There is a large muscle at the angle of the jaw — the one you can feel tighten when you clench — that powers chewing and clenching. In some people it's naturally strong or overactive, which can contribute to a feeling of jaw tension, or to a heavier, more square lower-face shape.
The concerns people describe
People raise this in two broad ways: a sense of tension, tightness or fatigue around the jaw, often noticed on waking; or a wish to soften the appearance of a strong, square jawline over time. Both relate to the same muscle, and both are assessed individually.
How it's approached
Treatment is considered only after assessing the jaw, your goals and your medical history. Where appropriate, the aim may be to ease tension in the muscle, or to gradually soften a heavy jawline — a change that develops over weeks, not immediately.
- Directed at the jaw muscle, assessed individually
- The effect develops gradually over several weeks
- Approached conservatively, and reviewed as we go
- Suitability depends on your anatomy and goals
Assessed, not assumed
Whether this suits you depends on your individual circumstances, which is what a consultation is for. Specific treatments, your suitability and pricing are discussed privately there.
Risks, recovery and realistic expectations
This is a medical procedure and carries some risk. Temporary effects such as tenderness, bruising, or an unfamiliar feeling when chewing can occur, and results build gradually; the risks and what to expect will be explained in full beforehand. The effect is temporary and needs an ongoing approach to maintain. Individual results vary, and what's appropriate for you is determined only after a proper assessment.
Start with a conversation
Every treatment at Hillview begins with a private medical consultation. There's no obligation to proceed.
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