Lower third of the face: boundaries, areas and assessment

The lower third of the face runs from the base of the nose (subnasale) to the lowest point of the chin (menton). It includes the upper lip, the lips, the corners of the mouth, the chin and, laterally, the outline of the jaw up to the angle.

In the classic analysis, the lower third can be subdivided further: the upper lip takes up about one third of this band, and the lower lip together with the chin take up the remaining two thirds. These proportions are assessment references, not goals to be reached in every face.

Why does the lower third weigh so much on harmony?

It is the area that most defines the facial profile and the perception of strength or delicacy in the face. An underprojected chin, for example, can make the nose look larger and the lips look overly projected. That is why the plan often starts with structure, such as the chin and the jawline, before the lips.

Aging also shows up here: downturned mouth corners, marionette lines, loss of jaw definition and perioral lines. Dental factors, such as loss of vertical dimension, change the lower third and should be part of the assessment.

What precautions apply?

The lips and the perioral area are highly vascularized, and the precautions about vascular risk and the availability of hyaluronidase apply here as well. Indication, product and volume are defined by the licensed professional, after assessment.

In Harmy

In the marking, the lower third appears in the Mouth Corner, Lips, Chin and Jawline areas.

Also called: lower face, lower facial third.