What is a Jawline?
What is a jawline? The jawline is the contour of the lower jaw that defines the face and forms the transition between the face and neck. A clearly defined jawline is often considered an attractive feature as it adds structure and expression to the face.
Not everyone is naturally endowed with a prominent chin line, as the jawline is significantly influenced by genetic factors. The natural ageing process also contributes to the facial tissue losing its firmness – an effect known as the ‘sagging effect’. This can lead to the formation of so-called ‘sagging cheeks’. The neck also plays an important role in the jowl line, as sagging skin or fat deposits in this area can make the contour appear softer.
Psychology – Why a clearly defined Jawline?
From an evolutionary perspective, a strong jawline can be seen as a sign of good genetic predisposition and healthy hormone production. However, the psychology behind the desire for a pronounced and clearly defined jawline is also closely linked to social ideals of beauty. Studies show that a prominent jawline is associated with attractiveness, vitality and even social status. In men in particular, a pronounced jawline is associated with high testosterone levels and masculinity. Women, on the other hand, benefit from a defined jawline as it contributes to a youthful, firm facial expression.
Media representation also plays a key role: celebrities, models and influencers often present themselves with a perfectly defined jawline, which reinforces the desire for a similar aesthetic.
As a doctor, it is therefore essential for me to understand not only the physical but also the psychological motives behind a treatment and, if necessary, to refuse it responsibly if the expectations are unrealistic or strongly characterised by external pressure.
Jawline changes with age
With increasing age, anatomical and physiological changes occur that affect the jawline:
Skin ageing:
The breakdown of collagen and elastin leads to sagging skin.
Fat shift:
The subcutaneous fat is reduced in certain areas of the face and is increasingly deposited on the lower chin.
General weight gain and increased fat deposits on the cheeks and neck can also contribute to the jawline losing its clear definition.
Size of the salivary glands:
The large salivary glands (parotid gland, submandibular gland) also play a decisive role in the clear definition of the Jawline. Both can vary greatly in size, and this is often closely linked to the amount of food intake and nutritional status. Generally very slim people who are not overweight, do not eat too much, drink little alcohol and do not smoke generally have very small salivary glands and therefore a better defined Jawline.
Muscle weakness:
The muscles that contribute to the definition of the jawline lose their firmness.
Bone resorption:
With increasing age, bone loss occurs naturally, which can also affect the jaw structure. The lower jaw bone in particular loses volume and density, resulting in a less defined jawline.
In addition to age-related factors, significant weight loss can also lead to a loss of volume, causing the skin to sag and the jaw contour to appear less defined.
Methods for improving the Jawline
There are both non-invasive and surgical methods for optimising the jawline. Here is an overview:
Minimally invasive methods:
Jawline: Injection with hyaluron
Jawline injections with hyaluronic acid are a proven method for optimising the chin line. Treatment with hyaluronic acid offers a quick and non-surgical way to emphasise the jawline, but also has some disadvantages. Excess hyaluronic acid can lead to an overfilled, ‘puffy’ appearance. In addition, the effect only lasts for six months to a maximum of one year, making regular follow-up treatments necessary. If large amounts of hyaluronic acid are used, this can put a strain on the immune system and cause unwanted reactions.
Jawline: Injection with autologous fat
Injections with autologous fat are a natural method of chin contouring. The body’s own fat, usually from the abdomen or thighs, is harvested, processed and injected into the face. In contrast to hyaluronic acid, a longer-lasting result can be expected. As the fat is the body’s own substance, there is a lower risk of rejection reactions.
One disadvantage is the unpredictable healing rate, as some of the fat is broken down. Several treatments are often necessary to achieve the desired volume. In addition, uneven resorption can lead to asymmetrical results. There is also a certain risk of infection or hardening of the tissue. Compared to fillers, this treatment is more time-consuming, as fat is removed beforehand, which requires additional healing time. Further decisive disadvantages of Jawline augmentation with autologous fat are the consistency of the transplanted fat, which is much softer and more elastic than bone and therefore simply does not feel natural, and the fact that the transplanted fat can slip downwards as the face ages. This can then lead to very unnatural-looking facial changes that can only be corrected surgically.
For minor corrections, especially in younger patients, an injection can be a sensible and effective way of discreetly optimising the jawline.
Jawline: Fat-away injection (injection lipolysis)
‘Jawline contouring with injection lipolysis is often advertised as a gentle alternative to a facelift. Phosphatidylcholine is injected into specific areas of the face and neck using a fine needle to break down fat deposits. Within around four weeks, the dissolved fat cells are removed via the lymphatic system.
Fat removal injections are intended to define facial contours and gently tighten the skin with a rejuvenating effect by reducing fat. However, this can lead to uneven fat loss, resulting in asymmetrical contours. A significant reduction in fat deposits can also favour sagging skin. As the body needs time to break down the fat, the final result only becomes apparent after several weeks.
Radiofrequency microneedling
Radiofrequency microneedling is a minimally invasive method for tightening and defining the jawline. Ultra-fine needles penetrate the skin and channel targeted radiofrequency energy into the deeper layers of the skin. This stimulates collagen and elastin production, which firms and tightens the skin.
This method is particularly suitable for people with incipient skin sagging in the chin and neck area. It improves the skin structure and gives a firmer appearance. The results build up gradually and are not immediately visible. In addition, several treatments are usually required to achieve optimum results. The method can reach its limits in the case of severely sagging tissue or pronounced fat deposits.
Jawline tuning – the gold standard
Jawline tuning is a SMAS facelift that specifically tightens and defines the lower half of the face. The procedure improves the contour of the jawline and is often combined with a neck lift to create a harmonious overall appearance. Dr Muggenthaler’s pioneering method achieves a natural, long-lasting result that clearly emphasises the jawline and optimises the facial structure.
Preventive measures for a defined Jawline
If the genetic prerequisites for a defined jawline are basically in place, targeted skin care, nutrition and a healthy lifestyle can help to maintain it. Highly potent active ingredients such as retinol promote collagen production and help to maintain skin elasticity. A protein-rich diet and sufficient fluid intake strengthen the skin structure from within. In addition, balanced weight management helps to keep the jawline visible by maintaining a healthy body fat percentage and preventing sagging.
In our practice, we provide comprehensive advice on weight management, nutrition and individual diet strategies. Our holistic approach takes into account not only aesthetic goals, but also long-term health and well-being.
My conclusion on Jawline optimisation
The jawline is a central feature for the attractiveness and youthfulness of the face. Its shape is significantly influenced by genetic factors, natural ageing processes and weight changes.
As a doctor, it is essential for me to understand the psychological motivations behind the desire for a defined jawline and to respond to them responsibly. The choice of the appropriate method depends on the patient’s individual needs and expectations.
For minor corrections, especially in younger patients, injections with hyaluronic acid or autologous fat or energy-assisted procedures such as radiofrequency or ultrasound are suitable. For more pronounced skin sagging, sagging cheeks or a poorly defined chin line – whether due to age or genetics – we achieve the best results with a facelift. This is particularly true for patients with excess fat or sagging tissue in the chin and neck area following significant weight loss.
