A well-shaped jaw can change the rest of your face in a variety of ways. For men, a strong jaw gives a masculine and chiseled look that is attractive for a lifetime. In women, a well-shaped jaw can help to balance other features and to provide a beautiful frame for the face. However, not all people are born with an attractive jawline. For these people, jaw implants or other jaw augmentation surgery may be the solution to meeting their appearance goals.
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What Is Jaw Augmentation?
Also known as mandibular augmentation or gonial augmentation, this surgery adds to the size of your jaw or reshapes it, usually by adding silicone implants. Dr. Joseph Russell will talk to you about your appearance goals and help you to select the implants that will compliment you best. He can also talk to you about how this surgery can affect the rest of your face. Although this procedure can be performed on its own with beautiful results, some people elect to have other facial plastic surgeries at the same time for a full-face transformation.
Our jaw is important not just for facial harmony and attractiveness, but for eating, speaking, and facial expressions. Mandibular augmentation does not affect these functions at all. The implants subtly and seamlessly add to your jaw without changing the way that it functions. Many people in your life will not be able to pinpoint exactly what has changed about your appearance.
Benefits of Jaw Augmentation
Enhancing your jawline through jaw augmentation offers numerous aesthetic and functional benefits:
- Improved Facial Balance: A well-shaped jawline can provide better facial harmony by complementing other features. In men, it can offer a masculine and chiseled appearance, while in women, it helps create a beautiful facial frame.
- Enhanced Attractiveness: A strong jawline is often considered attractive and can enhance your overall appearance.
- Customized Implants: Dr. Joseph Russell works closely with you to select silicone implants that best align with your appearance goals. These implants can be tailored to achieve your desired jaw shape and size.
- Combined Procedures: While jaw augmentation can stand alone with excellent results, some individuals opt for additional facial plastic surgeries simultaneously to achieve a comprehensive facial transformation.
How Is a Jaw Augmentation Performed?
A jaw implant is performed under either general anesthesia or sedation (twilight anesthesia). Once you are asleep or sedated, Dr. Russell will make a small incision inside the mouth and elevate the tissues next to the jaw bone to make a small pocket. The jaw implant is then inserted in this small pocket, next to the bone. The oral incisions are closed with absorbable sutures that will dissolve on their own.
After the surgery, many people go directly home. Your jaw will be bandaged tightly or wrapped in a sling to support the implants while you heal. Most people feel some pain or discomfort in the first several days. In addition, there may be some numbness and tightness until your skin stretches to accommodate your new jaw shape and size. In general, patients who have this surgery are back to their regular activities in a few weeks, with no residual pain or symptoms.
Procedure Overview
Jaw augmentation is typically performed under either general anesthesia or sedation (twilight anesthesia) for your comfort and safety. The procedure involves the following steps:
- Incision: Dr. Russell creates a small incision inside your mouth, ensuring no visible external scarring.
- Tissue Elevation: Tissues next to the jawbone are gently elevated to create a pocket for the implant.
- Implant Placement: The silicone jaw implant is carefully inserted into the pocket, adjacent to the bone, enhancing the jaw’s size and shape.
- Incision Closure: The oral incisions are closed with absorbable sutures that dissolve over time.
Recovery and Healing Following Jaw Implant Surgery
After the surgery, you may return home, but your jaw will be bandaged or supported with a sling to aid healing and support the implants. Some discomfort and numbness are normal in the initial days. Over time, your skin will adjust to accommodate the new jaw shape and size. In general, most patients can resume their regular activities within a few weeks, with minimal residual pain or symptoms.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Jaw Implant Surgery?
Most people who want a stronger or differently shaped jaw are good candidates for this surgery. This is especially true for people who have used Restylane or other fillers to augment their jaw in the past with good results. While fillers wear off, implants are a permanent addition to your face.
In general, patients should have good health in their jaw and lower teeth before undergoing this procedure. In addition, it is important to stop smoking or using tobacco products at least two weeks before the procedure, as nicotine can compromise healing. You should talk to your surgeon about your medical history, including current conditions that you have and medications that you are taking right now.
Considerations for Candidates
Jaw implant surgery is suitable for individuals seeking a stronger or differently shaped jaw. Especially those who have previously used temporary fillers like Restylane with satisfactory results.
- It’s essential to have good jaw and lower teeth health before the procedure.
- Quitting smoking or tobacco products at least two weeks before surgery is crucial.
- During your consultation, discuss your medical history and current medications with Dr. Russell.
Jaw Surgery Consultation
If you’re interested in jaw augmentation or other facial procedures, a consultation with a qualified facial plastic surgeon is the first step. Dr. Joseph Russell, a Charleston-area native and renowned facial plastic surgeon, can guide you in making an informed decision. He offers state-of-the-art medical care in the Charleston area and Southeast.
To explore jaw reshaping or other procedures, schedule a consultation by calling Dr. Russell’s medical office at (843) 576-3302. This straightforward procedure could help you attain the appearance and confidence you desire.