The Jaw Reduction Procedure
The mandible is the largest and strongest bone in the face, forming the lower jaw and containing the lower teeth. Men tend to have a more prominent mandible bone which creates the square shape to the jaw. The overlying masseter muscle is responsible for chewing and can also be overdeveloped, creating a wider lower third of the face.
Surgery Time
2 – 3 hours
Anaesthetic
General
Hospital Stay
1 – 2 night hospital stay
Time Off Work
1 – 2 weeks
Full Recovery
4 – 6 weeks
A mandibular reduction can be a highly effective procedure to address a too wide, prominent jawline. For women, a feminine jawline is typically slimmer with a rounded V-shape and reducing the mandibular can minimise an overly masculine look. Men may also wish to reduce the width of the jaw to create a more balanced facial appearance.
Mr Juling Ong’s expertise as a facial reconstructive surgeon means he is highly skilled in producing a subtle improvement that achieves a more attractive appearance to the lower face. Mr Ong will carefully plan the procedure to adjust the projection and shape of the jawline and will take into account your individual facial characteristics.
Mr Juling Ong will make intraoral incisions in the lower gums along the jaw, so there is no external scarring post-surgery. The thickness of the bone is shaved down and, if necessary, the corners of the angles are cut to reduce their height and create the curved edge.
Over-developed masseter muscles can be reduced using toxin injectables. Muscle relaxing injections are commonly used in aesthetics to smooth dynamic wrinkles as it temporarily relaxes the facial muscles. Injected into the masseter muscles, it produces a slimmer jawline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is jaw reduction surgery?
Jaw reduction refers to surgical procedures that reduce the width or prominence of the lower jaw. This involves shaving or recontouring the mandibular angle bone, sometimes in combination with reducing the masseter muscle (the large chewing muscle at the angle of the jaw). It creates a slimmer, more tapered oval or heart-shaped lower face and is most sought by patients who feel their face is too wide or square.
Can botulinum toxin be used instead of surgery for jaw reduction?
Botulinum toxin injected into the masseter muscle causes it to atrophy over several months, resulting in a softer jaw angle without surgery. This is a good option for patients whose jaw width is primarily due to a hypertrophic masseter rather than prominent bone. It requires ongoing treatment to maintain the effect. Surgical masseter reduction or mandibular angle contouring provides a more permanent result.
Who is a good candidate for surgical jaw reduction?
Patients with a wide, square, or heavy lower face are caused by either bony prominence or muscular hypertrophy (or both). It is particularly sought by patients of East and Southeast Asian heritage, for whom a softer, oval facial shape is often a cultural aesthetic preference. Mr Juling Ong has specific expertise in Asian facial sculpting surgery.
What is the recovery from jaw reduction surgery?
Swelling of the lower face is significant for the first two to four weeks and can take three to six months to fully resolve. A soft diet is required for four to six weeks. Most patients take two to three weeks off work. The full result may not be apparent until swelling has completely settled.
Are there risks specific to jaw reduction surgery?
Risks include asymmetry, injury to the inferior alveolar nerve (which supplies sensation to the lower lip and chin), infection, prolonged swelling as well as ptosis of the soft tissues. Careful surgical planning – including imaging of the mandible – minimises these risks. Mr Juling Ong will discuss your individual risk profile at the consultation.
Can jaw reduction be combined with cheekbone reduction?
Yes. In patients seeking a more oval overall facial silhouette, jaw reduction and cheekbone reduction are frequently performed together. This combination is commonly requested in the context of Asian facial sculpting surgery and requires a comprehensive surgical plan addressing the overall facial shape.
During your consultation, Mr Juling Ong will explain all potential risks and discuss your treatment options in full. Please call us on 020 7927 6528 or email us at info@julingong.com to arrange an appointment.
