Jaw reduction surgery is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at altering the shape of the lower part of the face by removing excess bone tissue. This procedure is considered feminizing and adds a touch of femininity to one’s appearance.
During the surgery, the surgeon makes incisions inside the mouth to access the corners of the lower jaw. Excess bone tissue is then removed to change the facial shape. In some cases, additional procedures such as chin liposuction or cheek contouring may be performed to enhance the overall facial contour.
Often, this surgery is combined with other types of facial contouring procedures, such as chin reduction or altering the shape and size of the cheeks. In certain cases, Botox injections into the jaw muscles may be recommended to reduce volume.
South Korea is a country known for performing over 70% of all jaw surgery procedures worldwide, making it the top choice for any V-line surgery.
You can watch our videos about jaw angle reduction YouTube.
Brief information about the surgery
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Surgery Time: 1.5-2 hours
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Type of Anesthesia: General anesthesia
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Hospitalization: 24 hours
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Return to Normal Life: Within 2 weeks
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Clinic Visits: 3-4 times
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Stitches Removal: On the 14th day
Why are patients considering square chin surgery?
Patients may consider jaw reduction surgery for several reasons:
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Aesthetic Preferences: Many individuals prefer more refined, softer facial features. A square jaw may be perceived as too pronounced or masculine, especially in women. Therefore, to align with their beauty ideals, some may opt for surgical intervention.
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Boosting Self-esteem and Confidence: Some patients may feel insecure due to the appearance of their jaw. Changing the jaw’s shape can boost their self-esteem and satisfaction with their appearance.
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Professional or Social Reasons: In certain professions where appearance plays a significant role (e.g., modeling or acting), jaw reduction may be viewed as a way to improve career prospects or social perception.
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Medical Indications: In rare cases, jaw reduction surgery may be recommended for medical reasons, such as specific jaw or facial conditions that affect jaw shape and cause functional or aesthetic issues.
Who is a suitable candidate for the Surgery?
An ideal candidate for jaw angle reduction surgery typically meets the following criteria:
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Good Physical Health: The patient should be in overall good physical health without serious illnesses that could increase the risk of complications during or after surgery. The absence of active infections or inflammatory conditions in the facial area is particularly important.
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Stable Weight: Individuals with stable body weight are usually better candidates since significant weight fluctuations can affect the surgery’s results.
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Age: Candidates should be over 18 years old, as before this age, bones continue to grow and develop. Surgery on a developing jaw can lead to unpredictable or unstable results.
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Realistic Expectations: It’s important that the patient has realistic expectations regarding the surgery’s results. Surgery can significantly improve jaw appearance, but it cannot achieve perfection or change other aspects of a person’s personality or life.
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Psychological Readiness: Mental health and emotional stability are also crucial. The procedure can be stressful, and it’s important for the patient to be prepared for the recovery period and possible emotional fluctuations.
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No Contradictions: There should be no medical contraindications, such as uncontrolled diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or allergies to anesthesia, which could increase the risk of complications.
Why South Korea?
South Korea stands out as a global leader in the field of cosmetic procedures and surgeries, with a remarkable annual rate of procedures conducted. Local physicians in South Korea are renowned for their exceptional education and competitiveness worldwide. Only a mere 0.01% of medical school graduates in South Korea can become certified plastic surgeons. Moreover, South Korea’s medical equipment and technology are on par with those in the United States and Germany, ranking it among the top three countries with the best-equipped medical facilities.
All procedures related to maxillofacial surgery are exclusively performed in accredited clinics that have authorization to treat foreign patients and employ in-house anesthesiologists. Surgeons specializing in maxillofacial surgeries have a wealth of experience, ranging from 15 to 30 years, and typically perform no more than two surgeries per day. To assist you in planning your trip to South Korea for surgery, we kindly request you to complete a questionnaire to calculate the treatment cost and conduct a preliminary consultation.
How to prepare for maxillofacial surgery in South Korea:
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Fasting: Refrain from eating and drinking for 10 hours before the procedure. Take a shower.
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Medication: Avoid taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen (including medications like Advil or Motrin), and other drugs that may increase the risk of excessive bleeding for two weeks prior to the surgery. Tylenol is prohibited only three days before the operation.
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Smoking: Do not smoke, including hookah and electronic cigarettes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and may slow down tissue healing. Your doctor may recommend quitting smoking before the surgery due to the high risk of complications. Avoid being near smokers, whether they are relatives, friends, or in designated smoking areas.
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Medical History: Review your medical history thoroughly. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses, as well as any recent medications you have taken. Please do not withhold this information from your surgeon and coordinators.
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Consultation: Visit the surgeon for an examination and show them photos of your desired outcome.
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Medical Tests: If you have had medical tests within the last month, you can bring them with you. If not, all necessary tests will be conducted in Korea.
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Transportation: Arrange for someone to drive you to the clinic or assist you after the surgery if you plan to arrive by car.
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Preparation: Keep essential items by your bedside, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or your mobile phone, which may be needed during your recovery.
