What is Corrective Jaw Surgery?

There is a consensus on the fact that there are certain facial features that determine the attractiveness of an individual's appearance. All parts of the face should be harmonious and balanced. Although the relations, angles, and distances of these parts are different in each person, ideal versions of them can be calculated for each person.

The ideal jaw position is 2-3 mm behind an imaginary vertical line drawn down from the bottom of the nose. Backward deviations indicate weak jaws, and forward deviations strong jaws. In women, the desired jaw position may be a little behind this ideal place, which creates an aesthetic appearance. On the other hand, a strong jawline that gives a masculine look is preferred by men.

How is Corrective Jaw Surgery Performed?

Mentoplasty is performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia with/without sedation. The operation is performed in one day, without the need for hospitalization. Corrective jaw surgery can last between 30 minutes and 3 hours depending on the procedure to be performed.

If an implant is required for the jaw, the surgeon starts with a small incision underneath the jaw or through the mouth. Our doctors will inform you about the planned incision site before surgery. The implant is placed in front of the jaw, deep into the soft tissues. The patient's anatomy and conditions determine whether the implant is required or not. There are different types of implants to shape the jaw as required. Gore-Tex and Silicone are the most used implant types, as they have been proven to provide excellent performance in many studies. Screws or plates are generally not needed for mentoplasty. The implant is placed under the membrane surrounding the jawbone and fixed with stitches. The aim is to reduce jaw projection. Through the same incision, the jaw is shaved, and the desired shape is given.

Pain that may occur after the surgery is controlled with painkillers. The tightness felt in the jaw decreases within a few weeks. Edema and bruising may occur in the postoperative process. Edema reaches its maximum in the first-week post-op and then begins to decrease. A bandage is applied to the chin for 2 or 3 days after the operation. Stitches are removed within 5 to 7 days after surgery or dissolve spontaneously.

Chewing function may be restricted for a few days after the surgery and it may be necessary to consume liquids and soft foods. The patient can return to his daily life 10 days after the operation.

Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities in the first few weeks after the operation and to avoid receiving blows on the face for 6 weeks.