Profile Pick

Our social-media generation is shining a spotlight on a trending “trouble area”: the jawline. Gina Way examines the latest innovations that define, reshape, and slenderize the lower face, sans scalpel.

- Gina Way

Selfie addicts, take note: When it comes to being photogenic, the surprising secret weapon that makes all the difference could be your lower face. “Strong bone structure creates symmetry and dimension, especially for photographs where the lighting isn’t flattering,” says New York City makeup artist Daniel Martin. “A defined jawline accentuates the differentiation between the face and neck, which in turn acts as a podium to display the sculpture of your face.”

It makes sense—just think of stars ranging from Audrey Hepburn to J.Lo to Angelina Jolie. Those necks. Those jawlines! Yet when most of us mortals look in the mirror, we don’t exactly see a perfectly chiseled sculpture. “Imagine a youthful face as an inverted triangle that narrows toward the chin,” explains Manhattan dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur. “As we age, this shape gradually turns upside down, and the lower half gets heavier and loses some of its structure.” Gravity and collagen loss have an impact, but we also tend to accumulate fat in not-so desirable areas—like under the chin or jaw—as we get older. Just a few years ago, the only good solutions for this danger zone were procedures such as liposuction, a chin implant, or a face-lift, but now there’s a toolbox full of incredibly effective, noninvasive treatments that can firm your lower face, get rid of fat, and create a more defined jawline and neck.