The surgical process for square jaw reduction
Before the surgery, you will undergo a minimum of two consultations with the surgeon and complete necessary tests to be eligible for the procedure. On the morning of the surgery, the surgeon designs your face, addresses any questions, and hands you over to the medical coordinator. You will be taken to the restroom, asked about your well-being, and your last intake of food and water will be verified.
Next, you will be escorted to the operating room, where you will be helped onto the surgical table, and your arms and legs will be secured to ensure your safety and prevent involuntary movements during the surgery. A catheter will be inserted into your hand to administer medications and anesthesia.
Once the anesthesiologist induces sleep, the surgeon makes a small incision inside your mouth to reduce the size of the jawbones.
Following the completion of the surgery and the application of stitches on your face, a special dressing is applied to protect the surgical area, hold tissues in place, and reduce swelling. The patient wakes up and is transferred to a recovery room for further recuperation.
What to expect after surgery
After the surgery is completed, a translator or medical nurses will wake you up and assist you in moving to your room. Most patients do not remember this moment, as the anesthesia makes it feel like they woke up in a warm bed.
In the first 10-20 minutes after waking up, you may experience chills, but this will quickly pass. A warming mattress will be provided on your bed to make this period more comfortable. Some degree of pain may be present, although it is dulled by pain-relieving injections and medications used during the surgery. Typically, pain is strongest at the moment of waking up, and then the medications take effect. You can also request pain-relieving injections 1-2 hours after waking up.
In addition to discomfort, you may notice swelling in your face, not only in the lower jaw but also in the cheeks. This is normal as your body begins the healing process. You may also feel discomfort from the compression bandage; many clients complain that it presses under the chin. You can adjust the bandage slightly or ask for a cotton pad to be placed under it, but do not remove it. It should remain on for 2 weeks, so patience is necessary.
A few minutes after waking up, you will be provided with a cold compress. You can apply it not only to your cheeks but also to other parts of your face. The more you use the compress during the first week after the surgery, the faster the swelling will subside.
You will remain in the clinic for approximately 24 hours after the surgery. A catheter will be in your hand, delivering medications into your bloodstream. The next day, the coordinator and medical nurses will check your condition. If you do not experience symptoms like dizziness and nausea, you can prepare for discharge: change clothes, collect your medications, and receive post-operative recommendations.
By evening, pain may intensify. Be sure to place several pillows under your head to reduce swelling and take the medications prescribed by the surgeon, as they contain pain relievers. Apply a cold compress every few minutes. You may experience mild headaches; these are normal symptoms. Over the next three days, swelling will increase. Do not be alarmed and continue to apply cold compresses and follow the rehabilitation rules. Remember that you are not allowed to eat solid food for 4 weeks, so prepare porridge, soups, juices, smoothies, and chocolate in advance to get through this period.
On the 4th day, swelling will gradually begin to decrease. Remember to rinse your mouth every 2-3 hours and after each meal to prevent infection. By the end of the week, you will look much better. Try to walk as much as possible and continue sleeping with your head elevated.
After 14 days, the surgeon will remove the stitches. It may be slightly uncomfortable as the skin in your mouth is thin and delicate, but this process will quickly end, and you will enjoy the results for a lifetime.
Book a consultation with the clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today!
You can schedule a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or contacting us on any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.
Recovery process
Immediately After the Procedure: Your face will have a compression bandage, and you may experience moderate pain. You will spend the first night at the clinic under the observation of medical staff. Your face will start to swell, and you may feel pressure under the bandage. Unfortunately, you will have to endure this discomfort for several days.
Days 1-2: After approximately 24 hours, if you are feeling well, you will be discharged home. Swelling will reach its peak, extending to the lower part of your face. Be patient during this time.
Days 3-7: Swelling gradually starts to recede. Avoid sports and any activity that requires lowering your head. Continue sleeping with your head elevated.
Days 7-14: Swelling reduces further, discomfort disappears, and youbegin to return to your normal life. Regular long walks are recommended for faster recovery. Stitches and bandages are removed. Do not smoke for at least 15 days after the surgery, as infection could lead to a repeat operation. Vaping, hookah, and other forms of smoking are also strictly prohibited. If you can’t resist and additional swelling occurs, contact the coordinator immediately and do not hide the cause of infection.
Days 14-21: Still, avoid intense workouts and physical exercises. Continue consuming liquid food and regularly clean your teeth and rinse your mouth. The risk of oral cavity infection is lower at this stage, but continue to follow rehabilitation rules, avoid smoking and alcohol.
Days 21-30: Your face may occasionally swell, depending on which side you sleep on. The swelling may shift from left to right or vary from day to day. Do not worry; this is normal. Even with exceptionally slow recovery, patients return to work at this stage, and it’s not noticeable that surgery was performed. However, your face may still be swollen, especially in the mornings. Be patient and wait for the results.
Days 31-60: Swelling is almost completely gone, and you forget that you had surgery. You can start eating firmer food gradually, starting slowly and increasing the amount and load. You can also gradually resume sports activities.
1 Year After Surgery: Full rehabilitation is complete.