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Facial Feminization Surgery » Procedures

Jaw Recontouring

A prominent lower jaw gives the face a square, masculine look and can be considered unattractive for women. Having Jaw Recontouring done can reduce the appearance and size of the jaw, making it rounder and narrower at the square corners near the back of the jawbone. An additional Jaw Recontouring procedure involves cutting the large masseter muscles, which attach at the jaw corners, to create an even narrower appearance at the angles. For some people this is very feminizing.

Jaw Recontouring typically involves incisions inside the mouth, though can be made externally under the jaw. Patients over 40 may experience loose skin around the jaw or chin after Jaw Recontouring. This can be tightened after the original Jaw Recontouring procedure with a lower face-lift.

How Jaw Recontouring Is Done

  • A physical exam is given to estimate the amount of the muscle around the jaw. An X-ray is given to determine the line of bone resection in order to provide a smooth natural curve
  • General anesthesia is given
  • Incisions are made between gum and cheek to access prominent jawbone areas
  • Marked areas of prominent bone are cut with a surgical drill and micro-saw, curving down from back to front, to achieve a well-rounded contour
  • Small surgical tubes may be inserted in the wound then out through the skin at the level of the previous jaw line, which prevents potential blood collection and also shortens the period of postoperative swelling
  • The wound is closed with self-dissolving stitches

Jaw Recontouring Recovery

  • After oral surgery, the mouth must be cleaned with provided mouth wash solution. Some surgeons want you to not eat anything for 24 hours, while others feel that eating is fine.
  • A one night hospital stay is generally required
  • The face will become moderately swollen and may become black and blue
  • Return to usual activities in approximately one week
  • It may take four to six weeks before the improved contour becomes obvious

Risks & Complications

  • Bleeding and prolonged swelling from the surface of the cut bone. This can create a clot in the wound. Surgical drains and facial pressure garments will significantly reduce this risk.
  • Infection - An uncommon risk because prophylactic antibiotics are routinely administered before and after surgery
  • Over-resection - Careful assessment, an X-ray template and a complete set of fine surgical instruments can help prevent over cutting of the bone
  • Injury to the sensory nerves and nerves controlling facial muscle - The sensory nerve is well protected in the bone and rarely injured if the cut is not extended to the main nerve
  • Temporarily numbness along the incision line or around the lower lip
  • Temporary or permanent facial paralysis if the nerve that controls the function of muscle expression around the mouth is injured. Accessing the jawbone from the inside of the mouth is safer and can significantly reduce the chance of nerve injury
  • Temporo-mandibular joint injury or fracture around the joint - If the cut line is accidentally extended to the joint, it may limit how the mouth opens or misalign teeth