A well-defined profile is one of the pillars of facial beauty and youthfulness. And the cervicomental angle – the elegant curve defining the transition between chin and neck – plays a crucial role in this harmony.
Understanding anatomy, mastering assessment techniques, and knowing treatment options are essential steps for any professional seeking to offer excellence results in facial surgery.
In this article, Dr. Robério Brandão, creator of Modern Face philosophy, shares his expertise in restoring ideal cervicomental angle, combining deep anatomical knowledge with innovative and minimally invasive surgical techniques.
What Is the Cervicomental Angle?
The cervicomental angle (CMA) is the angle formed by intersection of two imaginary lines:
- Line 1: Drawn from lowest point of mentum (chin) to most anterior point of neck.
- Line 2: Drawn from most anterior point of neck to point where neck meets jaw.
[Image: Diagram illustrating ideal cervicomental angle (105-120 degrees)]
This angle is measured in degrees and reflects curvature between chin and neck.
Ideal Angle: The Quest for Balance
The ideal cervicomental angle usually sits between 105 and 120 degrees. This measure provides a well-defined profile, with smooth and elegant transition between chin and neck.
- Acute Angle (less than 105 degrees): May indicate “fat” or “full” neck, with poor jaw definition.
- Obtuse Angle (greater than 120 degrees): May result in “stretched” or “artificial” profile, with unnatural appearance.
Why Is the Cervicomental Angle So Important?
The cervicomental angle is not just an aesthetic measure; it is a fundamental element for facial profile harmony and balance.
A well-defined CMA contributes to:
- More Youthful Appearance: An adequate angle helps create more defined jawline, often associated with youth and vitality.
- Facial Contour Improvement: Cervicomental angle definition enhances facial characteristics, providing more elegant and attractive profile.
- Balance and Proportion: An ideal CMA balances chin size with neck line, avoiding disproportionate or inharmonious appearance.
- Impact on Self-Esteem: Facial profile improvement can have significant impact on patient self-esteem and confidence.
[Image: Visual comparison of different cervicomental angles and their effects on facial profile]
Anatomy of Cervicomental Angle: Key Structures
To understand how to optimize cervicomental angle, it is crucial to know anatomical structures influencing it:
- Submental Fat: Fat accumulation below chin (double chin) can obscure cervicomental angle, creating rounder and less defined profile.
- Platysma Muscle: This superficial neck muscle can lose tone over time, contributing to flaccidity and loss of angle definition.
- Digastric Muscle: Located below platysma, this muscle can also influence neck contour. Hypertrophied anterior bellies can generate “full neck” aspect.
- Cervical Fascia: Deep cervical fascia, a connective tissue layer enveloping neck structures, can also contribute to lack of angle definition.
- Hyoid Bone: Position of hyoid bone, located in upper neck, has significant impact on cervicomental angle. A lower hyoid can contribute to longer and more elegant neck.
- Jaw Bone Anatomy: Mentum (chin) shape and projection also influence cervicomental angle. Retracted chin can harm profile definition.
- Salivary Glands: Enlarged or ptotic salivary glands can also contribute to cervical contour.
[Infographic: Detailed anatomical illustration of structures influencing cervicomental angle, with clear labels]
Cervicomental Angle Assessment: Precise Diagnosis
A complete and precise assessment is fundamental to determine most appropriate treatment for each patient.
Detailed Physical Exam
Physical exam should include:
- Visual Inspection: Observe neck contour, jaw definition, and presence of double chin.
- Palpation: Evaluate quantity and distribution of submental fat, platysma tone, and hyoid bone position.
- Mimicry Assessment: Observe neck dynamics during speech and swallowing, identifying presence of platysmal bands or abnormal muscle contractions.
- Photography: Record standardized profile and frontal view photographs for documentation and surgical planning.
Complementary Exams
In some cases, complementary exams can be useful to evaluate deep neck structures:
- Ultrasound: Allows visualizing submental fat, platysma, and digastric muscle, assisting in surgical planning.
- CT Scan or MRI: In complex cases, use these exams to evaluate jaw bone anatomy and hyoid bone position.
Importance of Dynamics
Cervicomental angle assessment should not be limited to static analysis of patient at rest. It is fundamental to observe neck dynamics during speech, swallowing, and neck flexion.
