Extremely weak jaw - what procedure should I be looking into? (Photos)

Question

Hi, I have no defination from my jaw from my profile view. it's almost like from the tip of my jaw to my neck is a straight line, I'd love to have any kind of defination on my jaw line. From a front facing view it looks fine, but the profile kills me, if I move my chin down at all it completely is just a thumb.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Dear Falori206,

Thank you for sharing your photos. Based on what I can see, this does not look like a simple neck skin problem. I do not see much extra neck skin, and I do not see obvious deep neck fullness from structures like the salivary glands or neck muscles. In my opinion, this looks more like a skeletal issue, with a lower jaw that appears set back and possibly an upper jaw that may also be set back.

That is important, because when the jaw structure is the main issue, a chin implant alone is often not enough. A neck lift or facelift would also not be the right answer based on these pictures. Those procedures can help skin and soft tissue, but they do not correct the foundation of the face.

In some patients, this pattern is related to jaw position and bite alignment. Occasionally, people have had orthodontic treatment when jaw surgery may have been needed to fully support the result. That is why I would strongly recommend a complete facial analysis before choosing any procedure. This should include an exam of the skin, muscles, and deeper neck structures, along with a skeletal analysis and dental evaluation.

The goal is to understand exactly where the lack of definition is coming from. Sometimes the chin is only part of the problem. If the jaws are set back as a whole, then treating only the chin can leave you under-corrected or still out of balance.

My advice would be to proceed thoughtfully and get evaluated by a board-certified facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon with experience in facial balance and jawline analysis. In many cases, that type of full workup is what leads to the best and most natural plan.

Best,

Dr. Earl Stephenson Jr.
ESJ Aesthetics | “Where confidence takes shape!”

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

Thank you for your question and sharing your photographs. My impression is that the main source of your concern is the shape of the neck rather than the size of the mandible and chin. This appears to be a hereditary feature that affects a number of people that are in the lower end of the normal BMI.

The deep contouring neck lift addresses also the volume contribution situated deep to the platysma muscles, which is a mixture of deep-seated fatty tissue, the bellies of the digastric muscles, and the lower part of the submandibular glands. It allows for the production of contrast both along the jaw line and for the chin.

I recommend that you have a consultation, ideally using 3D imaging and computer simulation, to identify the potential impact of reduction of the neck versus an increase in the projection of the chin so you can determine what it is that would suit you best. The elasticity of the skin often allows for volume reduction without skin tightening, and sometimes, if needed, the skin tightening to be very limited.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You may benefit from liposuction of the neck or a facelift or both.  You may also benefit from a chin implant as well.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Extremely weak jaw - what procedure should I be looking into? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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