Jaw Implants
A jaw implant is a surgical procedure to change the shape and look of your jawline. You may want to alter your appearance with a more defined jaw angle and jawline. You may need jaw implants as reconstructive surgery after an injury. The surgery takes around two hours and you should see results within a few months.
A jaw implant is a solid piece of silicone surgically added to your existing jawline. It enhances your jawline by making the lower part of your face wider and longer. The implant gives you a sharper, more defined jaw angle. It also brings the lower part of your face into balance (symmetry) with the upper part of your face.
Healthcare providers sometimes call jaw implants jaw augmentation (enlargement), jaw enhancement or a mandibular implant. Mandible is the medical term for your lower jawbone.
You may consider a jaw implant:
- To change your facial appearance: Most people get jaw implants as a cosmetic surgery to change how they look, as well as how they feel about their appearance.
- To reconstruct a damaged jaw: Some people need jaw implants to correct damage from a traumatic injury, such as a broken jaw or other facial fracture. This is reconstructive surgery.
- To achieve a masculine appearance: People sometimes get a jaw implant as part of facial masculinization surgery.
You may be a candidate for jaw implant surgery if you:
- Don’t have a health condition that affects your jaw or bones.
- Are physically healthy and don’t smoke tobacco products.
- Have fully formed adult bones.
- Have realistic expectations about the outcomes of jaw implant surgery.
Both males and females choose to get jaw implants to help them achieve their facial appearance goals.
A plastic surgeon will let you know if jaw implant surgery is right for you.
Jaw implants are made from medical-grade solid silicone. Implants come in different shapes and sizes.
Some people get custom jaw implants. A few weeks before the procedure, you’ll get a 3D computed tomography (CT) scan of your face. Lab technicians will customize a jaw implant that fits your unique facial shape.
Your surgeon will discuss implant options with you. Together, you can select the implant most likely to help you achieve the appearance you seek.
A plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic or reconstructive procedures performs jaw implant surgery. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon (an expert in head, neck and face surgeries) may perform a reconstructive jaw implant surgery.
Jaw implant surgery may take place at your provider’s office, an ambulatory surgical center or in the hospital. Jaw implant surgery is an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day. However, you may need to stay overnight if you have multiple procedures.
Yes. Your surgeon may recommend that you get other facial implants or cosmetic procedures done at the same time as a jaw implant. This can help you achieve facial symmetry or reach your appearance goals. It also reduces your amount of healing time.
Procedures you might get at the same time as a jaw implant include:
- Cheek implants.
- Chin implant or genioplasty (chin reshaping).
- Double chin surgery.
- Facelift (rhytidectomy).
- Jawline fillers.
- Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping).
Your surgeon will give you instructions to help you prepare for jaw implant surgery. You may need:
- A physical exam and blood tests to ensure you’re healthy enough to have surgery.
- Photographs of your current face and jaw taken. These will help your surgeon plan the procedure and compare before and after results.
- To stop taking certain medications before surgery, including vitamins and supplements. Your healthcare provider or surgeon will tell you which medications you can and can’t take before your surgery.
- To take antibiotics to reduce your infection risk.
- To quit smoking several weeks before your procedure. Smoking increases the risk of surgical complications and slows the healing process.
Your surgeon will give you general anesthesia to help you sleep through the procedure.
During jaw implant surgery, your surgeon will:
- Make an incision inside your mouth on each side of your lower jaw behind your second or third molars (wisdom teeth).
- Move tissue and fat around where they’ll put the jaw implant.
- Insert the jaw implant in front of your ear. It will extend over your existing jawline to reach the front of your other ear.
- Attach the jaw implant to your bone on both sides of your face with tiny titanium screws.
- Close the incision with dissolvable or removable stitches. If they use removable stitches, you’ll need a follow-up appointment to have them taken out a few weeks after your surgery.
Jaw implant surgery usually takes about two hours.
You’ll be able to go home the same day after jaw implant surgery (unless you had multiple procedures done at the same time). Plan ahead to have someone else drive you home after the procedure.
Your surgeon will give you instructions on how you can take care of your surgical site as you heal. Their instructions may include:
- Eating only soft foods (or only liquids) while the incision inside of your mouth heals.
- Using a special antibacterial mouthwash to lower the risk of infection at your surgery site and to help your incision heal.
- Taking care of your incisions.
The benefits of jaw implant surgery includes:
- Creating a more defined, angular jawline.
- Making your face, jawline and side profile more symmetrical.
- Improving your confidence and how you feel about your appearance.
- Giving you a more youthful appearance.
Jaw implant surgery doesn’t hurt because you’ll receive anesthesia so you won’t feel pain. You’ll probably experience some mild pain and discomfort for about a week after your surgery. It may take longer for bruising and swelling to go away.
You can ease any discomfort after surgery by:
- Gently applying cold compresses to your jaw.
- Reclining with your head elevated (instead of lying flat) for at least a week.
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers and antibiotics. Your surgeon will tell you which pain relievers and other medication you can take after your surgery. Don’t take any medications without talking to your surgeon.
Jaw implant surgery is a safe and effective surgical procedure if performed by a board-certified and experienced plastic surgeon. Discuss your goals and expectations with your surgeon. They’ll explain the procedure and the process with you to make sure you’re comfortable before the surgery begins. Your surgeon will help you set realistic expectations and goals before you choose to have jaw implant surgery.
Most people are happy with their jaw implants. If you’re dissatisfied, you may need additional procedures to achieve your desired look.
Some risks of jaw implant surgery include:
- Allergic reaction to the implant material, titanium screws or anesthesia.
- Bleeding, bruising and blood clots.
- A buildup of scar tissue, which can cause a tight feeling around the implant.
- Infection.
- Nerve damage and numbness.
- Skin discoloration, sensitivity and swelling (edema).
In rare instances, an implant may shift out of alignment, break or poke through your skin (implant extrusion). If this happens, you’ll need another surgery to remove the implant. You may be able to get another jaw implant at the same time or later after you heal.
You’ll need plenty of rest after jaw implant surgery. You’ll probably feel mild pain for about a week after surgery. It can take several months for the swelling to go away completely. Until then, it may be hard to see your results.
You should be able to resume light activities within a week of having jaw implant surgery. Follow your surgeon’s instructions about resuming more strenuous activities like strength training and lifting heavy items.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
Call your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Excessive bleeding, swelling or bruising.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Severe pain.
- Signs of infection, such as pus from the incision site or fever.
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Facial Implants (https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/facial-implants). Accessed 12/6/2023.
- International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Facial Implants (https://www.isaps.org/discover/patients-home/procedures/face-head-procedures/facial-implants/). Accessed 12/6/2023.
- The Aesthetic Society. Facial Implants (https://www.theaestheticsociety.org/procedures/head-face/facial-implants). Last reviewed 4/28/2020. Accessed 12/6/2023.
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