Jaw Augmentation Surgery

      
A weak, undefined jaw can make your face look out of balance. Jaw implants surgery — or another jaw augmentation procedure — may help restore facial harmony and balance. Jaw augmentation can also help some men achieve that square, superhero-like jawline they have always admired.

Jaw Implants: Are You a Candidate?

If you are unhappy with your jawline, discuss your options with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon or board-certified plastic surgeon. He or she will conduct a thorough evaluation of your general health and facial structure to see if they meet certain requirements. For example, your teeth and jaw must work properly to undergo jaw augmentation, and your immune system must be primed to help lower your risk of developing an infection after the procedure.
During your consultation, let the surgeon know what specifically makes you unhappy about your jawline and what you hope to gain from the procedure. He or she can determine whether your expectations are realistic and can be met with jaw augmentation or another facial rejuvenation procedure.
The results of jaw augmentation with implants are permanent, which means that if you don't like how you look, your dissatisfaction is also permanent. Prior to surgery some surgeons employ three dimensional (3-D) computer imaging to show you how your new jaw will look on your face. If you have experimented with soft tissue fillers such as Juvederm or Restylane and liked the results, you will likely be just as happy with jaw implants. Fat injections to this area are another semi-permanent option for jaw augmentation.
Your surgeon will brief you on how to prepare for your jaw augmentation surgery. This tutorial should include instructions about what you can and can't consume before and after your jaw surgery. Avoiding aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is standard fare. These drugs increase bleeding risk during and after your surgery. Make sure to tell your surgeon about everything you take, including herbal supplements, as these can also be risky before, during and after your surgery. Follow your surgeon's instructions carefully.
If you smoke, you should quit before your jaw augmentation surgery. Besides all of the other negative health effects associated with cigarette smoking, it will also impede your healing. Ask your surgeon for advice on how to kick the habit for good.
Jaw augmentation can be performed on its own or with other cosmetic procedures such as facelift, cheek implant surgery or a chin implant surgery. Jaw augmentation is most often performed in a doctor's office or at outpatient surgery center. When performed on its own, jaw augmentation takes one to two hours.
The surgery usually begins with intravenous anesthesia, aka "twilight" sedation. (With twilight anesthesia you are sedated but not unconscious.) Your surgeon makes a small incision inside your mouth, near where the implant will be placed. He or she then creates a pocket by elevating the facial tissue. Your surgeon may use jaw implants composed of silicone or other materials that don't react adversely with your body. Rely on your surgeon's expertise to help choose the right jaw implant shape and size for your face. He or she will place the implant over the existing bone structure of your jaw, increasing its dimensions. Once the implant is in place, the surgeon closes the incision with stitches.
You will likely need someone to drive you home after the procedure. This should be discussed with your surgeon and planned for in advance.

Jaw Implant Surgery Risks

No surgery is risk-free. The risks of jaw augmentation may include:

• Sensory changes
• Implant shifting
• Infection
• Unfavorable scarring
• Bleeding
• Poor healing of incisions
• Anesthesia risks
• Damage to deeper structures in the mouth and face
• Allergic reactions
• Pain

Some of these complications may require a second jaw surgery.

Jaw Augmentation Recovery

There will likely be some type of surgical tape around the operative site for three to seven days to restrict chewing and rest your jaw. Any external stitches may be removed in a week or so, but those inside the mouth will dissolve on their own.
There will be some initial mild soreness, swelling and bruising after jaw augmentation surgery. In addition, your jaw area may feel tight due to the increased volume from the implant. Your surgeon will likely prescribe some painkillers to help make you more comfortable after the procedure. Keeping your head elevated can also help reduce swelling.
Eating a bland, soft diet for a few days after your surgery is advisable. Your surgeon should also go over proper dental hygiene for the days and weeks after jaw implant surgery. This should include instructions on gargling with salt water, mouthwash or prescription mouthwash. Be sure to take your antibiotics as prescribed to help reduce your risk of developing an infection after your jaw surgery.

Jaw Implant Cost

The average surgeon's fee for jaw implant surgery is approximately $2,000. Additional charges include anesthesia fees, an implant fee and the operating room fee. There may be hidden costs as well, including the costs of medications such as antibiotics and/or any preoperative lab work. Ask your surgeon what the quote comprises before booking your surgery so there are no surprises afterward.
Jaw implants are typically considered cosmetic, so the costs are not covered by insurance. However, if your jaw implant surgery is reconstructive, your insurance company may cover all or some of the cost. It's important to have this coverage information confirmed in advance.