Some people believe that having a slimmer and oval-shaped jaw can make you look more feminine and attractive. If you are looking for a procedure that can make that happen in Singapore, then jaw reduction is a way to go!
In the course of my career as an aesthetic doctor for over 10 years, I have done many procedures, including jaw reduction. Today, I will share my knowledge about jaw reduction with you. That includes:
- Preparation
- Expectation
- Recovery
- Side effects, and so on.
What is Jaw reduction?
Jaw reduction is divided into two methods: non-surgical and surgical methods. Non-surgical jaw reduction is a procedure to make your jaw look slimmer using minimally invasive techniques.
Jaw reduction surgery is a procedure to permanently shape your jaw by shaving and reducing the width of the jaw to create a feminine appearance. These procedures are typically performed on patients who have a masculine and prominent jawline [1].
What are the surgical and non-surgical ways for Jaw reduction?
Non-surgical jaw reduction
The procedure for non-surgical jaw reduction is usually done using botox or dermal fillers such as hyaluronic acid (HA). When the botox or filler is injected into the patient’s jaw, it will relax the patient's jaw muscle and create a softer and more balanced-looking jaw [2].
Related:
Face Slimming: An Aesthetic Doctor Shares How You Can Achieve It Without Surgery
The Ultimate Guide to Getting a V-Shaped Face in Singapore (2021)
Surgical jaw reduction
When a surgeon is doing a surgical jaw reduction (mandibuloplasty), it usually includes surgery for the chin (genioplasty) as well in order to achieve a symmetrical feminine look [3]. The procedure works by shaving the rear jaw and creating a symmetrical and smaller jaw.
Also read: 5 Things You Wanted to Know about Getting a Jaw Reduction
How does non-surgical Jaw reduction procedure work?
Non-surgical jaw reduction works through injecting botox or dermal fillers into each of your masseter muscles; the muscle that helps your jaw chew solid food [4].
You will be able to see your jaw become smaller within 2 weeks after the solution is injected. However, the result of non-surgical jaw reduction is only temporary and lasts for about 4 to 6 months [5].
Interested in learning more about botox and dermal fillers? I talk about the difference between Profhilo, Botox, and Fillers here.
How do I prepare for Jaw reduction surgery in Singapore?
If you choose the surgical option, there are some things that you need to take note before starting the procedure, such as [6]:
Communicate your goals and expectations to your surgeon. Make sure you know the risk of complications that might occur if you opt for this procedure.
Make sure you are eligible to do the surgery. You are eligible if you:
Have a large or wide jaw and round face
Have a long lower jaw
Have a lower flat jaw
Are in good health
Have realistic expectations
Take any physical examination, x-rays, blood test, and other tests that your doctor requires you to do.
Stop smoking for a minimum of 2 weeks before surgery.
Stop taking drugs that can cause blood clotting for a minimum of 2 weeks before surgery.
Related: What are the pros and cons of surgical jaw reduction for a slimmer face?
Are there any scars or marks expected post-surgery?
Scars from the surgery are generally almost invisible if the procedure angle is done from inside the mouth. However, there will be a small scar around the crevice of your ear.
What should I do to care for my Jaw following the surgery? Are there any faster methods to get the swelling down?
Following the surgery, you are required to change your normal diet into a liquid diet until your jaw is strong enough to chew food. Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.
Speaking of food, can supplements of collagen and hyaluronic acid prevent wrinkles?
You should be able to gently brush your teeth after you get discharged from the hospital. Frequent rinses can be done in order to keep your mouth clean. You will also be equipped with prescribed medications that can help manage the pain. [7]
I would also advise you to apply cold and warm compresses consecutively to ease the swelling.
When will I expect to see the results of the surgery?
The results can be seen after the swelling has subsided. However, the time it takes for the swelling to subside is varied, which usually takes 3-5 weeks.
It is also expected that you will experience tightness and swollen cheeks post-surgery. That being said, cold compresses and pain medications are advised in order to improve the condition [8].
Are there any short/long term side effects I should know about?
While long term side effects rarely occur, you still need to be aware of the side effects that can happen with this jaw reduction procedure.
The short term effects of jaw reduction surgery are:
- Temporary numbness around the face area
- Bleeding
- Infection where the surgeon creates the incision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tooth damage
The possible long term effects of jaw reduction surgery are:
- Injured or inflamed jaw muscles and nerves
- Permanent nerve damage that can result in numbness around the face area [9]
How can I get the best doctor for Jaw reduction in Singapore?
In order to achieve a successful outcome, you have to make sure that:
You are handled by an expert
You have to make sure that the surgeon and the team that handles you is very familiar and skilled in the procedure. This way, it can minimise the risk of failure.
You can see his previous works
Make sure there is evidence of the surgeon’s previous work that you can see and compare. This way, you can also compare the surgeon’s aesthetic and see if it is up to your standard.
You are handled by a professional doctor
You have to make sure that your doctor can communicate well with you. It means, your surgeon has to be able to answer your questions regarding the procedure. If you and your surgeon have developed good communication, the outcome can be satisfactory.
Your surgeon has a certification
Your surgeon has to be board-certified to make sure that they are skilled in the field.
What factors affect the price of Jaw reduction surgery in Singapore?
While the price of jaw reduction surgery varies, there are several factors that affect it:
- How much of your jaw bone requires reshaping.
- How complex the procedure is.
- The location of the clinic; clinics that are placed in a crowded area usually cost higher
- Your surgeon's reputation. Reputable surgeons are usually more expensive because they have more extensive experience.
What should I look out for to find the best clinic for Jaw reduction surgery in Singapore?
In order to find the best clinic to do jaw reduction surgery, it is best if you send enquiries to several clinics so that you can make a comparison of which clinic suits you best.
That being said, there are some important things that you need to take note of:
Pick a clinic that specialises in jaw reduction surgery
A clinic that specialises in jaw reduction surgery will provide a highly skilled and trained team of surgeons. Their work will also be more likely to be neat because they are used to do the jaw reduction surgery procedures.
If the clinic only does a few surgeries per month, then you need to find another clinic that does the surgery more frequently. You can also compare one clinic to another to see which is more appealing to you.
Go with the surgeon who invests time to help you achieve your goals
Always go with the surgeon who invests time for you. This is very important, as it can affect the end result of your surgery procedure.
Make sure your surgeon is patient, friendly, and able to match your aesthetic senses when it comes to their work in order to achieve the best results.
Conclusion
To conclude, finding the best clinic to undergo jaw reduction procedure is not easy, whether it is surgical or non-surgical. It is best if you are informed about the risks and complications that can occur. You also need to make sure that you are going with the best doctor and clinic possible to minimise any unwanted side effects that can happen.
That being said, you also need a thorough consultation with your doctor to determine which procedure works best for your face shape or health condition.
Good luck!
Dr. Tan Wang Theng graduated from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in 2002. She also obtained a post-graduate degree in family medicine at NUS and a post-graduate diploma in Dermatology at Cardiff University (UK). She has always had a keen interest in beauty and aesthetics. This led her to pursue dermatology and become a medical aesthetic doctor after her MBBS.
You can find her at Moyem Medical.
