Which jaw contouring surgery is right for me?

  

What is the difference between genioplasty and mini V-line surgery?

Genioplasty is a surgery that is applicable to blunt, short chins, or long chins. The chin is important- it can dictate the general appearance of the whole face. There are many people who wish to make their chin slimmer and narrower through genioplasty. Based on their specific symptoms, some people may be able to achieve their desired look through genioplasty alone, but others may need to do mini V-line surgery intsead. So what is the difference between genioplasty and mini V-line surgery?

Genioplasty

As mentioned earlier, genioplasty is used to make the chin appear slimmer and smoother. However, because genioplasty only focuses on the tip of the chin, for patients who wish to improve on the sides of their jaw as well, genioplasty is not appropriate for them. Additionally, genioplasty on its own can result in a jagged edge after the necessary movements have been made.

Mini V-Line Surgery

V-line surgery is used to combat the aforementioned issues. It's an operation that focuses on both the chin and the sides of the jaw. This surgery is suitable for those who would like to improve their jawline without reducing their jaw angle, or those who need genioplasty but whose specific case will cause jagged edges from genioplasty alone. 

Angle Reduction Surgery

The angle of the jaw is classified as the area under the ear and the jawline connected to it. For those with overly developed jaw angles, called a Square Jaw, it can appear strong and masculine, which is an issue for those who do not want to appear that way.  

Angle reduction surgery is a cosmetic surgery that creates a slim and smooth jawline by cutting the overdeveloped jaw angle. Occasionally, there are patients who wish to reduce as much of their jaw angle as possible, presumably to obtain the most dramatic results. 

Unfortunately, there are certain restraints to how much of the bone can be removed. The nerves situated in their jawbone need enough distance from the edge of their jaw and their nerves to prevent nerve damage. It is necessary to take scans to see exactly where your nerves are located and determine how much of the jaw can be cut, and if necessary, patients may be advised to do cortical bone removal in conjunction with their angle reduction surgery to ensure the best results possible from both the front and side views. 

Additionally, even if it is possible to trim a lot of the bone, trimming more doesn't necessarily beget the best possible result. Trimming too much can result in an awkward or unnatural appearance. On the other hand, trimming too little can lead to no visible change. 

V-Line Surgery

V-line surgery is the combination of genioplasty and angle reduction and is for patients who would like to improve their lower jaw but have no issues with their bite.  

It is important to note that even though the length of your bones can be reduced through surgery, your soft tissues such as your muscles, fat, and skin plays a large part in the outward appearance of the result of the surgery. If you are considering facial bone surgery, the possibility of needing surgery on your soft tissue is something that you will need to keep in mind. Consulting with an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon will ensure that they will let you know ahead of time if you will need soft tissue cosmetic surgery after your facial contouring surgery.

If you are unsure of which of the above surgeries is suitable for your case, we recommend speaking with an authorized oral and maxillofacial surgeon that can understand your specific needs and recommend the most appropriate surgery for you. As the above surgeries are dealing with the bones in your face, we advise that you think through your decision carefully. It's important to consider your specific anatomy when developing a surgical plan, and more than anything, it is crucial that you are able to achieve your desired safely.