Jawline Shapes

Q: Dr. Eppley, Could possibly send me two pictures of the difference between a linear and non-linear jawline shape? That would be very helpful in the designing of my custom jawline implant as I am still not sure what the difference looks like on real people’s faces.

A: The concept of linearity in jawlines is based on the connection between the chin and the jaw angles. A linear jawline shape is when there is a smooth line between the chin and the jaw angle area when seen in the front or oblique views. This is what a custom jawline implant does well if so designed. A non-linear jawline shape is when there is a noticeable inward dip between the chin and the jaw angles when viewed from the front and the oblique views. This is what will most commonly occur when standard square chin and widening jaw angles are used or when a custom jawline implant has a very minimal connection between the chin and the jaw angles. I have attached some picture examples of the differences between these two jawline shapes. Many times models show a non-linear jawline shape because they are  biting down which causes the masseter muscles to bulge outward but it still illustrates the concept. While these model pictures show these two jawline shapes this should not imply that you will have a jawline that looks exactly like theirs does no matter how the implant is designed.

Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana