Jaw Surgery

The existence of jaw surgery has paved the way to many possibilities. One of the popular facial enhancement procedures is jaw surgery, also known as jaw augmentation and jaw enhancement surgery.

Jaw surgery is a type of cosmetic surgery which involves placing implants on the sides of the lower jaw to make it more prominent. Defined facial features are emphasized especially with a prominent jawbone.

The implants used in the procedure are made of synthetic material. However, bone or cartilage from the patient's other body part may be used, but the risk of infection is greater.

Synthetic jaw implants are usually made of silicone, polyethylene, ePTFE [expanded polytetraflouroethelene] and Alloderm [acellular dermal matrix]. These types of implants can be custom-made and they come in various sizes and shapes to fit the patient's needs.

Who is a good candidate for Jaw Surgery?

Jaw surgery is recommended for patients that have reached the full growth of their faces. For men, it is usually above 20 years old, and for women 18 years old and above.

Patients should consult and discuss this with their plastic surgeon to ensure that they qualify the age bracket. In some cases, the patient may need to wait.

What goes on with a Jaw Surgery?

The plastic surgeon will first prepare a patient by marking his/her face where the incision will be made.

To reduce infection, the patient will also be scrubbed with anti-microbial agent. IV and monitors will be hooked on the patient to ensure his/her vital signs are normal during the procedure.

Anesthesia will be administered to the patient to numb his/her face. A patient may choose a local anesthesia with sedative or a general anesthesia.

The plastic surgeon will make incisions on the markings of the patient's face. The implant will be inserted in the incision or pocket. The implant will then be sutured or screwed to the jawbone. The incisions will be closed and dressing will be applied to reduce the swelling, protect the incisions and to secure the implants.

The patient will be taken to a recovery room. It usually takes 2 hours for the patient to wake up after the anesthetic has faded. Clinic or hospital staff is there to monitor the patient's progress.

Nausea, pain and uncontrollable shivering are common during recovery hours. Use of blankets and medications can help relieve these sensations.

Recovering from a Jaw Surgery

Recovering from jaw surgery has dietary restrictions especially during the first few days after the procedure. It is recommendable to eat soft foods and avoid hard and edgy foods that can aggravate the incisions.

It is advisable to brush your teeth after the procedure, just ensure not to touch or aggravate the incisions. Regular mouthwash is advisable to help heal the incisions faster. In 10 days, the sutures will dissolve.

Bandage that is wrapped around the patient's head is essential for the healing process. The plastic surgeon may recommend you to keep the bandage in place for a few weeks during recovery time.

Avoid strenuous activities and lifting heavy loads. After a week or two, you may return to work or as advised by your surgeon.

Jaw Surgery Recommended Resources:

Southwestern Medical Center

Cornell University