The common description of youthful facial contours is an inverted triangle or ‘heart-shaped’, with the upper cheeks being the widest part of the face, tapering to a more pointed chin. This relationship can be altered by age, where the soft tissues of the face start to droop and the jaw appears more square. 

Young individuals can also get this squared appearance due to genetics or a bulky (or hypertrophic) masseter muscle. This is one of the chewing muscles and can be felt at the sides of your jaw when you clench your teeth together. Thicker masseter muscles are completely normal, but can in many cases cause teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism). The bulkier this muscle, the wider the lower face would look.

The V-line shape is achieved through several techniques and a comprehensive facial analysis is important. Neuromodulating injections, hyaluronic filler, skin boosters, lifting energy devices are some examples of treatments that can be combined to create the overall effect. For each, there will be nuances according to your individual facial features and the consultation will cover all the options. We always explain the specific reasons behind why we treat a facial issue a certain way.

What are the most common techniques for this?

One of the main techniques is using botulinum toxin, which is a neuromodulator and affects the junction between nerves and muscles. Once inside a nerve cell, it interrupts signals and causes targeted muscle paralysis. When we reduce a muscle’s activity for a period of time, it will reduce in size (atrophy). Through years of experience and analysing the evidence, we have developed our advice and technique to produce a reliable size reduction along with long-lasting results (not just a temporary reduction followed by a rebound). 

The next most common treatment is having some carefully placed hyaluronic filler to places like the cheeks, smiles lines and chin. Not everyone will need multiple areas treated and it is a discussion after analysing your face. It has to be right for you and not a standardised regime of injections. We would advise caution with the prescriptive ‘8-point’ lift that is often marketed. It is far better to prioritise on high impact areas, which are most meaningful for your features.