Chin and prejowl augmentation in the management of the aging jawline.

Overview

The effects of aging in the lower face and neck are reflected in the contour of the jawline. Soft tissue atrophy, the formation of jowls, and retrusion of the chin are all age-associated changes that contrast starkly with the smooth harmony of a young lower face. These soft tissue changes in the jawline are exacerbated by the effects of aging on the bony portion of the mandible. Bone resorption of the mandible seen with aging can lead to the development of a hypoplastic mentum and the formation of an anterior mandibular groove. Rhytidectomy serves to address the soft tissue changes from aging but cannot counter the effects of aging on the bony mandible itself. Understanding the effects of bone resorption on the aging mandible allows the facial plastic surgeon to augment the mandible appropriately to achieve a more effective rejuvenation of the lower face. The aging process in the mandible and the development of the prejowl sulcus are reviewed. The use of chin and prejowl augmentation as a valuable adjuvant to facelift surgery is discussed.