Facial elasticity diminishes as we age, and this often causes the jaw area to drop. Weight gain, double chin, and unhealthy diets can also lead to an unflattering sagging jawline.
There are facial exercises that can be done regularly to keep all 43 facial muscles tight and firm. There are also several non-invasive treatments that can reshape and refine the jawline to highlight one’s slim features.
Plastic Surgeon Dr. Vice Firmalo explains, “The jawline refers to the shape of the lower jaw, but we must include the angle near the ear because there should be a harmonious shape, which can enhance masculinity or femininity.” He added that the entire jaw or mandibular bone covers almost one-third of the face, and so the shape or contour greatly affects appearance.
A jawline contouring procedure can harmonize inherent facial features. It refines the look, making it more pronounced and balanced. This is ideal for those born with a weak or recessed chin. Contouring can also help improve the shape of a round face because it adds more structure, giving the face a more youthful lift.
There are several ways to achieve a more chiseled or V-shaped sexy jawline. There are energy-based devices that accentuate the jaw area. There are also minimally invasive fillers and threads that can add volume and sculpt the lower facial features. “The more drastic modality is surgery, which can alter how you look in a more obvious way. Less invasive procedures are temporary, while the surgical options are more permanent.”
According to the head of Firmalo Plastic Surgery at Centuria Medical Makati, generally all these procedures are safe; “however, it is important that the advantages and disadvantages are clearly discussed by the plastic surgeon.”
Before recommending any procedure, Dr. Firmalo would often ask his patients why they wish to have a jaw contouring procedure.
“I want to know what the patient wants to gain from it,” he said, citing that reasons can range from dreams of looking like a model to recovering from a childhood trauma of always being teased because of their looks.
“Some want to have a contouring procedure for career advancement or just plain self-improvement. Whatever reason they may have, if it’s realistic, then we plan the next move,” he added.
Downtime for less invasive procedures can last for a few days, while recovery for surgical procedures may take several weeks. He strongly advises those who are interested in jawline contouring to research extensively about the different options available. And more importantly, “go to a board-certified plastic surgeon for their surgical procedure and choose a Department of Health-accredited facility for safety.”
