If you’re thinking about getting surgery done on your jaw, it will help to consider your moviations and what you’re hoping to achieve. Female jaw surgery (or orthognathic surgery) is an individualised surgery, which means what might work for one person might not for another. Let’s consider the different goals a person might have for female orthognathic surgery.
Dr Maryam Seyedabadi is a plastic surgeon with extensive training in aesthetic surgery. Her experience allows her to correct jaw abnormalities for many patients.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is one of the plastic surgeons in Australia. He has helped thousands of patients to achieve their aesthetic goals with the help of face or body contouring procedures.
Anatomical Measurements of the lower face and jaw
In men and women, jaw angle or the angle of the jaw typically differs by 2-3 degrees. In men, the average angle is 128 degrees while it is 126 degrees in women. This means it is relatively constant. However, the angles can vary slightly within the same gender. Ethnic differences apply too.
Jaw width is a highly variable feature when it comes to precise geometric measurements. No literature specifies a quantitative measure for analysing the beauty of a woman’s face in terms of a specific jaw width. That is the reason, plastic surgeons and aestheticians don’t aim for a specific jaw width when it comes to aesthetic manipulation of the jaw. The focus is primarily on the angle and the contour of the jaw.
Factors the Desired Female Jawline
Any form of jaw (orthognathic) surgery is done based on what is aesthetically pleasing for the patient and what is realistically achievable. This common ground is established between the surgeon and the patient during the consultation. There are times when the patient’s vision doesn’t match the view of the surgeon. In such instances, having adequate knowledge of ideal female facial anatomy is very useful. It is important to note that to date there isn’t any consensus on female beauty and the patients goals should be prioritised.
All the studies done on female facial attractiveness and dimensions vary greatly in terms of their findings, ethnicity, and geography. Due to this large variation, the perceptions of any ideal woman’s jawline vary considerably. Eventually, it all comes down to a mutual understanding between you and your surgeon if you are planning to get a surgical procedure to alter your jaw.
Individual Jawline Shape Goals
There are certain studies that claim having an obtuse angle jawline combined with a contoured mandible is what is generally desired. Some other studies found that a narrow-angle jawline is often desired. This is true for people of Asian descent where a V-shaped jawline is very popular. This makes it clear that cultural influence can impact the way that a person desires their jawline to look. When thinking about what will work for you, it’s important to know that what works well on other people or celebrities might not look the same on you. Everyone is different, with different natural features. Therefore, when it comes to surgery on the jawline, it’s not about a one-size-fits-all look, but rather, altering the jawline to suit the patient’s unique features and aesthetic desires.
Lateral View of the Jaw is important
Apart from the angle from the frontal view, the angle of the lateral view is also incredibly important for overall facial aesthetics. Jaw protrusion and retrusion also play a big role. You might like to consider this if you are thinking about getting orthognathic surgery.
Jaw Slimming and Contouring Procedures
V-line Jaw Slimming is one of the most requested cosmetic surgery procedures. There are both surgical and non-surgical options available. A very popular treatment choice is the use of anti-wrinkle injections that essentially work by decreasing the power and effect of specific injected muscles, thus creating a decrease in the size of that muscle. When injected into specific muscle groups it can achieve a slimmer jawline. The treatment works by paralysing the facial muscle temporarily.
Another option is to choose jaw (orthognathic) surgery. This surgery is performed by removing a part of the mandible to minimise the width of the jaw.
How to Change Female Jawline Definition
There are many ways to change the shape of the jawline. The procedures can vary from simple non-surgical injectables to chin implants (genioplasty) surgery. For instance, there are times when patients only need a chin implant (genioplasty) to alter the look of their jaw. In some cases, the buccal fat pad is removed to create further definition. It creates a hollowness below the cheekbones and can create the impression of an altered jawline.
Anti-wrinkle injections is also another great option to achieve a more feminine jawline or profile in patients who have square faces. Injecting this substance to the masseters can work for people with a squarer face shape. Enhancing the cheekbones with filler or fat injections along with anti-wrinkle injections in the jaw can create a more feminine facial profile.
