How Much Does V-Line Surgery Cost?
V-line surgery costs $9,900 on average, according to 71 reviews from RealSelf members who have gotten this form of jaw surgery. However, the price can range from $2,240 to as high as $17,000.
V-line surgery (aka square jaw surgery) reshapes the mandible, contouring the jawbone to give it a more feminine V-shape. It’s a popular type of facial feminization surgery, and it’s frequently performed along with a sliding genioplasty, which changes the position of the chin.
Here, we break down what to look for in your cost quote, which factors can cause V-line reduction surgery costs to fluctuate, and whether or not real patients think their results are worth the expense.
What does the cost include?
During a consultation with your surgeon, you’ll discuss your aesthetic goals and they will recommend a personalized treatment plan. At this point, you can request an all-in price quote that includes:
- The consultation fee (which is usually applied to the cost of surgery)
- The surgeon’s fee
- Surgical facility fees
- Anesthesia fees
- Surgical supply costs
- Pre- and post-op appointments
Ask if you’ll need to budget for prescription pain medication or any other recovery supplies.
Also, find out in advance what their policy is on charging for revision surgery, in case you have concerns about your result.
What affects the cost of V-line surgery?
These are the biggest factors that can impact the price you’ll pay for V-line surgery.
1. Where your procedure is performed.
Patients in both major metropolitan areas and rural locations may be subject to steeper V-line surgery costs; the former have higher costs of living, while the latter may offset lower demand for the jawline reduction procedure with more costly fees.
Traveling internationally for V-line surgery is quite common. This form of jaw reduction surgery is especially popular in South Korea, Thailand, and some other Asian countries. In addition to higher demand resulting in lower costs, there are many more providers with experience in this procedure in these destinations, which results in competitive pricing.
If you choose to travel abroad for your surgery, you’ll need to factor those expenses into your overall V-line jaw surgery costs. These can include:
- airfare
- passport fees
- Global Entry applications
- hotel stays (including those at specialized recovery facilities)
- medical concierge fees
- fees for any on-call nurses or translators
- dining
Those who get V-line surgery abroad cite these expenses as a pricey aspect of medical tourism, so budget accordingly.
2. Where your surgery is performed
Often, V-line surgery is performed in a private surgery center, which will be less costly for you than a hospital operating room.
However, if any portion of your procedure is covered by insurance, you may be required to have your surgery in a hospital.
3. The credentials and expertise of your surgeon
This procedure is highly specialized and should only be performed by a highly credible expert. A functional jaw is critical to comfortably eating and talking, and you want to reduce any risks of nerve damage or asymmetry.
Seek out board-certified plastic surgeons with advanced experience in jaw surgery, including maxillofacial plastic surgeons.
Naturally, providers with more impressive credentials, such as those with board certifications and decades of experience performing V-line surgery, will charge higher surgeon’s fees.
We don’t recommend trying to seriously cut costs by lowering your standards in your search for a skilled provider. Your safety and a successful outcome are far more important than saving a few hundred dollars (and revision surgery can be very expensive!).
4. The credentials of your anesthesia provider
Due to the intensive nature of this jawline surgery, it’s performed under general anesthesia, exclusively.
There are two types of providers who are qualified to administer general anesthesia—nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists (physicians). Doctors have more certifications than nurses, so they will charge more.
5. The complexity of your procedure
There are a lot of aspects for your surgeon to consider when it comes to each unique V-line jaw reduction surgery. Beyond improving the harmony of the face, your provider will be navigating critical nerves to alter the position of your jaw. Some patients’ procedures will be more complicated than others; more technically challenging and time-consuming surgical cases will end up costing more.
It’s also not unusual for patients to have other plastic surgery procedures at the same time as V-line surgery. Common add-on procedures include double eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, cheek implants, or other facial feminization procedures.
If you go this route, you’ll of course have to pay for these additional surgeries—but you may get a price break on each individual procedure for having them all performed at once. Plus, you may save on anesthesia and facility fees by stacking procedures.
6. The cost of any aftercare supplies for your recovery period
Beyond any prescription medicine you’ll need to stay comfortable during your several week-long window of downtime, your provider will likely recommend you purchase and wear facial compression garments to help your incisions heal properly and reduce overall swelling.
Is V-line surgery covered by insurance?
V-line jaw surgery is usually considered an elective cosmetic procedure, so it’s rarely covered by insurance.
However, if your jaw placement is causing a medical condition, like severe sleep apnea, there is a chance you’ll qualify for insurance coverage.
Work with your insurance provider and surgeon’s support team to determine if your case qualifies as “medically necessary.”
Keep in mind that traveling abroad may make qualifying for insurance coverage far more challenging or even impossible.
Can you finance V-line surgery?
Yes, the cost of V-line surgery is frequently financed through provider payment plans or lenders like CareCredit.
Remember that interest rates on wellness credit cards can be very high, even higher than the average credit card. Those interest rates will cause your overall V-line surgery costs to be significantly pricier than if you paid in cash.
However, financing options can make this procedure affordable for many who couldn’t otherwise afford it.
Is V-line surgery worth the money?
V-line jaw surgery has a 76% Worth It Rating from RealSelf patients who have undergone the procedure.
Many of those who were happy with their outcomes say that jaw reduction surgery completely transformed their faces and made them far more confident in their appearance.
Those who say their results were “Not Worth It” called out complications like asymmetry, poorly draped skin, and nerve damage.
As mentioned, it’s essential to seek out a highly skilled provider for this intricate jaw surgery to not just reduce your risks and side effects, but have an optimal result.
How do the prices of alternative treatments compare to V-line surgery costs?
If you’re looking for a permanent, dramatic transformation, nothing can truly compare to the results of jaw reduction surgery. However, there are some treatments that can help create the appearance of a more V-shaped face.
- A chin implant (average cost: $4,925) can help create a more heart-shaped face without breaking or shaving the jawbone. Results are permanent, unless you decide to have the implant removed later.
- Botox injections (average cost: $550) can be administered to the masseter muscles (the jaw muscles responsible for chewing and grinding), to help reduce their strength and slim down their appearance. Keep in mind that you’ll need to get repeat treatments to maintain your results. Masseter Botox isn’t generally recommended for those with jowling or lower-face laxity.
- Chin fillers (average cost: $1,000) can also help create a more balanced face. Remember that injectable filler is temporary, and you’ll need to book touch-up appointments every year or two to help your look last.