Move over jade rollers and gua sha – TikTok is now peddling “chin straps” as the holy grail for a snatched jawline. You’ve probably seen the ads for these stretchy V-line bands promising you’ll wake up looking snatched. Wallet-safe, needle-free, surgery-adjacent…sounds good, right?
Influencers and TikTok shop affiliates have been making some serious claims about these miracle accoutrements. They claim that they put on one of these straps before bed, and in the morning film their “morning shed” (yes, sweat puddles under their chin), and swear they’re waking up contoured enough to cut glass. TikTok shops can’t keep them in stock, and every beauty haul video seems to include at least one. If it works, it’s a dream: no downtime, no pain, just instant Zoe Kravitz bone structure by sunrise.
Originally, chin straps were medical compression garments to aid post-op swelling after facelifts and neck lifts. “Gentle compression helps tissues adhere to new contours,” explains Dr. David Shafer, board-certified plastic surgeon. In clinical settings, they can reduce puffiness and even curb snoring—great for surgery recovery, not for permanent sculpting. Board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, confirms what we all fear: “They may reduce puffiness temporarily, but they don’t affect fat deposits or skin laxity in a lasting way.” Translation: you might drain a bit of fluid overnight, but that’s as far as the magic goes.
And then there’s my favorite call-it-like-it-is expert, Angelo Landriscina, MD, who straight-up says these straps are a complete farce. He points out that without actually removing fat or tightening skin, no level of elastic tension is going to re-engineer your bone structure. If you’re into a cheeky sleep mask that makes you sweat under your chin—go for it. If you’re expecting a movie-star jawline by morning, bye girl. Real contouring lives in the realm of weight loss, targeted exercise (hello, face yoga – we see you), and medical treatments, like liposuction.
Chin straps are fun to try, but they’re not a game-changer that TikTokers are promising. Save your coins for products and procedures backed by science—or just embrace your naturally unique jawline. After all, confidence looks better than compression, besties.
XOXO,
Your Beauty Bestie
