We mostly think of a large jaw as being masculine -- and it is.  Women need less of a defined jaw than a man would but a weak jaw can take away from an otherwise beautiful face.  Even if all of your other facial features were close to perfect, a weak jaw takes away the sense of symmetry and balance.  Personally I find my jaw a little too strong.  It resembles Kathy Ireland's. *Here's an added bonus:  When a woman has a strong jaw she should take care to add height to the crown of the head with her hairstyle.  This helps give balance to the face. 

A weak jaw (considered the mandibular area) can make a normal nose appear large and an already prominent nose seem even larger.  It may also give the appearance of a 'fleshy' neck.  On the other hand a too prominent jaw may give the appearance of being overly masculine or "John Travolta like" (no offense, Vinnie).  Quite frankly you have to have a large head to go with a large jaw.  The goal should be a balanced relationship between the structure of the face, unless you would like a signature feature.

What Is Jaw Augmentation?
Jaw augmentation is the use of synthetics or biologicals to augment, or make the mandible structure of the face more prominent.  It can give balance to an otherwise less defined face or further augment an already existent mandible structure.

It also may be that the face needs mentoplasty/chin augmentation or malar (cheek) augmentation to balance out the features either in addition to jaw augmentation.  It is very common to have jaw augmentation in conjunction with chin augmentation.   A qualified plastic surgeon can help determine your needs by examining your facial structure and photographs.  Some surgeons even draw a graph on a photo of your face to measure the distances from each facial feature or utilize computer imagery to help portray the possibilities.  However, you mustn't rely on the accuracy of the surgical outcome when computer imaging is utilized.  The image is only an approximation although it can be used to help convey your desires to your surgeon.

You must have no bone disorders, are not or have not been on Accutane for the last 6 months or sometimes more (it causes excessive facial bone growth, called Hyperostosis, and increased, keloid-like scarring after skin trauma (such as incisions).  Only a qualified plastic surgeon can determine this after speaking to you as well as going over your medical history, examining your facial structure and skin.  You must realize that no doctor can perform miracles but a highly skilled surgeon can transform what you do have into a more balanced look altogether.

What Are Your Options In Jaw Augmentation?

• Bone Grafts

• Autologous Tissue Grafts

• Autologous Fat Transfer (Fat Grafting)

• Cadaveric Tissue Grafts & Cultured Tissue

  • AlloDerm (Lifecell Corp)

  • AlloGraft

  • Apligraft

• Silicone Implants

  • Popular Manufacturers Of Silicone Implants:

    • Implantech

    • Inamed Aesthetics (formerly McGhan Medical)

    • Advanced Bio-Technologies, Inc.

    • Allied Biomedical

• Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)

  • Popular Manufacturers (ePTFE) Implants:

    • Gore-Tex® (Gore Industries Worldwide)

    • SoftForm®

• Polyethylene Implants

  • Popular Manufacturers Polyethylene Implants:

    • MEDPOR® Biomaterial (Porex)

• Hydroxyapatite Implants

• Injectable Augmentation Products

  • Popular Injectable Products:

    • Collagen (technically: suspended bovine collagen)

    • Hyaluronic Acid

    • Injectable Hydroxyapatite Paste

    • Injectable Hydroxylapatite Microsphere Suspension

      • Radiance

    • Poly-methyl (methacrylate) (PMMA)

      • Popular PMMA Manufacturers

        • Artecoll^® 

        • MetaCrill®: 

    • Hydrophilic Polyacrylamide Gel

      • Popular Hydrophilic Polyacrylamide Products:

        • Interfal Gel

        • Formacryl

        • Argiform

        • Bioformacryl

        • DermaLive

        • Aquamid

        • BioAlcamid

        • Kosmogel

    • Injectable Silicone (polydimethylsiloxane oil)

      • Popular Injectable Silicone Products:

        • Adatosil

        • Silikon 1000

        • SilSkin

Does Jaw Augmentation Surgery Hurt?
Although, there is normally no extensive pain related to jaw implantation, pain medication is prescribed beforehand.  Your surgeon may also prescribe pharmaceutical grade Arnica montana to reduce swelling and bruising.  You may feel a degree of numbness that should disappear within 1-3 months.  You may continue to wear a support brace while you sleep to allow your tissues and implant to heal in the desired position and prevent shifting in the first few weeks.

How Long Will I Be Bruised & Swollen?
Don't be alarmed at the presence of bruising and swelling.  The swelling will begin to disappear within the first 5 to 7 days.  Many patients return to work with the help of camouflaging cosmetics at about 5 days post-op.  The swelling of jaw angle implants resembles inflammation of wisdom teeth or their removal and sometimes this excuse is used at "the office."  Although please realize that the swelling may be apparent for months and the defined, chiseled look that you so desire may not become evident for quite a while.

How Much Does Jaw Augmentation Surgery Cost?
The costs of jaw augmentation surgery varies significantly between surgeons, medical facilities, and regions of the country.  Patients who need additional or more extensive surgery will require more intensive and expensive treatment.  In non-private surgery centers or in-office Operating Rooms the prices may include the following.  However, in hospitals - surgery charges can usually be separated into five parts: 

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This page was last updated: 09/23/2009