Jaw Augmentation / Jaw Reduction Plastic Surgeon Beverly Hills & NYC
Award-winning, celebrity facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, New York City, and Dubai
Schedule A ConsultationAn undefined or over-defined jawline can drastically alter the rest of the face, causing a facial imbalance or overshadowing other attractive features.
Jaw surgery from Dr. Harrison Lee can either augment the jaw for a more defined facial structure or reduce the protrusion and soften the angles of the jaw. Dr. Lee’s background in oral and maxillofacial surgery and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery makes him the perfect choice if you are interested in jaw surgery.
What Is Jaw Surgery?
Plastic surgery of the jaw is typically performed for aesthetic reasons. Patients may seek to reduce or augment the size, shape, or protrusion of their jaw—to balance facial proportions.
Jaw surgery is a key component for many FFS patients’ facial feminization treatment plans and for those seeking to change the appearance of their jawline. One of the most significant characteristics of someone’s face is the shape of their jaw. Changes to the shape of the jaw will alter a person’s overall appearance and can help balance the proportion of other facial features.
Our photo gallery has some before and after photos of Dr. Lee’s work on real patients.
If you want to learn more about how Dr. Lee can transform your face with either jaw reduction or jaw augmentation surgery, please call our office at (310) 777-2627 to schedule a confidential consultation.
Jaw Augmentation vs Jaw Reduction
Although you probably already know which jaw surgery option you want, a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Lee will help you determine if you are a candidate for jaw surgery. Dr. Lee will listen to your questions and concerns and discuss with you the pros and cons of such surgery, as well as the risks and benefits of each procedure. He will work with you to assess your appearance and goals and provide you with an idea of the potential results you can expect from this procedure.
Jaw Reduction Surgery
Jaw reduction surgery can reduce a square or harshly defined jaw’s size, shape, or protrusion. It is one the most sought-after surgeries for anyone who wants a softer jawline or a V-Line look for their jaw. Each procedure is individualized and based on an individual’s bone structure, overall facial appearance, and desired outcome.
Benefits of Jaw Reduction Include:
- Creates a softer, more feminine look if desired
- Improves asymmetries
- Balances facial proportions
- Reduces harsh proportions
Jaw Augmentation Surgery
A weak or undeveloped jaw can often result in an imbalanced look. Jaw augmentation surgery involves the use of implants, which can be specifically molded to the patient’s anatomy.
Benefits of Jaw Augmentation Include:
- Improvement of a weak or undefined jawline
- Balances out the other facial features
- Reduces the appearance of a double chin or jowls
- Improves asymmetry
During your consultation, Dr. Lee will listen to the changes you wish to make with either of these procedures, discuss whether it is the correct procedure to meet your goals, and explain the pros and cons of each surgery.
Am I a Good Candidate for Jaw Surgery?
You would be considered a good candidate for jaw surgery if you want to alter the shape, size, or projection of your jaw for a more pleasing and proportionate appearance. Although jaw surgery can alter the appearance of a person’s jawline, not everyone is a good candidate for jaw surgery. Dr. Lee can assess your facial appearance, current bone structure, and medical history and provide you with reasonable expectations should this be the appropriate procedure for you to consider.
Ideal candidates for jaw surgery should be generally in good health. Once your surgery date has been scheduled, it is imperative to adhere to the office protocols and diligently prepare for the procedure. This involves fulfilling the pre-operative requirements and undertaking necessary steps such as abstaining from smoking, alcohol consumption, and certain medications at least two weeks prior to the scheduled surgery. Our office requires X-rays or a CT scan of the facial bones to fully evaluate the patient’s goals and assist in meeting their desired results. Your cooperation in following these guidelines is crucial to ensure success.
How Is Jaw Surgery Performed?
Dr. Harrison Lee is a leading facial plastic surgeon. He holds unique qualifications as a triple board-certified plastic surgeon, certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Due to his extensive background, years of experience, and unparalleled surgical skills, Dr. Lee is one of the most qualified surgeons to trust with your jaw procedure. He will use a number of techniques to create a result that is unique to your anatomy and goals.
