Jawline
Feminization
What are the risks in Jawline Reduction Surgery?
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When considering a male-to-female transition, a patient may consider several surgical or medical procedures that a patient may consider. The most obvious of these include the enhancement of the breasts and changing the genitals to match the patient’s gender. Dr. Javad Sajan at Allure Esthetic focuses on gender-affirming top and facial surgeries such as MTF breast augmentation and facial feminization. Facial feminization can include several different procedures, including jawline feminization. Allure Esthetic provides the best jawline feminization surgery.
Overview:
Jawline Feminization | Gender Affirming Jaw Reduction
The jaw is an important structural part of the face. It is one of the strongest parts of the face—both physically and aesthetically. Therefore, it requires a precise and experienced surgeon to perform feminization of the jaw. Dr. Javad Sajan is one of only a few US surgeons to have undergone extensive education and training with an exclusive FFS fellowship. Dr. Sajan performs the best jaw feminization in the United States.
Understanding Jawline Feminization
Jaw feminization surgery is a procedure that takes a masculine, wide, or heavy looking jaw and makes it look softer and more feminine. Many possible surgical procedures could help achieve this. The procedure is most commonly performed for transgender women as a gender affirming procedure. However, cisgender women and people of all identities do also undergo jaw reduction surgery. Dr. Sajan frequently performs jawline feminization during facial feminization surgery.
Gender Of The Jaw
Compared to other facial features, the gender connotations of the jaw are less clear. Some cisgender men and women exhibit a strong, defined jaw or a soft one. However, their appearance still aligns with their gender identity. Even with this, there are certain assumptions surrounding gender and the jaw.
Looking at the skulls of someone assigned male at birth and someone assigned female at birth, there are some differences. The male skull will have a larger, heavier jaw and it will have a squarer shape and straighter lines. The mandibular angle is or is close to 90 degrees. In contrast, the female jaw will have a softer curve from ear to chin. It also tends to project outward less than the male jaw.
Therefore, when performing jaw feminizing, these qualities of the male and female jaws will influence what is necessary to obtain the desired results. Dr. Sajan has performed many jaw reduction surgeries.
Benefits Of Jaw Reduction
A gender affirming jaw reduction comes with many benefits. Some of the benefits and advantages include:
- Softer, rounder jaw and jawline
- Smaller jaw
- Narrower jaw
- Balanced features in congruence with a feminine identity
- Face may look slimmer
- More feminine facial profile
- Helps reduce gender dysphoria
- Can be combined with other procedures with or without FFS
- Hidden scarring; often no external scars
- Permanent results
- Performed by an experienced facial feminization, FFS, surgeon
Surgical Techniques For Jawline Feminization
As previously mentioned, several possible surgical and non-surgical procedures can help feminize the jaw. The procedures used for each patient will vary widely based on the patient’s anatomy and goals. Below are some of the most common procedures included in jaw feminization surgery.
Shaving/Burring
Using a specialized surgical burr, Dr. Sajan can shave down the jaw bone to better match a woman’s natural jaw contour and size. This helps soften the harsh lines present in a more masculine jaw. This physically reduces the size of the jaw and addresses it from the bone layer. After surgery, the skin and tissues will slowly retract to match the new contour of the jaw.
Osteotomy
An osteotomy is a term for any surgical procedure that removes or breaks a bone. In the case of jawline feminization, small portions of the outer jaw bone are sometimes removed to help create a softer contour. This is not overly common, but can occur when shaving the jaw will not adequately address the patient’s needs. The bone removed is strategically chosen so that it does not hinder the practical or structural functions of the jaw.
Facelift
In older patients who may have loose or extra skin, a facelift can help define and feminize the jawline. This helps the skin and tissues lay in a more feminine position and often includes shaving down the jawbones as well. This addresses the outer and superficial soft tissues of the jaw which contribute to its shape and contour. Normally, a facelift is only performed on older patients with anatomy that would cosmetically benefit from a facelift.
Injectables
Non-surgical therapies can also help feminize the jaw. Botox and dermal filler are two of the most common examples. Botox can help thin and reduce the projection of the masseter muscle. Naturally larger in a masculine jaw, it can contribute to the outward projection of the haw. Regular Botox injections can help slim the jaw and reduce a square shape caused by the masseter muscles.
Dermal fillers generally augment the areas it treats. Therefore, they are more common during facial masculinization procedures. However, some people’s anatomy may benefit from filler injections to help shape the jaw and jawline. It is possible to shape the back of the jaw without significantly increasing projection or size. This will not be a viable option for all patients.
FAQ
Will Jaw Feminization Affect The Teeth/Bite?
No, the actual surgical area is far from the teeth. Even with an incision in the mouth, any burring or removal of the bone happens on the other side of the bone. There are jaw procedures that can improve or affect the teeth and bite. These procedures are generally performed by an orthodontic surgeon.
Some sensitivity, discomfort, and swelling may affect the teeth area. However, these effects will reduce as the patient continues to heal and the side effects subside. Patients are often encouraged to eat a soft diet for a few days after surgery.
What Can I Expect After Surgery?
After jaw feminization surgery, patients can expect some side effects such as swelling, numbness, discomfort, and bruising. Unless extreme, these are all normal. Dr. Sajan encourages patients to sleep with their head propped up to reduce swelling. Most patients can return to work within two weeks.
Visible swelling and bruising should go away in about two to three weeks. However, residual swelling can last for months. It generally is hard to spot without a trained eye. Results are considered final after one year.
Can You Reduce The Chin At The Same Time?
Yes, it is very common to reduce the chin with jawline reduction surgery at the same time. Both procedures can also be combined with several others during a facial feminization surgery. Not all patients will need both chin and jaw reduction.
What Is A Jawline Feminization Recovery Like?
Recovery after jawline feminization varies based on the patient’s specific procedure and needs. Dr. Sajan may provide instructions such as:
- Sleep and rest with the head elevated
- Keep any bandages or garments on until removed at a post-op appointment
- Eat a liquid diet for a few days
- Avoid foods that require a lot of chewing or jaw strength
- Take it easy and do not return to activities until instructed
- Attend post-operative appointments
- Get up and walk every few hours
- Avoid touching the area
- Follow Dr. Sajan’s pain management instructions
Does A Jaw Reduction Weaken The Jaw Bones?
No, even though the jaw bone may be shaved down or small portions removed, the jaw bone will remain intact and strong. It is no weaker than that of a cisgender woman’s jaw. Breaking or severely injuring the jaw will still require major force and trauma after a jaw reduction surgery.
The Best Jawline Feminization With Dr. Javad Sajan
Dr. Javad Sajan is an accomplished plastic surgeon who specializes in gender affirming procedures including facial feminization surgery. He has helped many transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming individuals improve their lives with life-changing gender affirming surgery. Dr. Javad Sajan performs the best jawline feminization.
To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 206.990.0060. Patients can also reach out online via chat or contact form.
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