How Much Does Jaw Reduction Surgery Cost?
When insurance covers it
Financing options
If it's worth it
Jaw reduction surgery costs $6,800 on average, but the price can range up to $20,000, according to 80 reviews on RealSelf from patients who have undergone the procedure.
Below, we’ll break down why jaw reduction plastic surgery costs can vary, whether insurance ever covers it, and whether real patients think their jaw contouring results are worth what they paid.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Jaw Reduction Surgery
What does the price include?
During your initial consultation, you and your prospective surgeon should discuss your goals and their recommended treatment plan. That’s the time to ask for a detailed, all-in cost quote, which should include:
- The surgeon’s fee
- Anesthesia fees (typically for general anesthesia)
- The surgical facility fee
- Supplies for the surgery itself
- Follow-up care
Some surgeons also do a 3D CT scan prior to jaw surgery, so it’s worth asking if you’ll be charged for that.
Also ask if you’ll need to pay for paid medication or buy a compression strap, to help reduce swelling as you heal.
Getting a written estimate in advance will help you avoid a surprise when the final bill comes.
Why do jaw reduction surgery costs vary?
Here’s why you may pay more or less than the average cost of jaw reduction.
1. The credentials and experience level of your plastic surgeon
Jaw reduction surgery should be performed by a highly skilled plastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon, or maxillofacial surgeon.
Look for someone who is board certified and a member of a credible professional organization, such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Also pay close attention to their jaw reduction patient reviews and before and after photos, and ask how often they perform this specific procedure.
A doctor with years or decades of experience and advanced credentials will charge a higher surgeon’s fee than a provider who has less training and experience, but this isn’t a situation where you want to choose based on price alone.
This type of surgery is considered safe in experienced hands, but a surgeon who’s too aggressive or unskilled could leave you with facial nerve damage (or, rarely, paralysis) in your lower face, or damage to the nerves and roots of your teeth. Other possible complications include asymmetry or a bad aesthetic result, which could require expensive revision surgery to correct.
The safest way to help ensure the result you want is to choose your surgeon based on their qualifications.
2. Your surgeon’s practice location
Major metro areas have more good surgeons to choose from, but their fees will usually be steeper, to help cover their higher overhead.
This is especially true if your chosen jaw reduction surgery provider has a fancy practice in an upscale neighborhood, so it can be worth it to seek out providers who have relatively modest practices, and then compare more than one personalized cost quote.
Many people travel abroad for this facial contouring procedure (especially to South Korea, where "V-line surgery" is common). This can be a cost-effective option, but if you’re considering medical tourism, make sure you’re factoring in all your travel expenses. And again, research your surgeon carefully.
3. The type of surgical facility where your procedure takes place
It’s common for cosmetic jaw reduction procedures to take place in a private surgical center, which usually comes with a lower facility fee than a hospital operating room. Ask your surgeon if their facility is fully accredited, and if they have hospital privileges nearby, just in case of emergency.
If any portion of your procedure is covered by insurance, your insurance provider may insist that it’s performed in a hospital. However, the increased facility fee should be offset by insurance.
4. The complexity of your jawline surgery
This surgery removes bone from the lower jawbone (the mandible). Everyone's bone structure and aesthetic goals are different, so your procedure may involve reshaping the bone at the front or back of the jawbone, or a combination.
Jaw reduction surgery is frequently performed in combination with genioplasty, a complex reconstructive surgery that moves the mandible forward or back to correct your bite and any asymmetry.
Masseter Botox can also slim the jawline by shrinking the muscle over time, which could enhance your results.
Some patients also opt for additional facial feminization surgeries, such as tracheal shaving or forehead reduction.
If your procedure is more time-consuming or challenging for your surgeon, your cost will increase. On the other hand, some surgeons offer a discount on each additional procedure, and combining surgeries in a single operation means you only have to pay the anesthesia and facility fees once.
So if you’re already planning on multiple surgeries, combining them will likely be the most cost-effective route.
5. Who administers your general anesthesia
There are two categories of medical professionals who are qualified to administer general anesthesia: anesthesiologists (MDs) and nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).
CRNAs have less training, so their fees are typically lower, but some surgeons prefer to only work with anesthesiologists—especially if the patient has an underlying health condition that increases their risk profile.
Does insurance cover the cost of jaw reduction surgery?
It’s highly unlikely that cosmetic jaw reduction surgery will be covered by your insurance provider.
However, if your procedure is combined with genioplasty surgery because the position of your jawbone is contributing to documented health conditions (like moderate to severe apnea), there’s a chance you may qualify for coverage. Talk with your insurance provider about what kind of documentation you would need to qualify.
Can you finance jaw reduction surgery?
Yes, there are several plastic surgery financing options. If your provider’s practice doesn’t offer their own monthly payment plan, you can consider lenders like CareCredit, a healthcare credit card company.
Financing your procedure will end up costing more money in the long run because of interest—so when it’s feasible, it’s best to pay for the procedure in full. Some providers even offer a discount if you pay in cash.
Is jaw reduction surgery worth the money?
Jaw reduction surgery has a 92% Worth It Rating from RealSelf members. The majority of patients who reviewed the procedure were very satisfied with the results of their investment. Many report that their facial features now look more balanced or feminine, and they feel more confident post-procedure.
Some of those who were unhappy with their jaw reduction surgery cited mandibular nerve damage and asymmetrical results, even after revision surgeries. Others say that recovery was very challenging due to significant pain.
Before committing to the expense and recovery of surgical jaw reduction, talk with your surgeon about whether you could achieve your desired results with less invasive procedures, including Botox, dermal fillers, or a chin implant.