Weak Jawline: Causes And Whether It Needs To Be Corrected

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HealthlineSubscribeSkin CareWhat Does It Mean to Have a Weak Jawline?

Medically reviewed by Catherine Hannan, M.D. — Written by Kirsten Nunez on May 15, 2020

Causes
Jawline exercises
Surgery
Alternative remedies
Summary

If you have a weak jawline, also known as a weak jaw or weak chin, it means that your jawline isn’t well-defined. The edge of your chin or jaw may have a soft, rounded angle.

The term might also refer to a receding chin, wherein the chin curves back toward the neck.

There’s nothing wrong with having a weak jawline. It doesn’t affect your ability to eat, talk, or smile.

But if you’d like to make your jawline look more defined, you have several techniques to choose from. These include cosmetic surgery, which can alter the shape of your jaw, and alternative remedies that temporarily change the appearance of your jawline.

Some people claim that mewing and jaw exercises can reshape the jaw. However, these methods aren’t proven to be effective in changing the structure of your jawline.

Possible causes of a ‘weak’ jaw

You may have a weak jaw for one or more reasons. These include:

Genetics

Many of your physical features are influenced by genetics. This includes the shape and structure of your jaw. As a result, you may inherit a weak jawline from a parent or grandparent.

Aging

As you get older, the angle of your jaw increases. This reduces definition in the lower portion of your face.

Aging also decreases the volume of your jawbone. In turn, the surrounding soft tissue has less support, potentially causing it to sag.

Thumb-sucking

It’s common for young children to suck their thumbs in response to stress or anxiety. However, children typically stop thumb-sucking by the age of 5 years old.

If a child continues this habit, the shape of their jawbone may change. Continued thumb-sucking can also move the teeth, which could alter the jawline.

Thumb-sucking in adults could also contribute to a weak jawline.

In both age groups, thumb-sucking is more likely to change the jaw when it’s done regularly and vigorously.

Overbite

An overbite refers to when the top front teeth overlap the bottom front teeth. This can cause the lower jaw to be positioned too far back, causing a weak jawline.

Eating soft foods

The shape of your jaw is also affected by your childhood eating habits. If you ate mostly soft foods growing up, your jaw might be weak. On the other hand, chewing hard foods puts mechanical load on your jawbone, which increases bone remodeling.

Can you change a weak jaw with exercise?

In recent years, jaw sculpting techniques have become increasingly popular. Some of the trendiest methods include:

Mewing. In mewing, you flatten your tongue against the top of your mouth. This is said to change the structure of your face and jaw.
Jawzrsize. Jawzrsize is a silicone ball that’s marketed as a fitness tool. You’re supposed to bite down on the ball to work out your jaw.
Facial massage. Getting a facial massage is said to help reshape the jawline. It can be done with your fingers or a special massage tool, which is usually made of stone.

While these techniques may sound promising, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to prove that they work.

Some people also people swear by jawline exercises, like chinups. But again, there isn’t solid proof to show that they’re effective.

Surgical options

If you’re interested in a surgical procedure, there are several options. These include:

Dermal fillers and Botox

Dermal fillers are soft gels that are injected beneath the skin. They can be made of natural or synthetic substances.

When injected into your jaw, dermal fillers can enhance the appearance of the bony edge.

Another option is a Botox injection. In this procedure, Botulinum toxin is injected into the muscles in your jaw. The toxin slims the edge of your face, creating a defined “V” shape.

Dermal fillers and Botox don’t require incisions in the skin. However, the results aren’t permanent. Dermal fillers last 12 to 18 months, while Botox lasts 3 to 4 months.

Neck liposuction

Liposuction is a procedure wherein fat is removed from the chin, neck, and jaw area. This can increase the definition of your jaw, giving you a stronger jawline. The results are permanent.

Neck lift

During a neck lift, the skin in your neck is lifted upward. The purpose is to contour and tighten the skin, muscle, and fat in the area. A neck lift might also involve fat removal.

This can define the lower half of your face, creating a more prominent jawline.

Chin augmentation

Chin augmentation, or chin implants, is another surgical option. A surgeon will place an implant in your chin, which increases its definition. The implant is made of a synthetic substance that’s similar to natural tissue in the chin.

Fat grafting

Fat grafting is an alternative to augmenting your chin without using implants. In this surgery, fat from another part of the body is removed and transferred to your chin. The fat is usually taken from the belly.

Thread lifts

Thread lifts are temporary sutures that are sewn in the skin. When stitched in the lower face, they can tighten loose skin and define the jawline.

Usually, thread lifts last 6 to 12 months.

Other ways to alter your jawline

It’s possible to change the appearance of your jawline with nonsurgical techniques. This generally involves altering other body parts.

But remember, this is a personal choice. You should only try changing your physical appearance if you truly want to.

Grow a beard

Growing a beard can add volume to your jaw. Additionally, by trimming the beard in a certain way, you may be able to alter the appearance of your jawline.

Wear makeup

If you wear makeup, some techniques and products can change how your jawline looks.

For example, applying bronzer along your jaw and cheeks may help contour your jawline. You can also add highlighter to enhance certain areas.

Lose some neck fat

If you have excess neck fat, losing some weight in that area might enhance the definition of your jawline.

However, it’s not possible to target fat loss in certain body parts. It needs to be part of an overall weight loss strategy.

Here’s how to support healthy weight loss:

Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Avoid or limit processed foods.
Avoid or limit refined sugars.
Eat whole grains instead of refined grains.
Practice portion control.
Get regular cardio exercise.
Start strength training.
Get enough sleep.
Reduce your alcohol intake.

Takeaway

Having a weak jawline doesn’t indicate a disease or health problem. But if you want to change it, various surgical and nonsurgical procedures may help. For example, you can try using makeup or facial hair to change the appearance of your jaw.

People say that jaw exercises and Jawzrsize can also reshape your jaw, but they haven’t been proven to be effective. They might also be harmful if done incorrectly.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Chin implants. (n.d.).https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/chin-implants
Fat grafting a reliable technique for chin augmentation. (2017).https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/fat-grafting-a-reliable-technique-for-chin-augmentation
Inoue M, et al. (2019). Forceful mastication activates osteocytes and builds a stout jawbone.https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-40463-3
Kim R. (2018). How to achieve the ultimate jawline.https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/how-to-achieve-the-ultimate-jawline
Liu K. (2019). Derma fillers: The good, the bad, and the dangerous.https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/dermal-fillers-the-good-the-bad-and-the-dangerous-2019071517234
Neck lift. (n.d.).https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/neck-lift
Richmond S, et al. (2018). Facial genetics: A brief overview. DOI:https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2018.00462
Shaw RB, et al. (2010). Aging of the mandible and its aesthetic implications. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181c2a685
Tehrani K. (2018). What you need to know about thread lifts.https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-thread-lifts
Thumbsucking and pacifier use. (n.d.).https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/thumbsucking
Woods M. (2016). Breaking your child’s thumb sucking habit.https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=14321

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Medically reviewed by Catherine Hannan, M.D. — Written by Kirsten Nunez on May 15, 2020

Weak Jawline: Causes And Whether It Needs To Be Corrected

Possible causes of a ‘weak’ jaw

Genetics

Aging

Thumb-sucking

Overbite

Eating soft foods

Can you change a weak jaw with exercise?

Surgical options

Dermal fillers and Botox

Neck liposuction

Neck lift

Chin augmentation

Fat grafting

Thread lifts

Other ways to alter your jawline

Grow a beard

Wear makeup

Lose some neck fat

Takeaway

How we reviewed this article:

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