Jaw Reduction
The chin and jaw form the bulk of the lower facial contour. Some people feel like they have a wide lower face or that their jaw is too broad. In particular, some women feel like a wide jaw makes them look masculine and they desire a more slender, V-line face shape. Experienced plastic surgeons can fix this problem both with and without surgery. Continue reading to learn more about facial feminization with jaw reduction surgery. Also learn about non surgical jaw reduction options.
The male and female jaw: How are they different?
A conventional masculine jaw drops straight down from the ear and angles forward, almost at a right angle. This square jaw shape is generally believed to be a masculine trait. A conventional female jaw is more of a curve that extends gently from the ear to the chin. However, many women have a square jaw shape and wish to undergo facial feminization. The idea behind jaw contouring is to reshape a square lower jaw and create a more rounded, feminine shape.
What causes jaw hypertrophy or overgrowth?
The jaw can appear wide or large for many different reasons, leading to an unsightly jaw protrusion. The most common reasons for jaw overgrowth include enlargement of the masseter muscle, enlargement of the mandible bone, fat or soft tissue overgrowth, sagging of the skin or soft tissue due to aging changes, and grinding or clenching of the teeth. The best jaw reduction treatment is the one that addresses the root cause of the problem.
How can I reduce my jaw size?
Surgical Jaw Shaving
This is the traditional method of correcting a disproportionate jaw due to a wide bone structure or overgrowth of the mandible bone. It involves manually reducing the mandibular bone to create a more aesthetically pleasing and softer facial contour at the jawline.
Non-Invasive Jaw Reduction
Non-surgical jaw reduction is a good option for jaw reshaping in patients who do not wish to undergo a surgical procedure. The non surgical treatment uses Botox injections to reduce the prominence of the facial structure in the jaw region. The Botox is injected into the masseter muscle which protrudes in many patients with a wide or pronounced jawline due to overgrowth of this muscle. This is a quick and safe non surgical office treatment that takes only a few minutes to perform. However, the results are temporary, typically lasting 3-4 months, at which time touch-up treatments are needed to maintain the results.
What is jaw reduction surgery?
Overview
Also called jaw contouring, jaw shaving, or V line surgery, this is a cosmetic procedure that is performed to make the face more feminine. The facial feminization surgery is done by sculpting the patient's bone structure, i.e., removing bone and masseter muscle to reduce a prominent, angular, and masculine jawline. Some men choose to have this procedure done to make their jaw slimmer while retaining a masculine appearance.
Scanning
Doctors use 3D CT scanning of the jaw to plan the surgery. This gives the surgeon a deep understanding of the patient's unique bone structure. While the scanning can add to the cost of the procedure, it is usually advisable to get it done because it can help the surgeon plan the best surgical approach to achieve the desired aesthetic result. It can also help avoid revision surgery due to dissatisfaction with the results.
Procedure
During the procedure, depending on the surgical method, the surgeon shaves off a part of the mandibular bone. The bone is accessed through an incision inside the mouth. The mandibular bone is shaved from the bottom or the side depending on the facial profile and desired results. Also, based on the patient's anatomy, masseter muscle reduction can be done at the same time. The chin bone is sometimes shaved along with the jawline if it is the cause of the lower face prominence. Jaw reduction surgery is performed sometimes in combination with a sliding genioplasty to move the chin forward or backward. The surgical treatment can be combined with non surgical jaw reduction using Botox in the masseter muscle to achieve the desired outcome.
Who is a good candidate for surgical jaw reduction?
Patients who are in good general health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations and a positive outlook are considered good candidates for surgical correction of a protruding or wide jawline. This procedure is commonly performed in patients of Asian descent but patients of all ethnicities can undergo the surgery.
What happens during the jaw surgery?
Before both surgical and non-surgical reduction, you will be seen in consultation in the office. At this time, your doctor will discuss your aesthetic goals for the lower face. They will examine you and recommend the best method to achieve your goals.
If you are found suitable for jaw reduction surgery, the procedure will be scheduled. The surgery typically takes 1-2 hours to perform. It is done using general anesthesia and you will be asleep throughout. The surgeon makes small incisions inside the mouth (as a result, there is no visible scarring). They then use a bone shaver or saw to remove bone and muscle and sculp the jaw area into the desired shape. The surgeon may also perform what is known as a T osteotomy to taper the chin and give you a heart-shaped face.
The jaw bone reshaping techniques can be customized based on your desired aesthetic outcome. Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon will close the incisions with dissolvable sutures. As noted, the jaw bone is approached through incisions inside the mouth, so there are no visible scars. If the surgical approach is behind the ear, the scar is well hidden in the ear crease.
How painful is surgical jaw reduction?
You are asleep during the surgery which is done using general anesthesia, so you won't feel any pain. However, you can expect some pain and discomfort during surgical recovery. You will be provided with prescription pain medication and can use cold compresses to help with these symptoms. There may also be some soreness, bruising, numbness, and swelling - these symptoms usually subside in a few weeks.
How long is recovery from a jaw reduction surgical procedure?
Your doctor will discuss potential accommodations related to recovery from jaw reduction surgery. You will likely go home the same day but will need someone to stay with you for a day or two. Most people return to normal activities and work after 2 weeks of down time. Complete recovery can take up to 12 weeks.
During the recovery process, you will need to avoid strenuous activity and get plenty or rest. Your doctor may advise a liquid diet for a few days after the jaw surgery, graduating to soft foods and then a regular diet as the healing continues. You may also need to wear a compression strap for support and protection.
How long does jaw reduction last?
The healing time varies from patient to patient. In general, most patients see the results of the surgery after 3-4 weeks. The final result of surgical jaw reduction and lower face contouring is permanent. Keep in mind though that the skin and facial structure can undergo changes related to aging due to sagging of soft tissues over time.
How much does surgical jaw reduction cost?
The average cost of surgical jaw reduction is $7,500. The cost of your procedure can vary greatly depending on where you live, the skill level of your surgeon, and the extent of correction you require.
What are the pros and cons of jaw reduction?
Pros
You can achieve a slimmer, more feminine contour of the lower face with jaw contouring. The results of the surgical procedure are permanent. The surgery can be customized based on your facial structure and aesthetic goals.
Cons
You need 2 weeks down time to recover from jaw reduction. There can be significant pain, swelling, bruising, and numbness during the healing process. The swelling can linger for up to 3 months. There are surgical risks such as bleeding, infection, numbness, nerve injury, and an uneven smile. These complications only occur in rare cases and are unlikely when the surgery is done by an experienced plastic surgeon.
Finding a surgeon for jaw reduction
Can't wait to achieve a more feminine appearance of the lower jaw? The MeTime app makes it easy to find top-rated facial plastic surgeons in your area who perform jaw reduction surgery as well as non surgical jaw reduction. You can chat with experts, send photos across, do a video consultation, get a quote, and book an office consultation when you're ready. Download the MeTime app today!