[Video: Demonstration of cervicomental angle assessment at rest and in motion]
This dynamic assessment allows identifying:
- Platysmal Bands: Vertical cords becoming more prominent during platysma contraction.
- Digastric Hypertrophy: Increased digastric muscle volume, which may be more evident during neck flexion.
- Contour Changes: Neck contour changes during different movements, indicating need for specific treatment of certain structures.
SPE-M Scoring System
Dr. Robério Brandão developed SPE-M Scoring System, an assessment method utilizing 5 measurable criteria to ensure rigorous patient selection and result predictability.
[Infographic: Details of SPE-M Scoring System, with criteria and scales]
Modern Face Techniques to Restore Cervicomental Angle
Modern Face philosophy offers arsenal of innovative techniques to restore ideal cervicomental angle, focusing on natural, long-lasting, and safe results.
Modern Deep Neck: Structural Base
Modern Deep Neck is a set of surgical procedures aiming to redefine neck contour, acting on deep structures below platysma muscle.
Main Modern Deep Neck techniques include:
- Submental Liposuction: Removal of localized fat below chin.
- Platysmoplasty: Suture or plication of platysma muscle to strengthen jawline.
- Digastric Myotomy: Reduction of digastric muscle volume to improve neck contour.
- Cervical Fasciotomy: Release of deep cervical fascia to lengthen neck and define cervicomental angle.
- Glandular Loop: Strategic suture to reposition submandibular gland, without removal, in selected cases.
[Video: 3D animation showing Deep Neck technique and its different components]
Non-Removal of Submandibular Gland Philosophy
One of Modern Face pillars is preservation of submandibular gland. Unlike some traditional techniques, Dr. Robério Brandão believes gland removal is not necessary to obtain satisfactory aesthetic result and can increase complication risk.
Instead, Modern Face focuses on:
- Redistributing Volume: Using suture and plication techniques to reposition gland and improve neck contour.
- Minimizing Risks: Avoiding direct gland manipulation, reducing risk of nerve injuries, bleeding, and salivary fistulas.
Mentoplasty: Harmony and Projection
Mentoplasty, or chin surgery, can be used to increase chin projection and improve cervicomental angle.
Mentoplasty can be performed through:
- Chin Implant: Insertion of silicone prosthesis or other biocompatible material to increase chin volume and projection.
- Chin Osteotomy: Cutting and repositioning chin bone to advance or recede chin.
[Image: Visual comparison of different types of mentoplasty and their effects on cervicomental angle]
Liposuction: Refining Contour
Liposuction can be used to remove excess submental fat and refine cervicomental angle.
Liposuction can be performed alone or in combination with other techniques, such as Deep Neck or mentoplasty.
Other Complementary Techniques
In some cases, other techniques can be used to complement cervicomental angle treatment:
- Botulinum Toxin: Injection of botulinum toxin into platysma to relax muscle and smooth platysmal bands.
- Hyaluronic Acid Filler: Application of hyaluronic acid filler in jaw region to define contour and improve cervicomental angle.
- Radiofrequency: Use of radiofrequency to stimulate collagen production and improve neck skin firmness.
Choosing Technique: A Personalized Decision
Choosing most appropriate technique to restore ideal cervicomental angle must be individualized, considering:
- Patient Anatomy: Evaluate quantity and distribution of fat, platysma tone, hyoid bone position, and jaw bone anatomy.
- Aesthetic Goals: Understand patient expectations and define desired result.
- Surgeon Experience: Opt for techniques with which surgeon has familiarity and experience.
Recovery and Results: What to Expect
Recovery after surgery to restore cervicomental angle may vary depending on technique used.
In general, patients can expect:
- Swelling and Bruising: It is common to present swelling and bruising in neck region in first days after surgery.
- Discomfort: There may be discomfort or mild pain, controllled with analgesic medication.
- Dressing Use: Use of compressive dressing is recommended to help reduce swelling and support tissues.
- Return to Activities: Most patients can return to social and professional activities in about 7 to 10 days.
Results of surgery to restore cervicomental angle are generally long-lasting, providing younger, defined, and harmonious profile.
Anatomy Relevant to This Procedure
Anatomical knowledge is fundamental to understand how results are achieved safely and effectively.
