How do I fix my jaw? (Photo)

Question

I’m 37. I don’t like the sagging on my jaw from the side. What is the best way to fix that or make it less noticeable? Thanks.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

The photos are limited, but they show mild softening along the jawline and a small amount of fullness under the chin rather than severe sagging. At 37, the best option depends on whether the issue is skin laxity, early jowling, fat under the chin, chin projection, or jawline definition.

If the skin quality is good, non-surgical options such as carefully placed filler to the chin/jawline, neuromodulator to the neck bands, or energy-based skin tightening may make the area less noticeable. If there is true loose skin or early jowling, a mini-lift, lower facelift, or neck lift gives a more reliable change, but that may be more than you need. An in-person exam is needed to assess skin elasticity, bite/chin position, fat distribution, and whether a surgical or non-surgical plan fits your goals.

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

I generally prefer to conduct a physical examination first, but from what I can gather from your photos, you seem to be a suitable candidate for lower facelift surgery.

Correcting the area known as jowls in the lower part of your face with a facelift will make you look younger and healthier. If you aim to have a feminine jawline, it should be enhanced with fat injections. From what I can gather from your photos, you also seem to be a suitable candidate for a chin implant. However, it's important to have a one-on-one discussion with the patient and conduct a detailed evaluation to determine a precise treatment plan.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

A mini facelift with a short scar would allow tightening of the SMAS tissue in the lower face and correct this sagging.

John Reilly, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Jowling usually requires a facelift procedure to provide maximal results as it is not necessarily a skin problem but involves the deeper structures which have descended and are pushing on the skin. In an effort to delay a facelift you can address  the visible problem which essentially is the appearance of a "depressed" area between the roundness of the chin and the roundness of the jowl. Applying a bit of filler or fat to that one area can create the appearance of a straighter jaw line.  
Good luck.

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

Thank you for your question and sharing your photographs.

The main problem noticeable in these images is the volume under the jawline. This is made out of of a combination of tissue types: lower part of the submandibular glands, digastric muscles and a small amount of deep-seated fatty tissue centrally.

There is also a very small amount of fatty tissue that disrupts the contour of the jawline.

The deep plane necklift intervention can address the volume excess and produce a sharper contour of the jawline. Sometimes this can be done without any skin tightening. 3D imaging and simulation allows calculation of these differences and to determine with good precision whether skin tightening is necessary or not for the degree of volume correction anticipated. As a result of volume reduction in the deep plane, the chin usually appears also stronger, in particular on profile.

The anterior necklift procedure involves a scar under the chin only. It also allows reduction of small amount of volume along the jawline; the isolated necklift procedure involves also a small amount of skin tightening is usually around the earlobe.

Reza Rod, MD · Answer

You are a little young for a facelift. Injectable can help balance your facial features. Research injectors in your area making sure it is an RN injector or a doctor.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Since you're only 37, your skin tone should be acceptable. You could undergo a simple neck lift procedure, which accomplishes removing the fat deposits in your neck located most likely above and below the platysma muscle in your neck, which also includes a platysma plasty to significantly improve your jawline. Three small access incisions are made underneath the chin and behind each ear. No skin removal would be necessary.

Pasha Mostofi, MD, DMD · Answer

Hi there, 
Jaw definition can be affected by a few things:
1. The bony position of your lower jaw (mandible) to your upper jaw (maxilla). For example, your mandible could be retruded or protruded or even at be in excess or deficient from a vertical standpoint. It's hard to tell without an x-ray to appreciate your bony relationship. However, from you profile view, it looks like you might be a little deficient vertically, notably in your chin area. This could be address either with a chin implant or some type of jaw surgery if it was deemed appropriate. 
2. Skin laxity. There is some "jowling" that I can appreciate from your profile photo. This can be due to skin laxity with time or again be related to the position of your jaw or chin. Jowling and major skin laxity is addressed is with either a face/neck lift, although, I considering how young you are this isn't something I would recommend right away without a proper clinical workup. 
3. Volume. This is where dermal fillers might help add definition to your lower jaw if you are looking for a less invasive option. Dermal fillers come with there own set up pros and cons, but this is something you could discuss with an experienced injector &/or surgeon. 
My recommendation to you would to be evaluated by a facial surgeon to understand which option could best benefit you in achieving your goals. Hope this helps!

Yasin Kursad Varsak, MD · Answer

The age at which facial aging signs typically begin to appear is generally considered to be around mid 30s, although this can vary for different individuals. Facial aging signs usually manifest as deepening nasolabial folds, melolabial folds (marionette lines) , jawling and neck laxity. if you only undergo procedures to correct your jawline, the low cheeks and deep folds in the midface may still bother you or will bother you in a few years, resulting in an uneven improvement and an unnatural facial appearance. Therefore, my recommendation is to undergo a procedure that effectively corrects both the midface and neck regions together, providing more permanent and natural results. I suggest considering a comprehensive procedure such as an extended deep plane facelift and platysma plasty to address both areas effectively.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

It sounds like you are a candidate for a Mini-Facelift. My favorite technique is the MACS short scar Mini-Facelift. Developed in Europe, it is the ideal approach for the younger patient, not ready for a full facelift, or one who desires a less invasive procedure with a shorter recovery time. The procedure address is the mid face, jowls and neck regions in a natural and long lasting manner. Be certain to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

How do I fix my jaw? (Photo)

Answers (13)

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