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2019.11.20
How to Tighten Men's Facial Contours? A Doctor Explains Causes of Sagging and Improvement Approaches [Bianca Clinic]
A versatile physician practicing both aesthetic dermatology and cosmetic surgery, prioritizing "what benefits the patient" above all else while pursuing natural, refined beauty. Also certified as a specialist by the Japanese Society of Aesthetic Surgery (JSAS). An accomplished practitioner specializing in hyaluronic acid injections, thread lifts, and facial contouring surgery, serving as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for ARTEMISLIFT, Hydro, and Rejuran. He remains constantly attuned to the latest trends, diligently pursuing knowledge and technical expertise.
Hello.
I am Minami Sumi from BIANCA CLINIC.
Recently, we've been receiving inquiries from male patients saying, "My jawline is starting to sag" or "I'm concerned about the drooping."
This time, we'll introduce key points men should know to tighten their jawline and a step-by-step guide to choosing treatments.
Causes of Sagging in Men's Facial Contours
Male sagging progresses as a result of multiple factors accumulating.
First, you should know that Skin thickness and muscle habitsMen's skin is thicker than women's, so when sagging occurs, it tends to show as shadows and can lead to a blurred facial contour.
Furthermore, if the masseter muscle (jawline) becomes tense due to habits like clenching or grinding, it can make the lower face appear wider.
Additionally, individuals who are prone to accumulating fat in the lower face may find their jawline becoming less defined due to sagging under the chin and around the mouth.
This combination of “thick skin × muscle patterns × fat distribution” makes men's jawlines prone to shadows and sagging.
When do men start becoming conscious of tightening their jawline?
Men in their early 30s increasingly become aware of the “loss of definition” in their facial contours.
When we listen to our patients' stories, the following signs often seem to be the reason they come to our clinic.
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My face looks heavier at night than in the morning.
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The shadow under my chin has grown deeper.
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I'm concerned about the sagging around my mouth.
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The outline appears blurred in the photo.
How about it? Does this ring a bell?
Next, we'll explain the approaches available for addressing sagging along the jawline.
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How to start tightening a man's jawline?
For men's facial contours, it's natural to gradually refine them step by step according to their condition: first adjusting stubborn areas, then using tightening devices, and finally applying lifting treatments.
You don't have to choose major treatment right away; you can start with something less burdensome.
STEP 1: Correcting "habits" like muscle tension, fat, and swelling
First, this step addresses habits and volume that tend to lead to a sagging jawline.
Daily habits like posture, swelling, and sleep can significantly affect the appearance of your facial contours. Simply reviewing these as part of your self-care routine can make you look more refreshed.
In cases where the masseter muscle is tense due to a habit of clenching, Botox injections can sometimes make the jawline appear more defined.
Additionally, individuals with higher body fat levels may find it easier to notice changes from the next stage of treatment when combining fat-dissolving injections under the chin and along the jawline.
If there is a significant amount of fat under the chin, submental liposuction may be an option.
By effectively reducing fat, the “foundation” of the facial contour becomes lighter, making it easier to achieve stable results when progressing to STEP 2 tightening treatments or STEP 3 lifting procedures.
STEP 2: Incorporate treatments that "tighten" the skin itself
When adjustments to texture and fat volume alone prove insufficient, we proceed to the stage of directly addressing the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
The combination of HIFU and Voluma is considered to be highly compatible with the facial contour.
HIFU delivers heat to the deep SMAS layer, targeting tightening from the foundation. It can be adjusted for use even on men's thicker skin and features relatively minimal downtime.
Volnuma targets the skin and shallow subcutaneous fat layers, improving skin texture and addressing superficial laxity.
Because HIFU and other treatments target different layers, combining them can often provide a more balanced tightening effect that is easier to notice.
STEP 3: For those seeking more defined contours, "lifting treatments" are also an option.
While many people experience significant improvement with self-care and device-based treatments alone, in cases where sagging is more pronounced, combining these with lifting treatments can further refine the facial contour.
Procedures named "lift" include thread lifts, which physically lift skin using threads, and surgical facelifts, which remove excess skin through incisions. The choice depends on the degree of sagging and the patient's preferences.
By combining them step by step, you can achieve a more natural transition.
【Case Study】Male Facial Contouring Before and After

Left: Before surgery / Right: Immediately after surgery
💴Thread Lift: 10 threads - ¥300,000 / 20 threads - ¥560,000
😷Swelling and bruising: Lasts for a few days
⚠️Risks: Twitching, asymmetry, etc.
Here we present actual case photos of male patients.
First up is a patient who underwent thread lifting. Her facial contours were naturally lifted.
Thread lifts aren't just for when sagging starts to bother you—getting them as a preventative measure before sagging begins is also a great idea.
Actually, the effects of thread lifts go beyond just physical lifting. The threads stimulate collagen production, enhancing skin firmness.UPand you can also expect a firming effect.
The scar is only a few millimeters above the ear, so it's surprisingly hard to notice.

Left: Pre-operative / Right: One month post-operative
💴 Submental Liposuction: ¥248,000
🤕 Faceband retention: 72 hours
😷 Swelling and bruising: Approximately 10 days
⚠️Risks: Infection, contracture, unevenness, etc.
Next up is a patient who underwent liposuction.
Your jawline looks much more defined and sharp now.
Submental liposuction requires surgery and 72 hours of face band fixation. Therefore, many patients tend to schedule the procedure during times when they can take sufficient downtime, such as Golden Week or the year-end/New Year holidays.

Left: Before treatment, Right: One month after treatment
Deep Plane Facelift: ¥1,650,000 / Temporal Lift: ¥550,000 / Anesthesia: ¥165,000
【Risks】Infection, hematoma, wound dehiscence, facial nerve paralysis, etc.
【Downtime】Swelling, bruising, etc.
【Suture Removal】1 week
Finally, here are the before-and-after photos of a patient who underwent the ”Deep Plane Facelift,” often called the "king of sagging treatments."
The Deep Plane Facelift is one of Dr. Takashi Nakao's signature procedures, who serves as a technical instructor at Bianca Clinic.
If you're thinking, "I want to seriously improve my sagging skin!", please consult with Dr. Nakao during your counseling session.
Summary|Options for tightening men's jawlines
For tightening the male jawline, there are diverse options that target fat, muscle, and bone structure respectively.
By identifying the cause and combining treatments, you can achieve a natural, effortless contouring of the face.
If you'd like to learn about a treatment plan tailored to your needs, please feel free to schedule a consultation.
We look forward to seeing you at Bianca Clinic.
https://biancaclinic.jp/blog/45630/