What is the anatomy of the neck and jaw?

The jaw and neck can be defined from the mandible (lower jaw bone) to the clavicles (collar bones) and superior sternum (upper portion of the breastbone). Looking anterior (front) to posterior (back) the neck contains the trachea (windpipe), oesophagus (how food gets to the stomach), and the spine. The thyroid gland sits at the front of the neck on the trachea which is the tough, ringed structure you feel on the front of the neck just below the skin is the trachea.

From a cosmetic perspective, the soft tissues of the neck are poorly supported. As skin structure degrades with age and use, skin will sag and the musculature of the neck will appear more prominent.

What causes some people’s neck and/or jaw to be more defined than others?

The lower jaw, including the chin and neck strongly defines the neck/jaw area in overall appearance. The anatomy of the shoulders will also impact neck and jaw appearance. Body fat, muscle mass, and genetic bone structure will have the most influence on the look of the jaw and neck.

Men naturally have larger bone structure, and more defined jaws. Women typically have a softer jaw appearance. As we age, and the skin loses elasticity, fat deposits increase, and muscle mass decreases, the neck and jaw will take on a more sagging or drooping appearance.

Underlying medical conditions, especially endocrine disorders, can impact the structure and appearance of the neck and jaw.

What are the main concerns related to neck and jaw definition?

Depending on the underlying cause, concerns regarding the appearance of the neck and jaw can fall into one of three categories:

  • Jaw Shape & Size – The underlying bone structure determines the size and shape of the jaw. Disproportions between the facial features, neck, and jaw may create the appearance of an overly large or small jaw.
  • Jowls – The drooping/sagging of the skin and fat of the upper neck below the jaw and chin creates the appearance of jowls. These occur naturally with aging and, depending on lifestyle, may occur sooner in some individuals
  • Ageing Neck – As we age, soft tissues lose their structural support in the form of collagen and elastin, fat deposits change, and muscle mass is decreased. These factors can create the appearance of a drooping or sagging neck with overly prominent musculature.

Who may wish to improve the definition of their jawline and neck?

Those with a genetic predisposition to undesirable jaw and/or neck appearance may wish to pursue a cosmetic procedure to improve definition and appearance. Older individuals experiencing the effects of natural ageing may seek to restore and rejuvenate their neck and jawline. A defined, sharp, and toned neck and jawline can create a youthful and pleasing aesthetic.

How can someone change their neck and jaw definition?

For those concerned with the appearance of their neck and jawline, there are numerous surgical and non-surgical options available to refine, define and improve overall aesthetic of the neck and jawline. Surgical options involve alterations to underlying bone, fat, and soft tissue. Non-surgical and minimally invasive options like injections (such as Anti-wrinkle Injections, Regenerative Therapy, Skin Boosters, Dermal Filler or Lipolysis Injections), Ultrasound Non-Surgical Lower Face & Neck Lift, Neogen Plasma Treatment, Radiofrequency, Skin Needling, Liposuction, and Thread Lifts can be equally effective in enhancing jawline and neck appearance.

Please click on the links below to read up on some of our most popular treatments for Neck Rejuvenation:

Thread Lifting
Neogen Plasma Treatment
Ultraformer 
Radiofrequency
Anti Wrinkle Injections
DERMAL FILLERS
Skin Boosters
Skin Needling
LIPOLYSIS
LIPOSUCTION

 

We offer different treatment options to target the delicate Neck area. We highly recommend a consultation with our Cosmetic Doctor that will assess you and can best recommend a suitable treatment. Call us on (07)5539 9534 to book today.