When a double chin develops or the jawline becomes less defined, it is easy to suspect weight gain first. However, the condition is unexpectedly influenced by various factors, including jawbone structure, the position of the platysma muscle, and the elasticity of the skin and soft tissue. Recently, plastic surgery specialist Song Shin-young introduced the factors that affect the jawline through Longjin, a longevity-focused community. Here is a look at the factors and ways to manage them.
◇The jawline is influenced not only by fat, but also by bone and soft tissue
The jawline is affected not only by the amount of facial fat, but also by the shape of the lower jawbone and the condition of the soft tissue around the neck. In particular, ▲the extent to which the lower jawbone spreads from side to side, ▲the degree to which it protrudes, and ▲its vertical length all influence the overall impression of the lower face. Director Song Shin-young said, “The impression changes significantly depending on how far apart the two sides of the jawbone are, how far forward the lower jaw projects, and how long it is downward.”
The angle where the jaw and neck meet is also an important factor in determining the jawline. Even people with the same jawbone shape may have a sharply defined or relatively blunt-looking jawline depending on where the soft tissues, such as the skin and muscles, are attached. Director Song said, “The angle at which the neck and jawline connect ultimately varies depending on whether the soft tissues of the face are attached low beneath the jawbone or higher up,” adding, “Even with the same bone structure, the jawline may appear sharply defined or less distinct depending on where the tissues are attached.”
◇The ‘platysma’ supporting the jaw is a key factor in determining the jawline
In particular, the position of the platysma muscle has a significant impact on the shape of the jawline. The platysma is a thin muscle that begins at the collarbone and upper chest and covers the front of the neck. Director Song Shin-young said, “For people whose platysma is attached to the lower part of the jawbone, the jawline can easily collapse no matter how much the muscle is pulled upward, while people whose muscle is attached higher up tend to maintain their jawline for longer.”
As aging progresses or body weight drops rapidly, changes in the jawline become even more pronounced. As skin collagen decreases and the supporting strength of the soft tissue declines, the neck and surrounding tissues sag, causing changes to the jawline as well. When the volume of subcutaneous fat decreases rapidly, the structures that supported the skin and soft tissue also diminish. Director Song said, “For people with a weak platysma, the change becomes most apparent when they lose weight rapidly,” adding, “As the supporting tissues become thinner, it can immediately lead to the impression of a neck that hangs loosely.”
◇Stretching while lifting the head and making an ‘ee’ sound may help
There are ways to improve the condition. Regular stretching that eases tension in the muscles at the front of the neck, including the platysma, can help manage the jawline. As a way to care for the platysma, Director Song Shin-young introduced a movement that involves lowering the shoulders, fixing the upper chest with one hand, and lifting the head to stretch the front of the neck. Moving the area around the mouth as if opening the mouth and making an ‘ee’ sound can enhance the stretching effect. After performing the movement while facing forward, repeat it with the head turned to the left and right.
However, it is difficult to change the congenital position of the platysma through stretching alone. If this area is a concern, platysma surgery or Botox may be considered. It is safest to stretch within a pain-free range. If pain occurs each time the movement is performed, stop immediately and visit a hospital to determine the exact cause.
◇The jawline is influenced not only by fat, but also by bone and soft tissue
The jawline is affected not only by the amount of facial fat, but also by the shape of the lower jawbone and the condition of the soft tissue around the neck. In particular, ▲the extent to which the lower jawbone spreads from side to side, ▲the degree to which it protrudes, and ▲its vertical length all influence the overall impression of the lower face. Director Song Shin-young said, “The impression changes significantly depending on how far apart the two sides of the jawbone are, how far forward the lower jaw projects, and how long it is downward.”
The angle where the jaw and neck meet is also an important factor in determining the jawline. Even people with the same jawbone shape may have a sharply defined or relatively blunt-looking jawline depending on where the soft tissues, such as the skin and muscles, are attached. Director Song said, “The angle at which the neck and jawline connect ultimately varies depending on whether the soft tissues of the face are attached low beneath the jawbone or higher up,” adding, “Even with the same bone structure, the jawline may appear sharply defined or less distinct depending on where the tissues are attached.”
◇The ‘platysma’ supporting the jaw is a key factor in determining the jawline
In particular, the position of the platysma muscle has a significant impact on the shape of the jawline. The platysma is a thin muscle that begins at the collarbone and upper chest and covers the front of the neck. Director Song Shin-young said, “For people whose platysma is attached to the lower part of the jawbone, the jawline can easily collapse no matter how much the muscle is pulled upward, while people whose muscle is attached higher up tend to maintain their jawline for longer.”
As aging progresses or body weight drops rapidly, changes in the jawline become even more pronounced. As skin collagen decreases and the supporting strength of the soft tissue declines, the neck and surrounding tissues sag, causing changes to the jawline as well. When the volume of subcutaneous fat decreases rapidly, the structures that supported the skin and soft tissue also diminish. Director Song said, “For people with a weak platysma, the change becomes most apparent when they lose weight rapidly,” adding, “As the supporting tissues become thinner, it can immediately lead to the impression of a neck that hangs loosely.”
◇Stretching while lifting the head and making an ‘ee’ sound may help
There are ways to improve the condition. Regular stretching that eases tension in the muscles at the front of the neck, including the platysma, can help manage the jawline. As a way to care for the platysma, Director Song Shin-young introduced a movement that involves lowering the shoulders, fixing the upper chest with one hand, and lifting the head to stretch the front of the neck. Moving the area around the mouth as if opening the mouth and making an ‘ee’ sound can enhance the stretching effect. After performing the movement while facing forward, repeat it with the head turned to the left and right.
However, it is difficult to change the congenital position of the platysma through stretching alone. If this area is a concern, platysma surgery or Botox may be considered. It is safest to stretch within a pain-free range. If pain occurs each time the movement is performed, stop immediately and visit a hospital to determine the exact cause.