What are the dangers of jaw shaving/slimming? I have a round face & seeking jaw (mandible) shaving, What are the risks? (Photo)

Question

I am not interested in BOTOX as it is temporary and I will have to keep going back plus my problem is more the bone and not so much the muscle on the sides. I have found a few people in the US who do Jaw Shaving, but not sure if i they have a lot of experience. What are the side effects for this procedure? I am adamant about doing it. In the photo left is me, and right is my desired goal shape that I altered with an app. Any advice will be appreciated!

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello OneDiamond,Thanks for your question.Actually to safely achieve the look you seek, it is my opinion that you would need a combination of both Botox and mandibular bone shaving for such an extensive alteration.  Liposuction could also help.A combination of facial liposuction and Botox can be used first to debulk excess fat from the lower face, while allowing Botox time to atrophy your masseter muscle at the angle of the jaw.If this achieves the look you like then you've avoided a bigger surgery.If not, you could finalize with jaw shaving.Jaw shaving is typically performed using intraoral incisions to shave the bone at the angle of the jaw.  You must be careful to avoid the nerve and the roots of the teeth.  You do increase the chance of a jaw fracture and molar tooth loss if your surgeon is too aggressive.Jaw shaving is more common in Korean patients so there are actually a few plastic surgeon in LA with large populations of Korean patients who probably have more experience than most in jaw shaving.  I would suggest you start there.Good luck,Dr. Shah

Gerald Wittenberg, MSc, DMD (retired) · Answer

The change in the contours of the lower jaw from 'front to back' generally are 'low risk' since they alter the contour without involving many important nerves/vessels in the facial area. Infection is the primary risk with any intraoral procedure; and the surgeon will be aware of the position of the nerve supplying feeling to the lower lip/chin area such that any long term issue should be easily avoided. Asymmetric results; undesirable (from your view) endpoint is another concern for you. Many of us who perform that type of procedure always discuss the risks completely. Imaging can also give you perspective on 'the reality' of your images you now present.

What are the dangers of jaw shaving/slimming? I have a round face & seeking jaw (mandible) shaving, What are the risks? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Jaw Reduction

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What are the dangers of jaw shaving/slimming? I have a round face & seeking jaw (mandible) shaving, What are the risks? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Jaw Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.