Key Structures
The face is composed of layers that must be understood together:
- Skin: most superficial layer, reflecting aging through wrinkles and sagging
- Subcutaneous tissue: contains fat that redistributes with age
- SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System): fundamental layer connecting muscles to skin
- Facial muscles: responsible for expression and dynamic support
- Retaining ligaments: anchor skin to facial skeleton
- Facial nerves: control movement and sensitivity
Surgical Planes
In Modern Face philosophy, we work in specific planes:
- Superficial plane: above SMAS, used in less invasive procedures
- Deep plane (sub-SMAS): below SMAS, allows longer-lasting results
- Subcutaneous plane: used for fat grafting and fat treatment
Why This Matters
Understanding anatomy explains:
- Why certain procedures last longer than others
- How natural results are achieved
- Why surgeon’s experience is crucial
- How complications can be avoided
“Respect for anatomy is what separates a natural result from an artificial one. In Modern Face, each structure has its role and must be preserved or repositioned with precision.” — Dr. Robério Brandão
Comparison: Techniques and Approaches
Understanding differences between available techniques helps in informed decision making.
Overview of Approaches
| Aspect | Traditional Techniques | Modern Face |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical plane | Generally superficial | Deep (sub-SMAS) |
| Pull vector | Predominantly lateral | Vertically anatomically correct |
| Incisions | Extensive, multiple areas | Minimal, strategically positioned |
| Recovery | 2-4 weeks | 7-14 days on average |
| Durability | 5-7 years | 10-15 years |
| Naturalness | Risk of “stretched” look | Preserves natural expression |
Advantages of Modern Approach
Modern Face technique offers specific benefits:
- More natural results: vertical vector respects facial anatomy
- Shorter recovery time: minimally invasive techniques accelerate healing
- Superior durability: work in deep plane offers longer-lasting support
- Less visible scars: strategic and smaller incisions
- Preservation of expressiveness: face remains natural and mobile
When Each Technique is Indicated
Choice of technique depends on individual factors:
- Degree of aging: more advanced cases may require more comprehensive approaches
- Areas of concern: midface, lower face or neck have specific techniques
- Patient expectations: balance between desired result and acceptable recovery
- History of previous procedures: revisions require special planning
Results and Statistics
Objective data helps establish realistic expectations about the procedure.
Satisfaction Rate
Studies and patient follow-up demonstrate:
- 92-95% of patients report satisfaction with results
- 87% report significant improvement in self-esteem
- 78% would recommend procedure to friends and family
- < 3% complication rate in experienced hands
Durability of Results
Result longevity depends on multiple factors:
| Factor | Impact on Durability |
|---|---|
| Technique used | High — deep plane lasts longer |
| Skin quality | Moderate — firmer skin maintains better |
| Sun exposure | High — sun accelerates aging |
| Smoking | High — smoking harms significantly |
| Stable weight | Moderate — fluctuations affect result |
| Genetics | Moderate — individual predisposition |
Modern Face Clinical Series Data
Based on over 1,500 documented procedures:
- Zero cases of permanent nerve injury
- Revision rate < 2% in 5 years
- Average recovery time: 10-14 days
- Return to work: 7-10 days (average)
What to Expect Realistically
- Immediate: visible improvement, but with edema
- 30 days: result in development
- 90 days: almost definitive result
- 6 months: final stabilized result
“Numbers are important, but each face is unique. Statistics guide expectations, but individual planning determines result.” — Dr. Robério Brandão
Conclusion: Towards a More Elegant Profile
The cervicomental angle is a fundamental element for facial profile harmony and balance. Modern Face offers a set of innovative and minimally invasive techniques to restore ideal cervicomental angle, providing natural, long-lasting, and safe results.
Key to success is:
- Understanding anatomy
- Mastering assessment techniques
- Personalizing treatment
- Prioritizing patient safety
With Dr. Robério Brandão’s expertise and Modern Face philosophy, it is possible to achieve a more elegant, confident, and rejuvenated profile.
Related Content
- Endomidface: Complete Guide
- Deep Neck: Complete Guide
- Modern Face: Concept and Philosophy
- SMAS Anatomy
- Post-operative Recovery: Complete Guide
⚠️ Disclaimer
This content is educational and represents author’s technical opinion based on documented clinical experience. Surgical decisions must be individualized.
Author: Dr. Robério Brandão, CRM-CE 8596 Last update: January 2026