How to Achieve a More Defined Jawline
The Jawline definition is essential in our quest to enhance masculinity. The procedure helps shape your jaw to look sharper, stronger, and more masculine. It enables us to have a defined jawline that reflects our gender identity.
Men produce testosterone that maintains their masculine characteristics. This hormone is important in the bone growth of cheekbones, chin, and mandibles. This improves facial width and strength. It also leads to the redistribution of fats away from the hips and face.
Testosterone helps in the development of brow ridges. It also leads to increased body and facial hair growth. In contrast, genetics plays an important role in masculinity. There are many ways to sculpt a sharper jawline. Below, we explore various surgical and nonsurgical options for jawline definition.
Natural Methods for Enhancing Jawline Definition
Did you know that you can achieve a masculine facial feature as an FTM? There are many methods of enhancing jawline definition.
Facial Hair & Styling
One of the main features in men is facial hair on the chin and jawline. If you’ve been using testosterone injections, you have noticed an increase in facial hair. It’s important that you start growing your beard or goatee.
Grow beards and goatees for a sharper jawline, even if you have soft bones underneath. Sometimes, strategic shaving with clean lines along the neck can visually enhance masculinity.
Are you worried that you are not growing hair fast enough? Well, worry not. Many trans men use beard-shaping tools and wigs to create the look they desire. Get yourself a customized beard or goatee.
Facial Exercises & Jaw Training
Like gym workouts that target specific muscles for growth, facial exercises on the jawline muscles may firm up the area. We can watch dozens of videos online to learn how to exercise our jaw. These exercises won’t drastically change your bone structure.
You can do easy facial exercises. Regular chewing of gum tones the masseter muscles. Also, work on your jawline using downloaded exercises.
Another jawline definition exercise is mewing. You do it by pressing your tongue flat against the roof of your mouth. This type of exercise influences facial structure while improving posture. Be careful- overworking the muscles can lead to jaw tension.
Weight Management & Body Fat Reduction
Testosterone in males helps in the redistribution of fats away from the face and hips. But women have a lot of fat on their faces and hips. As a trans man, you must work on lowering body fat to reveal natural bone structure.
Excess facial fats soften the jawline. So, you need a workout plan for weight management and body fat reduction. Cardio and resistance training will help you reduce fat stores and build muscles in the neck and jaw. Additionally, diet has an impact on weight gain. Go for lean protein and vegetables to support fat loss and muscle development.
Remember, there’s no such thing as spot reduction. A whole-body approach is necessary for a better jaw definition.
Non-Surgical Cosmetic Enhancements
Makeup is a powerful tool for any trans man. We use makeup to enhance our looks. If your facial hair has not grown, you can use dark and light shades to create shadows.
For instance, you can apply a dark contour shade along the jaw under the chin to create depth. To enhance contrast, highlight the cheekbones and upper jaw area.
Where can I learn how to apply makeup? Well, we have YouTube and Pinterest tutorials. These videos are tailored for trans men to learn how to apply makeup. Must-have products include matte shades, contour, brow pencils, highlights, and a gel.
Filler Injections (Temporary Solution)
Are you looking for a temporary solution? Hyaluronic filler injections are your answer. These treatments are temporary and may last for a period of 6 months to 2 years.
Doctors inject fillers at the front and back of the chin around the masseter muscles. Filler injections enhance natural bone structures, giving you that angular, chiseled superhero jaw.
Filler injections usually cost between $ 500 to $ 3000. The price varies depending on the kind of filler and the number of injections. Things like the level of expertise and location may affect the price.
Some of these side effects may disappear after a few weeks. Serious problems like vascular occlusion can cause blindness and nerve damage. That’s why you should go to trained and experienced doctors.
Botox for Masseter Reduction
Masseter botox is a non-surgical jaw-slimming technique. A substance called Botulinum toxin type A is injected into the masseter muscle. It is mostly used by people with a wide jaw and muscle hypertrophy. Just like fillers, it’s a temporary fix and can last for a period of up to 2 years.
Surgical Options for Permanent Masculinization
If you are capable of having surgery for a permanent solution. Then you can try:
Genioplasty (Chin Reshaping)
This type of surgery involves bone cutting and repositioning of the chin bone. The process changes the shape and position of the chin. Genioplasty may make the chin large or small.
There are types of genioplasty:
- Sliding genioplasty – Involves cutting and repositioning of the chin bone. This corrects a receding chin bone.
- Chin implants genioplasty – This is done using an implant to make the chin look bigger. This is different from sliding genioplasty, where bones are removed.
Liposuction & Buccal Fat Removal
Our main struggle as trans men is fat distribution in our bodies. We tend to have facial fat deposits. That’s why we must work out to maintain a thin, masculine face. One way to deal with this is through liposuction. Submental liposuction removes fat under the chin.
Buccal fat removal reduces excess fat deposits inside the cheeks. Facial fat removal enhances jaw visibility. These procedures are less invasive but will need anesthesia.
How Testosterone Affects the Jawline
Testosterone is a male hormone that helps in the development of male characteristics. In our transition journey, masculinizing hormone therapy introduces testosterone hormones into our system. This hormone results in a range of physical changes over time.
Your bone structures will never change unless you have been on hormone therapy treatment before puberty. You should expect improvements in the jawline after 1 to 2 years of consistent hormone use.
Styling Tips to Accentuate the Jawline
You’ve done everything for a superhero jawline; now, it’s time for your hair. Don’t be afraid to try haircuts like fades, buzz cuts, and crew cuts. These haircuts are good at bringing out masculinity.
Hairstyles That Emphasize the Jaw
You can try short haircuts with sideburns and temple fadings. Hairstyles like fades, buzz cuts, and crew cuts are good at crafting a sharper jawline. Avoid long hair and soft haircuts that soften the jawline. Additionally, you can apply hair products such as pomade, wax, and gel to keep it in place.
Clothing & Accessories
Have you ever looked in the mirror after dressing up and noticed your face doesn’t match the clothes? Well, don’t worry; gender-affirming clothes like men’s t-shirts and pants will give you the desired look. Clothes with high collars and structured jackets can make your jawline look stronger.
Other clothing that shows masculinity includes puffer jackets, biker jackets, denims, and hoods. To accessorize, you may use studs, ties, and caps to keep your face the center of attraction.
Risks & Considerations
Surgical or non-surgical procedures carry some risks and complications.
Surgical complications
Most jawline surgeries work well. But sometimes, problems may arise during or after the procedure. For example, infections due to wounds that are not well cleaned. Excessive bleeding during and after the procedure.
Nerve damage occurs if the doctor tampers with it during the operation. Asymmetry- botched surgeries lead to an unbalanced appearance, scarring, and pain.
Non-surgical limitations
Non-surgical options like fillers and Botox are expensive in the long run. This is because you will have to redo the procedure after 18 months to maintain a defined jawline. However, they carry mild risks, such as bruising.
To avoid complications that may arise due to botched surgery. It’s important that you seek experienced and certified surgeons for your procedures.
Conclusion
Achieving a defined jawline is a combination of genetics, strategy, and self-care. In contrast, hormonal therapy may yield small changes in adults.
Do not be afraid to try various surgical and non-surgical options. Work with trusted professionals and set realistic expectations.