Jaw Shaping

Jaw shaping aims to create an aesthetically attractive jawline and usually requires reducing the size of the individual's jaw. This can be achieved by relaxing the masseter muscle (which governs activities like chewing) - a non-surgical process which temporarily makes your jaw appear slimmer. In other instances, fillers and implants can be used to create a more defined jawline. Surgery (mandibuloplasty) may also be recommended if you have very square jawlines, where manipulation of muscle tissues is deemed insufficient. So there are many different techniques involved. But all have good success rates, and all can lead to a more attractive facial appearance.

How Does Jaw Shaping Work?

Non-Surgical Procedure

The most common variety of jaw shaping is non-surgical. In this case, cosmetic experts will target the masseter muscle, which lies at the side of the lower part of the face. This muscle can lead to the appearance of an overly "square" jaw, but it can be easily softened and relaxed, producing a slimmer, more rounded jawline. Here is the basic procedure:

1. Arrange an appointment and choose your specialist: If you desire non-surgical jaw contouring, you may wish to arrange a separate consultation to discuss your treatment. However, you can also simply proceed to book a clinical appointment. The procedure takes under an hour in almost all cases and can be carried out on an outpatient basis, but it's advisable to set aside a free day from your working schedule. Contact Qunomedical anytime to find the right specialist, we are here to help you!

2. Injections: When you attend the clinic, there is no need to enter theatre. Instead, your surgeon will administer injections of a muscle relaxant into the masseter muscle. This often takes the form of Botox, which compromises the nervous connection between your brain and jaw muscles. When this connection is weakened, the muscle automatically relaxes, and the jawline softens as a result.

In other cases, surgery may be required to carry out jaw reshaping. This is particularly the case when jaw augmentation is required. Here, the process will be as follows:

Surgical Procedure

1. Anaesthetic: In jaw augmentation procedures, surgeons will need to administer a general anaesthetic before beginning. This means that the procedure needs to be preceded by an assessment of whether individuals are suitable candidates for surgery, unlike with non-surgical reductions.

2. Incision: Surgeons will then make an incision inside the mouth, allowing them free access to both sides of your jaw.

3. Implantation: Now, the surgeon will introduce specially moulded implants to create the right jawline shape. The shape of these implants is another aspect which needs to be established prior to surgery. These implants tend to be made from synthetic materials like Gore-tex and are held in place via titanium screws.

4. Sutures and recovery: The incision is then sutured via surgical stitches. Patients tend to spend a night in hospital before discharge. Recovery may then take two to three weeks before the incision heals, followed by up to six months before the final jawline shape is apparent.

Are There Different Types of Jaw Shaping?

Yes, as described above, jawlines can be slimmed down or augmented. In jawline reductions, various non-surgical methods can be used although Botox is the most popular option. Jawline reduction can also be carried out via surgery. In this case, incisions will be required and surgeons then use micro-saw technologies to "shave" off excess bone. This can be an effective treatment in feminisation procedures, and often works in tandem with chin or cheek procedures to achieve the right facial balance. Jawline augmentation procedures also involve surgery and tend to require the introduction of implants. In some cases, a mixture of implants and non-surgical jaw shaping may be advised. The precise mix depends on your aims and the shape of your face.

What Should I Expect?

Jaw shaping takes many forms, and patients can expect different outcomes depending on the style they choose. If you choose botox injections, expect rapid softening of the jaw muscles and a pronounced slimming effect. This tends to last for a few months before additional injections are required, but the degree of slimming is usually noticeable. However, if more dramatic reshaping is needed, expect to require some form of surgery. Whether you require reduction or augmentation, a period of recovery is unavoidable. Expect to experience inflammation and possibly mild pain for a few weeks. And don't expect to eat tough foods like steak during the immediate recovery period. Within a couple of months, you should see the results of surgery without swelling or pain. At this stage, you can expect to notice significant alterations in your facial appearance. With surgery, these effects are permanent, so future procedures should not be required. However, you may require additional cosmetic attention to deal with secondary issues such as excess skin. So, a face lift may be recommended to achieve optimal results.