Jaw Contouring (Reshaping/Tapering)

How Does Jaw Contouring or Reshaping Feminize the Male Face?

Typically, the shape of the male jaw is wider and higher than the female jaw. Men tend to have wider, heavier-set jawlines than women with a heavier mid-body area and a sharper angle between the chin and jaw as well as a flat base, giving a male jawline a prominent “square” look. Women’s jawlines typically have rounded edges, are more tapered and pointed – even if the jawline may appear square.

Jaw contouring (also known as jaw tapering or jaw reduction) is used to modify and feminize prominent male jawlines as part of facial feminization (gender confirmation) surgery. The back “corner” of the male jaw can also be reshaped to be rounder and smoother. Bone can be shaved off along the lower edge of the jaw and chewing muscles reduced (see: Masseter Muscle Reduction) to make the jawline appear narrower.

How Does Jaw Contouring Feminize the Face?

Jaw contouring works to narrow the overall width and shape of the face, subtly refine jawline angles, and improve the overall proportions of facial features thereby making the face more feminine in appearance. Individuals with asymmetrical or lopsided-appearing faces also benefit from this procedure. The results will look natural and provide balance and harmony to facial proportions to achieve the goals of facial gender confirmation.

Jaw contouring

What Is Masseter Muscle Reduction?

If your jaw is quite wide in appearance, your surgeon may also perform a masseter muscle reduction to remove some of the masseter muscle. This is a safe procedure when performed by a skilled surgeon, and is suitable for a patient who is willing to perform exercises to maintain mouth opening size. We carefully consider the risks and benefits when offering this surgery because of the increased post-surgical pain and swelling patients may experience. Masseter muscle reduction may also be achieved non-surgically via Botox® or Dysport® injections.