Not one size fits all when it comes to changing the shape of the jaw. Sometimes, the removal of jowls is all that is needed to achieve the desired outcome. This can be done with the help of a facelift (rhytidectomy) or neck lift (platysmaplasty).
If you are looking for a way to refine, alter, or reduce your jaw, the first step is to book a consultation with Dr Hunt or Dr Maryam. It will give you a chance to discuss your options and choose the most suitable treatment.
Non-Surgical Options for Altering the Female Jawline
Non-surgical options can work for people who wish to make mild to moderate changes to their jaw and are ok with touch-ups every few months. Some of the most commonly used treatment options include neurotoxins, fat-melting injectables, surgical threads and dermal fillers. Let’s discuss these options briefly:
1. Dermal Fillers
When dermal fillers are injected into the jawline, it can alter the mandible along with the bony angle of the jaw. It works best for patients who need minimal adjustments to their jaw and doesn’t require any major changes. Patients typically need 1 to 4 syringes of dermal filler based on their current facial anatomy and their desired aesthetic result. The results of the treatment are almost immediately visible and can last for around 6 to 12 months based on the type of filler used.
2. Neurotoxin
Muscle relaxing injections can be performed directly into the masseter muscles. You can feel your masseter muscles by clenching your teeth and feeling for a slight bulge where your jaw ends. Thinning out these muscles can require variable doses to see visible results. The results can last for 3 to 4 months. After that, you will need to get the treatment redone if you want to continue the results.
3. Kybella for Fat Reduction
If you have excess fat underneath your chin area which affects the appearance of your jaw, Kybella injections are an option. During the treatment, deoxycholic acid injections are injected underneath your chin which essentially kills fat cells that will be gradually eliminated by your body over the next few months. Most patients typically need 1 to 6 vials of Kybella for their desired results. While patients need multiple sessions to see results, the final results are generally long-lasting. You may also consider submental liposuction as a treatment for a fat under the chin.
4. Surgical Threads for Loose Skin
In some cases, patients might be concerned about lack definition in the jaw area due to excess loose skin. Surgical threads can be used to tighten the skin around your jowls. Most patients need 4 to 8 threads based on how large their jowls are and how much excess skin they have. The results will generally last for 6 to 12 months. If you have a lot of excess loose skin then a surgical option might be more suitable.
Surgical Options for Changing the Female Jawline and Profile
Surgical options are generally an option for people with moderate to a large amount of fat or excess loose skin surrounding the neck and jaw area. Typically, neck lift (platysmaplasty) and liposuction are able to cater to patients in such cases. In some cases, radiofrequency energy technology may be used.
1. Neck Liposuction – Submental Liposuction
If you have fat around your neck and jaw, neck liposuction can reduce this to help define the jawline. Based on the lipo technology used, most surgeons will opt for some gentle skin tightening along with fat removal.
2. Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty) Surgery
During the neck lift or platysmaplasty surgery, your surgeon will make incisions behind your ear, near your ear, and underneath your chin. They will lift up the skin to reveal your neck muscles along with the fat and supporting structures on your neck. The results of the platysmaplasty are significant as it simultaneously works on the skin, fat, muscles and salivary glands in one go. The final outcome will typically last for many years but will not stop further natural ageing.
3. Radiofrequency Energy Devices
It is definitely a less common option but surgeons and doctors still do it in some cases. The radiofrequency energy will tighten your loose skin in the neck area and is sometimes used along with neck liposuction. Dr Hunt does not offer these devices as past results have been unreliable and not worth it for patients having the treatment done.
Further Reading about Non-Surgical Procedures for Female Jawline Alteration
- Read Dr Hunt’s Dermal Fillers page
- Read Dr Hunt’s Anti-Wrinkle Injections page
- Read Dr Hunt’s Skin Procedures page
- See Dr Hunt’s Real Non-surgical Procedures Patients Before and After Photos
About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Plastic Surgeon
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia.
He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.
Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is suitable for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and requires a personalised approach to reach their goals.
Dr Hunt has provided his one-on-one service and attention to detail to thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A. Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from well-established and experienced plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
- Find out more about pricing, medical payment plans and paying for your surgery
- Request more information about the procedure – call on 1300 157 200 or contact us
If blepharoplasty is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.
- Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
