One of the most common concerns people have is a loss of their jawline definition. Instead of being sharp and defined, over time the jawline can become softer or even invisible. We now have a number of treatment options to help improve jawline definition.
What causes loss of jawline definition?
The jawline is seen be the protrusion of the jaw bone, or mandible. Over time there are many changes that affect the appearance of the jawline. These occur from both above and below the jawline.
Above the jawline, the fat pads in the mid-face get smaller. At the same time the bony structure of the face changes; the cheekbones move downward and inward. These fat pads and bony structures normally hold up the face and, as a result, the face moves downward. Over time we also naturally lose collagen, the protein in the skin that keeps it firm, tight, and youthful in appearance. As collagen is lost the skin becomes loose and saggy and with gravity the skin of the mid-face and lower face goes down. All of these changes make the jawline less defined.
Below the jawline other changes occur. One is the increase of submental fat. This is the fat under the chin commonly called the double chin. A double chin can be due to age, weight gain, or genetics and is very common. When this gets larger the protrusion of the jaw bone is not as evident and we lose the definition of the jawline. Simultaneously the muscle in the neck just under the skin called the platysma becomes stronger with more use over time. This muscle pulls down on the lower face and when contracted it can also distort the jawline.
How can jawline definition be treated?
To improve your jawline definition all of these factors can be addressed. First it is important to apply sunscreen daily to minimize the effects of sun damage. The sun destroys the collagen in the skin, causing looseness and sagging of the skin.
Voluma
Voluma is a filler used in the mid-face to restore lost volume. By placing fillers such as Voluma high on the cheek bone, the entire lower face becomes lifted, improving the visibility of the jawline. It also restores the youthful apple of the cheek that is naturally lost over time. By pulling up on the face Voluma also addresses other concerns such as laugh lines (nasolabial folds) and marionette lines.
Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing stimulates your body to naturally produce new, fresh, and healthy collagen. Doing this will tighten the skin, providing a youthful appearance while pulling up on the jawline. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing has other benefits including treating fine lines, wrinkles, discolorations, and acne scars. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing can also be used to treat surgical scars and stretch marks. Results are seen slowly with this treatment so patience is important.
Kybella
Kybella is the first and thus-far only FDA-approved non-surgical injectable treatment for the double chin. The active ingredient in Kybella is a naturally occurring substance produced in the body. When injected into the double chin Kybella will dissolve the fat and it is eliminated naturally by your body over time. A series of Kybella treatments is required over several months. Unlike other treatments such as Botox and fillers, with Kybella maintenance treatments are not required. When the fat in the double chin is removed, the jawline appears more visible and defined.
Botox
Botox is a purified protein used to address muscles associated with facial expression. In the neck, Botox can be placed in the platysma muscle, a thin muscle just beneath the skin that pulls the lower face downward. When it becomes very strong sometimes vertical neck can be seen. Botox can be placed in this area to relax the muscle, softening the bands and preventing the muscle from pulling down on the lower face. When this happens the lower face and mid-face are lifted thus improving the jawline definition.
Dr. Alex has performed over 10,000 cosmetic treatments with many satisfied patients. Contact us for a free consultation in our Encino, CA office.