more prominence, ultimately improving the jawline and profile. Dr Alexandrides uses anatomical implants carefully selected and positioned to complement your facial anatomy, offering natural-looking yet transformative results. Chin augmentation can also be combined with jaw reshaping or liposuction for a comprehensive lower-face makeover.
Non-Surgical Contouring
The demand for non-surgical procedures has surged by roughly 57.8% over the past four years, indicating a robust trend toward non-invasive options. Not everyone is looking for permanent or drastic change, or willing to commit to longer downtime. Even though the less invasive route offers temporary results, they are by no means less impressive. Non-surgical jawline and chin contouring are effective alternatives to enhance definition, tighten skin, or stimulate collagen in a minimally invasive way. They typically offer gradual results as your body produces more and more collagen and come with significantly lower risks.
Thermage JawSculpt
Using radiofrequency energy, Thermage heats the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production, which tightens and lifts your skin over time. The JawSculpt is particularly effective for mild to moderate sagging around the jaw and is ideal for those in their 30s and 40s looking to maintain definition and prevent jowling (the loose skin that develops along the jawline and under the chin). The results are subtle, natural, and improve gradually over several months.
Mono Threads
Mono threads offer another subtle yet effective non-surgical solution for addressing sagging skin in the lower face. These fine, absorbable threads are delicately inserted beneath your skin to stimulate collagen production, and thus enhance firmness and overall skin elasticity. They are remarkably effective at refining the jawline and when strategically placed around the jaw and chin, mono threads can gradually deliver a smoother, firmer, and more youthful appearance.
What This Means for You
Your ideal jawline contouring journey is shaped by your unique facial anatomy, aesthetic goals, and personal preferences.
Thanks to modern advancements in surgery and medical aesthetics, achieving the profile you have always envisioned is more attainable than ever. This can, of course, pave the way to help you look and feel like the very best version of yourself.
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