Jaw Reduction Surgery, FFS, and Asymmetrical Jaws
Nothing in nature is truly symmetrical and all faces have a degree of asymmetry. But if your face has a more pronounced form of asymmetry, a range of approaches used during facial feminization surgery (FFS) can be helpful.
Many areas of the face can appear asymmetrical – from the hairline and forehead down to the chin and jaw. Asymmetry of the jaw and chin can especially impact the aesthetics of your face.
Depending on the nature of the asymmetries of your face, FFS can help to create a more harmonized and symmetrical look while also creating a natural, feminine face that reflects the inner you.
Dr. Deschamps-Braly has trained in three surgical specialties and has proven expertise in the artistry of facial feminization. He can advise an integrated approach and optimal timing for any surgeries needed to enhance the symmetry of your face while creating a naturally feminine look.
Options for correcting jaw asymmetry
Asymmetry of the jaw can affect both the aesthetics of your face and functions such as chewing. Physical asymmetries have a range of causes such as:
- Genetics – the jaw shape you were born with
- Developmental changes
- Injuries and/or illness
- Dental work
Depending on the nature of your facial structure, surgical options for jaw reshaping can include:
- Jaw correction surgery (orthognathic surgery)
- Jaw reduction or contouring surgery as a part of your FFS
- A combination of jaw correction and jaw reduction (contouring) surgery
If jaw correction (orthognathic surgery) is needed, we suggest you have this surgery first and ensure your bone is healed before you begin FFS. In that way, jaw reduction and chin surgery can be used to complete the feminine look of your lower face. Also, a word of caution, if jaw reduction is done before orthognathic surgery, it may no longer be possible to make the precise cuts needed for your orthognathic or FFS procedure.
Jaw reduction during FFS can improve jawline asymmetries
Feminizing the jaw with jaw reduction typically involves removing bone to contour and shape the jaw so it is narrower and less square. The procedure refines jawline angles and improves the proportions of the face, including asymmetries.
Whether or not corrective jaw surgery is needed, jaw reduction will be able to improve your jawline to give you the best possible result.
Jaw reduction and contouring procedures include:
- Reshaping of the back corner of the lower jaw bone so it appears rounder and less square
- Shaving bone off the lower edge of the jaw to make the jawline narrower and more feminine
- Shaving layers of bone off the sides of the jaw – the jaw bone (mandible) is structured like an oreo cookie, with a hard outer layer and a spongy middle layer followed by a hard inner layer. The entire cortical outer layer can be removed without damaging the structural integrity of the jaw
- Reduction of chewing muscles to give a narrower appearance (Masseter muscle reduction – can be either a surgical or non-surgical procedure).
Any asymmetry of the chin will also contribute to the overall look of your lower face. As the chin and jaw are often treated together in FFS, surgery to feminize the chin (genioplasty/mentoplasty) can help to correct any chin asymmetry at the same time.
Want to know more?
- Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery
- Jaw Contouring (Reshaping/Tapering)
- Feminizing Chin Contouring (Genioplasty/Mentoplasty)
- Facial Feminization Surgery – Overview
- Key Elements of Facial Feminization for Women with Masculine-Looking Faces
- Considering Facial Feminization? Unsure About V-Line Surgery vs Feminizing Jaw Surgery?
References – for those who like to dig deeper
- Approach to Feminization Surgery and Facial Masculinization Surgery: Aesthetic Goals and
Principles of Management. - Deschamps-Braly JC. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, 2019; Apr 2 [Epub ahead of print].
- Feminization of the Chin: Genioplasty Using Osteotomies.
- Deschamps-Braly J. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, 2019;27(2):243–250.
Dr. Deschamps-Braly is a board-certified plastic and craniofacial surgeon specializing in facial plastic surgery, orthognathic (jaw) surgery, and craniofacial surgery for adults and children. He is also one of the world’s foremost leaders and innovators in facial gender confirmation surgery.
