Find the best surgeon near you with our new surgery professional search.
Join our Facial Plastic Surgery Discussion Forum to begin talking to real patients now!
See pictures of real people before and after a facial plastic surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jaw Augmentation
- What is jaw augmentation?
- At what age can a jaw augmentation be performed?
- What does a typical jaw augmentation consultation entail?
- How is a jaw augmentation performed?
- What should I expect postoperatively?
- When will the stitches be removed and does this hurt?
- When will I be able to see the results?
- What are the risks of jaw augmentation?
- Are the results permanent?
Also known as mandibular augmentation, jaw augmentation is the use of an implant to make the lower jaw structure of the face more prominent. It can give balance to an otherwise less well-defined face or give a more chiseled look. It can also be used to correct defects caused by birth defects, disease, or accidents.
2. At what age can jaw augmentation be performed?
Usually, a jaw augmentation can be performed on anyone over age 18 or so. However, this depends on whether you are still growing. Some growth and maturation of the face occurs even in the early 20s. Your surgeon may advise you to wait a couple of years to ensure that any future growth of your face does not undo the work of the surgery.
3. What does a typical jaw augmentation consultation entail?
You will meet with a surgeon to discuss your goals. You will also discuss your medical history. Your skin and face will be examined. The two of you will discuss how you want to look and the various techniques and implants available to you. Your surgeon will explain the techniques and incision placement methods that may be most appropriate for you and will go over the risks associated with jaw augmentation.
This surgery is not a one size fits all type of thing. There are types, sizes and models of implants.
You will also discuss the anesthesia that will be used for your procedure.
4. How is jaw augmentation performed?
Depending upon the amount of augmentation and the technique and implant used, Jaw augmentation can last up to 2 hours or more.
After you are anesthetized, you will be injected with a solution of lidocaine, epinephrine, and saline. This mixture is a local anesthetic and a vasoconstrictor that helps reduce bleeding.
The incision will be made either in your mouth or under your chin and the implant will be placed either directly on top of the jawbone or on top of what is called the periosteum, the overlying tissue covering the bone. Then it will be sutured or screwed into place. Your face and chin will be wrapped to keep the implant in place and reduce swelling.
If no internal sutures are used you will probably wear the wrapping longer than if sutures are used. This wrapping will be worn postoperatively for the first few days and then is worn at night for a few weeks.
You can usually go home the same day as your surgery, but must be driven home.
5. What should I expect postoperatively?
You may be groggy for the first day or two. You must sleep with your head elevated for a couple of weeks after your surgery. Your face will be very swollen at first and there may be bruising, but this will go away over the first few weeks.
If your incisions are in your mouth, your diet may be restricted for several days. You should make certain all fresh fruits and vegetables have been washed, and avoid raw fish (sushi) and very rare. Eating foods such as this may increase your risk of infection due to the incisions being in the mouth. You may be instructed to rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash several times a day. Do not pick at your incisions or run your tongue over them!
Although any discomfort should be alleviated by your pain medication if you have excessive pain, redness, pus, a fever, or other symptoms that do not appear normal, call your surgeon immediately. Take your temperature regularly. You must take it easy for the first 3 weeks.
You may notice a change in your smile, odd sensations of "tightness", tingling, sporadic sharp pains, or pulling, burning, and cold sensations. These usually subside within the first few weeks but the bulk of the swelling will take months to dissipate.
6. When will the stitches be removed and does this hurt?
Nondissolvable sutures are usually taken out by your surgeon a week to 10 days postoperatively.
7. When will I be able to see the results?
The results are immediate. In fact you may believe that you have gotten too big an implant and demand it be taken out. This is a common emotion and you must wait until the swelling completely goes down to determine if like how you look. There is significant swelling with jaw augmentation so please be prepared.
8. What are the risks of jaw augmentation?
Unfortunately, all surgery as risks and complications. With jaw augmentation, these include allergic reaction to the anesthetic used and infection. There could also be asymmetry, poor positioning, dissatisfaction, hematoma or seroma. There is also the risk of the implant shifting. If this happens a second surgery may be needed to reposition the implant.
Yes, jaw augmentation is permanent unless an unforeseen problem (such as infection or extrusion) arises.
Find out about other procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction and tummy tucks.