Cosmetic jaw surgery is a surgical procedure primarily performed to improve an individual’s facial appearance. Reshaping the jaw gives the face more symmetry and balance. A patient who has suffered trauma to the jaw may benefit from this type of surgery as well. This blog will discuss jaw surgery in general, the various procedures involved in this operation, how it is conducted, and everything you want to know about cosmetic jaw surgery.
Jaw surgery is conducted for a variety of reasons such as to improve facial appearance, function, and overall health. Here’s everything you want to know about cosmetic jaw surgery–
Who should consider undergoing cosmetic jaw surgery and what are the benefits?
Improve your facial profile- The idea behind aesthetics and symmetry is that it makes you look better and improves your confidence in social situations.
For instance, if you have one side of your jaw that is larger, it may affect the way you look in a picture. In some cases, if one side of the jaw has a deformity in it such as having teeth missing or broken down (due to trauma for example), this can also make someone look asymmetrical.
Help you chew and speak properly- People who suffer from TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) can benefit from undergoing cosmetic jaw surgery by helping them get rid of pain and improve their function.
This condition involves abnormal motion between the lower jaw (mandible) and upper jaw (maxilla), which can lead to pain, popping, locking up, difficulty chewing certain foods, etc.
Improve gum health- People who suffer from periodontal disease might also want to consider taking care of their oral health. This type of surgery involves reshaping your jaw so that your teeth fit better together helping increase hygiene and bring more harmony into your smile.
What types of surgeries are there?
Two main types of jaw surgeries can be used in cosmetic surgery: Open reduction with lateral sliding genioplasty and open reduction with bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO).
Open Reduction With Lateral Sliding Genioplasty – This type of surgery is also known as a sliding genioplasty. In this procedure, the angle made between the mandible and maxilla is adjusted.
To do this, it requires an incision from ear to ear extending from behind each ear along the lower part of your jawline. After making these incisions, the surgeon will make a cut on the side of your face in front of your ear that will allow them to slide or push along the bone of your lower jaw forward or backward.
This is done to reduce the size of your chin, which will make it more aesthetically pleasing.
Open Reduction With Bilateral Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy (BSSRO) – This type of surgery involves cutting the back part of both sides of the lower jawbone and pulling them apart at a right angle. The surgeon will then pass a metal bar through your mouth up to your nose that helps stabilize everything while the bones are healing together again.
Then, after completing this procedure, you can expect to see results immediately as compared to some other surgeries that require months before results are noticed. Although there are many benefits related to undergoing this cosmetic gingivectomy, not everyone is a good candidate.
Also, some people may want to consider having multiple surgeries done at one time which will result in an even better outcome and more money saved on travel and lodging costs if you plan on getting other procedures done as well.
Who deals with these types of surgeries?
These types of cosmetic jaw surgery procedures can be either completed by a maxillofacial surgeon or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Both are trained surgeons that specialize in the treatment of injuries such as fractures, removal of tumors or foreign objects, treatment for TMJ disorders, facial aesthetic contouring, etc.
It is important to make sure that your chosen surgeon specializes in cosmetic jaw surgery because many surgeons simply do not have the experience required to perform this type of surgery safely.
What are the possible complications?
This type of cosmetic surgery is usually thought to be one of the safest procedures that can be performed.
The majority of cases result in minimal post-operative pain and discomfort, while still allowing patients to go back to their normal lives within a few days. The most common complaints after surgery involve swelling, numbness, bleeding at the site of surgery, etc.
Recovery time?
After undergoing cosmetic jaw surgery, you can expect your results to be permanent as long as you practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. You should also avoid eating hard or crunchy foods that could potentially damage the area where your implant is placed.
In addition, do not drink through a straw because this poses an increased risk of the implant moving out of place. Patients are usually allowed to return to work in less than 2 weeks, depending on their occupation and how well the surgery was performed.This blog covers everything you want to know about cosmetic jaw surgery and the effects it can have on your appearance. If you are somebody that is considering undergoing jaw surgery or already had it done, the information shared here will help you stay informed and ready to take on life after cosmetic surgery.
Visit our website for more information