How to Get a Better Jawline: From Surprising DIY Tips to Surgical Solutions

“How to get a better jawline” — it’s one of those phrases you might type into Google late at night after catching your reflection or scrolling past yet another reel about jawline tools, gua sha routines, or red-light devices. Maybe you’ve even tried neck exercises or lymphatic massage, hoping for a little more definition. It’s easy to feel self-conscious, especially when trends make it seem like a sharp jawline is just one product away.

The truth is, some of these techniques can make a subtle difference, while others are more hype than help. In this guide, we’ll explore both DIY methods and professional treatments to help you understand what each option can realistically achieve, so you can make informed, confident choices about your jawline.

Why a Less-Defined Jawline Is More Common Than You Think

Not everyone is born with a sculpted jawline, and that’s completely normal. In fact, jawline definition varies widely from person to person, and it can change over time. Age, genetics, weight fluctuations, and even posture can all influence how your lower face looks. So if you’ve ever felt like your jawline isn’t as sharp as you’d like, you’re not alone, and it’s not a flaw.

What Affects Jawline Definition?

A number of factors contribute to the overall appearance of your jawline. Some are structural, while others are related to aging or lifestyle. Here are a few of the most common:

• Submental fullness (fat under the chin): Even at a healthy weight, genetics or aging can lead to a fuller appearance under the chin.
• Loose or aging skin: As we get older, collagen and elastin break down, which can lead to sagging or less firmness along the jaw.
• Weakened chin projection: A smaller or recessed chin can make the jawline appear softer or less defined from the side.
• Muscle tone: The muscles in the neck and jaw area play a role in definition, and when they’re less active or underused, the jawline may look less distinct.

Some of these factors are within your control — others, not so much. But the good news is, there are ways to improve jawline definition at nearly any age or starting point, whether you’re just exploring options or ready to take the next step.

DIY Jawline Hacks: What They Can (and Can’t) Do

It’s easy to get pulled in by Instagram reels and TikTok videos showing quick jawline “transformations” using tools like gua sha, facial exercises, or even red-light wands. These methods promise instant sculpting, and in the right lighting or angles, the results seem dramatic. But are they too good to be true?

Let’s break down what each of these popular DIY approaches is actually targeting and how effective they really are.

Jawline Exercises and “Mewing”

These involve repeatedly working the muscles around the jaw and neck or trying to hold the tongue in a specific position (in the case of mewing). The goal is to strengthen muscle tone and improve posture, which can contribute slightly to a more lifted look over time.

• The upside: These techniques are free and low-risk.
• The limit: They won’t change your facial structure, reduce fat, or tighten loose skin. For some, the results are barely noticeable.

Gua Sha and Facial Massage Tools

These smooth tools (often jade or metal) are used to glide along the skin in gentle strokes. The goal is to improve circulation and release muscle tension, and they’re commonly tied to lymphatic drainage techniques.

• The upside: Gua sha may help reduce puffiness and give a more refreshed look, especially in the morning or after travel.
• The limit: Any sculpted effect is temporary. These tools don’t tighten skin or reduce fat.

Lymphatic Drainage and Face Rolling

This technique encourages fluid movement to reduce swelling in the face and neck. You can do this manually with your hands or with tools like rollers or gua sha. The key focus here is moving stagnant lymph fluid, not reshaping the face.

• The upside: It can make the face feel lighter and look less puffy.
• The limit: Results are short-lived, and it won’t significantly change your jawline structure or skin tone.

So, Are DIY Jawline Methods Worth Trying?

They can be, if your expectations are realistic. These techniques may help you feel more refreshed, reduce puffiness before photos, or serve as relaxing parts of a self-care routine. But they’re not likely to give you a chiseled jawline, especially if the underlying causes (like aging skin or submental fat) require a more targeted solution.

If you’ve tried these hacks and still feel frustrated, you’re not alone. The next section walks through the professional treatments that actually can reshape and define the jawline, with results you don’t have to angle your phone to see.

Professional Treatments That Can Sharpen Your Jawline

DIY approaches have their place, especially when it comes to short-term de-puffing or toning. But if you’re looking for noticeable, lasting definition, professional treatments go deeper. Instead of masking surface-level concerns, these options target the root causes: fat under the chin, skin laxity, weak structure, or soft tissue loss.

The good news? You don’t have to jump straight to surgery. From subtle enhancements to more transformative results, there’s a wide range of options available, including non-surgical treatments with little to no downtime.

Here’s a breakdown of popular jawline treatments we offer at Gulf Coast Facial Plastics:

Injectable Solutions

Injectables are a go-to choice for patients who want visible results without a major time commitment. 

• Dermal fillers can define the jawline and improve the chin’s projection by restoring volume where it’s needed most.
• Kybella, a fat-dissolving injectable, works well for small pockets of fat under the chin, like that “tech neck” bulge many of us notice in photos.
• Botox in the masseter area can help create a more contoured, V-shaped look for patients with a wider lower face due to overactive jaw muscles. 

InMode Technology

If you’re not quite ready for surgery but want a more sculpted jawline, InMode’s radiofrequency treatments are a great middle ground.

• FaceTite uses radiofrequency energy beneath the skin to gently melt fat and tighten tissue — ideal for broader lower face contouring.
• AccuTite offers similar results in smaller, hard-to-reach areas with more precision.
• Morpheus8 combines microneedling and RF to firm skin, improve texture, and enhance jawline definition.

These treatments are minimally invasive, offer natural-looking results, and typically involve only a few days of social downtime.

Surgical Jawline Enhancements

For those who want permanent, dramatic improvements, surgery may be the best option. Chin liposuction removes stubborn fat that’s resistant to diet and exercise. A neck lift can address sagging skin or vertical banding. For patients with a recessed or under-projected chin, implants offer long-lasting structural support that brings balance to the entire face.

Not Sure What’s Right for You? Let’s Talk.

If you’ve been trying jawline exercises or adding a gua sha tool to your skincare routine, there’s no reason to stop — small self-care habits can be a great part of your routine. But if you’re looking for results that go deeper or finally want to address something that’s been bothering you for a while, professional treatments can offer that next step.

You don’t have to figure out the right approach alone. A consultation is a chance to get expert guidance tailored to your unique features, goals, and comfort level, whether that means a subtle touch-up or a more lasting transformation.

Schedule Your Consultation Today