Mandibular angle: anatomy and role in the contour

The mandibular angle (or jaw angle) is the point where the vertical ramus of the mandible, which rises toward the ear, meets the horizontal body, which runs to the chin. Seen from the side, it is the curve at the back and bottom of the face. In anthropometry, the most prominent point of this curve is called the gonion.

It weighs heavily on the shape of the face. Well-defined, wider angles are usually associated with a squarer, more angular face; soft, narrow angles with a more oval or delicate face. There is no single desirable standard: the reading depends on sex, ethnicity, proportion with the other thirds and what the patient is looking for.

Why does the mandibular angle matter in HOF?

With aging and tissue loss, the transition between face and neck becomes less distinct, and the angle loses definition. The jawline begins to look continuous with the neck. Filler for the jawline contour usually includes the angle as one of the definition points, generally with firmer products.

The masseter muscle must also be considered: a hypertrophic masseter widens the lower third and can be treated with toxin, while a poorly marked angle calls for volume. The two cases look alike in the photo and are opposite in management.

What precautions apply?

The region has important structures, such as the parotid gland and facial vessels, and the assessment must consider each patient's anatomy. Indication, product and volume are defined by the qualified professional, after assessment.

In Harmy

The angle is part of the Jawline point in the marking.

Also known as: jaw angle, gonion.