Jaw Reduction
Dr. Lee’s approach to jaw reduction surgery usually involves meticulous bone cutting or shaving and may include a modification to the masseter muscle. The incisions are inside the mouth, so there is no visible facial scarring. It is important to note that with jaw reduction surgery, some patients may experience laxity of the skin which may require an additional procedure to give you your desired result. Dr. Lee will discuss this with you during your consultation.
Jaw Augmentation
Jaw augmentation surgery involves the placement of facial implants, which are commonly placed through an incision inside the mouth. Jaw implants come in many shapes and sizes or can be custom-made for each patient. Jaw implants will vary in size, shape, and density based on your specific needs and anatomy.
How Much Does Jaw Surgery Cost?
The cost of jaw surgery in Beverly Hills, CA, will vary depending on several factors, including, but not limited to, the type of surgery, the additional cost of implants, the type of technique utilized by Dr. Lee, and the amount of time necessary to perform the procedure.
To get an idea of what your surgery may consist of, it is important to schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with Dr. Harrison Lee. During your consultation, Dr. Lee will discuss jaw surgery, the pros and cons, and whether the procedure is a viable option for your needs and goals. Together, you will create a meticulously customized plan, and our patient coordinator will provide you with an accurate cost estimate for the procedures.
How Long Is Jaw Surgery Recovery?
Jaw surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia. You should be cleared to return home after your procedure under the supervision of a responsible adult. However, if your surgical plan combines multiple procedures in one surgery, such as with FFS, we do require our patients to be supervised by a registered nurse or to attend a recovery aftercare facility following surgery.
The recovery process is unique to the type of procedure (jaw augmentation vs jaw reduction) and the healing process of each patient. Dr. Lee and our office will provide you with specific recovery and aftercare instructions. It is important to carefully read through the paperwork given to you during your consultation and on the day of surgery to get a thorough understanding of what recovery may look like. Following these guidelines is crucial to ensuring successful healing.
The initial recovery period for jaw surgery will require you to follow a liquid or soft food diet for a certain period of time. Additionally, it is important to rest as much as possible so your body may heal. You will experience some soreness, swelling, and bruising.
After about one week, you should be feeling better with minimized pain. While swelling can last for months, you may resume normal activities after the first two weeks.
When Will I See My Jaw Surgery Results?
Patients will be able to notice a moderate difference in their appearance immediately after their jaw reduction or augmentation, as there will be apparent changes to the shape of the face. However, more notable differences will come once your dressings are removed, and your swelling has reduced, about three weeks postoperative.
Your full results may take months to become apparent, but it is not uncommon for jaw surgery patients to see continued improvements for up to a year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jaw Surgery
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Will I have scars after my jaw surgery?
Any time you have surgery, there is a risk of visible scarring. Dr. Lee understands how important it is for his patients to feel confident in their natural-looking facial enhancements, so he makes every effort to hide incisions inside the mouth. Hence, there is no visible facial scarring. It is only in very rare instances where incisions may be external; if so, they are typically well hidden and usually fade over time.
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Will jaw surgery improve the look of my chin?
While both jaw surgery and chin surgery deal with the bottom half of the face, they provide different results from one another and are not interchangeable. Jaw surgery focuses on the outer portion of the lower half of the face, while the chin affects the proportions of the center of the face.
If you want to alter your chin, be sure to discuss your options with Dr. Lee.
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Is jaw surgery permanent?
The results of either your jaw augmentation with implants or jaw reduction surgery are intended to be permanent. Unless someone has a specific medical condition, jaw reduction surgery is considered to be a permanent reduction to the bone.
Similarly, the implants used for jaw augmentation and other facial augmentation procedures differ from the soft silicone of breast implants, which are not permanent. Facial implants are designed to mimic the hard structures of the jaw and face, so these are meant to last years or possibly a lifetime. Your jaw implants are permanent once placed and can only be removed surgically.