"Sunken jaws" typically refers to two different conditions: sagging skin around the jawline (jowls) due to aging and volume loss, or a recessed chin/lower jaw (retrognathia) which can be a structural issue.
Mentoplasty or chin augmentation
It's possible to improve chin projection and lower lip aesthetics with mentoplasty which modifies the chin bone. Chin augmentation can also be used as a complementary procedure to orthognathic surgery to achieve greater facial balance.
Non-Surgical Methods: It's possible to fix a receding chin without surgery for mild to moderate cases. Non-invasive techniques such as facial exercises to strengthen jaw muscles or orthodontic treatments can help enhance the appearance of a weak chin.
Other non-surgical treatments for jowls
Dermal fillers: Dermal fillers are injected under the skin to add fullness and lift sagging skin. Results can last from a few months to several years. Radiofrequency treatments: Radiofrequency treatments use heat energy to stimulate collagen and gradually tighten skin.
Recessed chins can be the result of genetics, where the chin bone simply did not develop as prominently, or aging, where volume loss can accentuate a weak chin over time. For patients with a recessed chin, two main surgical options can help correct the issue: chin implants and sliding genioplasty.
A receding chin is a condition in which the chin is short, small, or backward due to an underdeveloped lower jaw, while the upper jaw is strongly developed, so a concave chin is often associated with the upper jaw bone.
This exercise gained wide popularity, but many dental professionals and orthodontists do not recommend it as it can adversely affect your bite. Another common technique is face yoga, which involves different exercises of the face, mouth, and jaw muscles for a more defined look.
Often, the cumulative effects of sun damage appear more obvious later in life, creating a sudden change in skin tone and texture. Lifestyle and stress: Poor sleep, smoking, alcohol, and stress can impair the skin's ability to repair itself. This may lead to dullness, dehydration, and faster development of wrinkles.
While Botox is primarily used to relax muscles, it is not typically recommended for treating sagging jowls. Instead, dermal fillers offer an effective solution. By adding volume and support, fillers can lift and redefine the jawline, helping to smooth the appearance of jowls.
Vapor Rub does not get rid of fine lines and wrinkles permanently, but can irritate the skin and cause swelling which makes them look better temporarily.
The 3-finger jaw test is a simple self-screening tool to check your jaw's range of motion (Maximal Incisal Opening or MIO) by seeing if you can comfortably stack three of your own fingers vertically between your upper and lower front teeth; fitting three fingers generally indicates a healthy opening (around 40-60mm), while struggling to fit two or fewer fingers suggests potential jaw restriction, often from muscle tension, clenching, or Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) issues.
Attractiveness is subjective and varies across cultures and individual preferences. While a strong jawline is often associated with attractiveness, many people find beauty and charisma in diverse facial features, including a recessed chin. Confidence and personality are key components of attractiveness.
Since jowls are a common side effect of excess weight, simply losing the extra pounds may help to minimize their appearance. If you've tried unsuccessfully to lose weight by exercising and eating healthfully, Semaglutide injections are also a great solution for reducing jowls.
Orthodontic expanders may cause some mild discomfort, especially at the beginning, but they are not typically painful. Any soreness usually fades within a few days, and with proper care, the adjustment period can be managed smoothly.
A common initial sensation is a slight pinching or prickling as the needle punctures the skin. Just like when you go for a vaccination. As the filler is injected, some describe a feeling of pressure or fullness in the treated area, akin to a mild and brief throbbing.
“I think there is a certain amount of fear among many Gen Zs,” says Dr Sophie Shotter, an aesthetic doctor. “They see the results of some people who have gone too far with injectables and they want to avoid that.”
Jowls are one of the most common age-related concerns that patients develop in their 40's and 50's. While a healthy lifestyle and sun avoidance can help prevent jowl formation to a certain degree, a cosmetic intervention will typically be needed to produce the desired changes.
Recent findings indicate that the vitamin D endocrine system (VDES), besides many other important functions, regulates aging in many tissues, including skin.
Most people begin to notice a shift in the appearance of their face around their 40's and 50's, with some also noticing a change in their 30's. But with these physical changes brought on by aging also comes a change in the appearance of our face - Luckily, there is treatment available.
Healthy aging looks like being intentional about the food we put in our bodies, a great exercise routine that involves strength, flexibility, and functional movement. It looks like great consolidated and restful sleep, hormonal balance, stress management, and positive relationships.”
In pretty much all cases, no, chewing gum will not create a slimmer neck or jaw contour. In fact, it can strengthen your masseter muscle which can create more fullness towards the back of the jaw. This is sometimes desirable for men who want a square jaw, but otherwise, many do not like the aesthetic effect.
Sugary sweets & snacks
Sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth, creating acids that attack your enamel and lead to cavities. Worst offenders: Sweets, toffees, chocolate, biscuits, and cakes. Sticky or chewy sweets are especially harmful because they cling to teeth for longer.
It helps to firm loose jowls and improve the appearance of facial symmetry.