What makes an attractive jaw profile? Depending on your gender, visage and aesthetic goals, you may prefer a triangular, heart or diamond-shaped jawline. What’s clear, though, is that the jawline is one of the most defining features of the human face and plays a significant role in creating harmony between features. In many cultures, an aesthetically pleasing jawline is considered a symbol of youth, beauty and confidence. Ultimately, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
In the world of non-surgical injectables, jawline enhancement has long been one of the most common areas of concern among patients seeking treatment. With advancements in aesthetic technology and the ever-growing number of expert medically trained injectors, there are many jaw slimming procedures to choose from. However, with so many different injectable products on the market and treatments and injection techniques varying between clinics, selecting an option to suit your needs, goals and lifestyle can take time to wrap your head around. Keep reading to discover the most effective jaw slimming treatments and critical factors to consider before you make your appointment with an aesthetician.
The benefits of jaw slimming treatments
Male and female patients typically have varying goals when it comes to achieving the ideal aesthetic results. While men often want a more chiselled and square-looking jawline, women may wish for a more feminine and delicate shape that softens the appearance of a square or masculine jaw.
Although there are a wide variety of jaw slimming treatments tailored to specific individuals and goals, some of the general benefits of jawline procedures include:
- Creating a more balanced facial profile
- Enhancing definition and structure in a weak or soft jawline
- Improving overall proportions and facial harmony
- Creating a more aesthetically pleasing side profile
- Boosting self-confidence and self-esteem
- Improving facial asymmetry
- Correcting issues such as bruxism (teeth grinding) or TMJ (pain or dysfunction in the masseter muscle, which affects jaw movement).
Popular non-surgical jaw slimming procedures
If you’re interested in jawline enhancement, there are several options to choose from, all of which enhance your lower facial profile in different ways. Some of the most popular jaw slimming treatments include:
Injectable dermal fillers
Jawline fillers are a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure administered by a healthcare professional and qualified aesthetician. A hyaluronic-acid-based dermal filler such as Juvederm or Restylane is injected below the skin’s surface. Adding filling in the face’s soft tissue, they restore lost volume, eliminate sagging and help contour and sculpt the jawline. The result is smoother, younger-looking skin that is noticeably more defined.
You can expect an improvement in the shape and definition of your jawline immediately after the procedure, with results lasting for around 6 to 12 months, depending on the product and amount of filler used.
Masseter Botox®
The masseter muscle is a large quadrangular muscle that plays a vital role in the jaw’s movement and chewing of solid foods. This procedure is administered to relax and temporarily weaken the muscles that control the jaw, leading to a reduction in the size of the jawline. Masseter Botox® is also highly effective in resolving dental-related issues such as bruxism and TMJ. As a prescription drug, botulinum toxin must be prescribed by a medic and administered by an experienced clinician. You can expect to see the full results of the treatment within two weeks, with top-up injections required every 3-4 months to maintain the results.
Thread lifts
A thread lift procedure involves the insertion of small, absorbable surgical threads into the skin, which are then pulled tight to lift and tighten sagging skin. The threads are usually made of polylactic acid or polydioxanone and are designed to dissolve over a period of around 12-18 months.
In terms of jaw slimming, thread lifts can lift and tighten the skin along the jawline, creating a more contoured appearance. The procedure is far less invasive than traditional facelift surgery and typically requires less recovery time.
Factors to consider
As with any minimally invasive cosmetic procedure, you should exercise considerable thought before undergoing a jaw slimming treatment. Key factors to consider when making your decision include:
What are your goals?
If you’re looking for a subtle, non-permanent enhancement, non-surgical jawline treatments offer convenience, quick results and little to no downtime. However, if you have a significant aesthetic concern, fillers or Botox are unlikely to provide the desired results, and surgery may be a better option for you.
Are non-surgical injections right for you?
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, on certain medications or have a history of severe allergies or collagen disorders, you may not be a suitable candidate for aesthetic medicine.
Ultimately, a consultation with an aesthetic practitioner will allow you to discuss your medical history and desired results with a qualified professional who can advise on the best treatment plan to suit your needs and lifestyle.
