Jawline augmentation has been historically perceived, and is still done so today by many plastic surgeons, as augmentation of the chin. But the chin is just the anterior portion of the jaw and represents less than one-third of its total bony mass. Jawline augmentation really refers to either isolated jaw angle augmentation or complete augmentation of the entire jawline.
Jawline augmentation, either restricted to the jaw angles or includes all of the lower jaw’s outer surface, is commonly perceived as an aesthetic male facial procedure. But more women are requesting the procedure than ever before. And they are not just seeking chin augmentation but an entire jawline effect.
As a general rule a one-piece design provides the most effective method for an entire jawline augmentation effect. But the designs for man and women are predictably different. Having designed and placed many such implants there are definite trends in size and shape that differ amongst the genders.
The differences in most male and female custom jawline implant designs are at the three points or the chin and two jaw angles. Men usually want a more defined or square chin shape while women prefer a rounded or more tapered form. The amounts of hormonal chin projection is predictable less with women being 8mms or less and men frequently in excess of 8mms.
The jaw angle designs also have gender differences. Women usually focus more on vertical lengthening of the jaw angles and less on width. They have an interest in a more defined but smaller overall jaw angle size. Their goal is usually a tapered jawline look. Men tend to focus more on width and less on vertical lengthening unless they have a high or deformed jaw angle shape. They too want jaw angle definition but are more willing to to try and create it through the addition of width.
Lastly the connection between the chin and the jaw angles, known as the body component, has gender differences. Most women want a smooth linear connection between the two so the body part of the implant has an even outer thickness to remain confluent with the front and back of the implant design. Men, conversely, may need with throughout the jawline so it is thicker. Even if it is thin, in most cases, there is a discrepant thickness from that of the chin and jaw angles.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis Indiana