The Jawline is one of the most important facial features in youth as well as in the mature person. In fact, we are often not even aware that we are noticing a persons jawline, especially when looking directly at them. The jawline forms the 'shape' of the face, be it an oval face, a round face or an angular face. The eye naturally follows the curvatures of the face subconsciously, so that it is critical to the attractive face to have a well structured jawline. The person who notices a small chin, or a 'heavy round face' or a ''double chin, is really noticing the lack of definition of the jawline.
The jawline is basically composed of 3 sections - the front of the jaw, called the 'chin'; the middle part of the jaw, called the 'body' (contains the support for the teeth); and the back of the jaw, called the 'ramus'/angle of the jaw. One can be deficient in one or all of these areas, so that a proper refining of the jawline has to consider these anatomic areas to look natural. After all, the chin is often underdeveloped in many persons, but it forms only one dimension to the jawline.
Another example is to consider the person with a 'double chin' , who is typically lacking definition of the jawline from the chin back to the 'angle' of the jaw. Liposuction is only one part of the plan to reduce the look of this type of neckline; since one has to build up the jaw structure to clearly separate the face from the neck.The 'framework' of the face is critical to the long term result and support of the overlying soft tissues.
Jawline augmentation is clearly one of the most cosmetic procedures to achieve positive Facial Balance. Augmenting and defining the jawline benefits the young and the aging face. The lack of jawline definition in youth can lead to the look of a 'small, underdeveloped jaw', even when orthodontic and mandibular advancement surgery is performed. One must also consider the 'width' of the face at the angles of the jaw, as well as the angulation of the jawline itself. Combining a jawline augmentation with a chin surgery (as well as a lower jaw advancement surgery in some cases) will reestablish the most ideal facial proportions.
In the aging face surgeries, the repositioning of the muscles and skin to create smooth contours will look superior if the jawline is well balanced. If the lower jaw is underdeveloped in any way, the 'tightening' of the skin/muscles can not alone create the best jawline appearance. In fact, the "hollywood' facelift/necklifts' which are often criticized for their 'look', are missing this key jawline augmentation ingredient.
Dr. Wittenberg has extensive experience with the creation and re-establishment of the jawline esthetics and can provide you with appropriate advice.
Various materials can be used for augmentation of the jawline. Common materials would include "GoreTex-like' material, Silastic, Porex/acrylic based material, and even soft tissues fillers and fat. We would describe the most suitable material and procedure for you and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Dr. Wittenberg is truly expert at the reconstruction of the jawline for cosmetic and functional puposes. He can assist you to understand your situation and help you reach your goals.
Please view our Before & After Jawline Augmentation Gallery for previous patient photos.