Feminization Surgery (FFS) and the Jaw

A prominent lower jaw gives the face a square, masculine look and can be considered unattractive for females and transsexuals. Having a jaw shave can reduce the appearance and size of the jaw, making it rounder and narrower at the square corners near the back of the jawbone. An additional jaw shave procedure involves cutting the large masseter muscles, which attach at the jaw corners, to create an even narrower appearance at the angles. For some people this can be very feminizing.

A jaw shave typically involves incisions inside the mouth, however, they can also be made externally under the jaw. Patients over 40 may experience loose skin around the jaw or chin after a jaw shave. This can be tightened after the original jaw shave procedure with a lower face-lift.

The Procedure

• A physical exam is given to estimate the amount of the muscle around the jaw and observe the jaw structure.
• General anesthesia is given
• Incisions are made between gum and cheek to access the prominent jawbone areas
• Marked areas of prominent bone are cut with a surgical drill and micro-saw, curving down from back to front, to achieve a well-rounded contour.
• Small surgical tubes may be inserted in the wound then out through the skin at the level of the previous jaw line, which prevents potential blood collections and also shortens the period of postoperative swelling.
• The wound is closed with self-dissolving stitches.

The Recovery

• After oral surgery, the mouth must be cleaned with provided mouth wash solution.
• A one-night hospital stay is generally required
• It is fine to resume eating regular food after surgery, although most patients find softer foods like soup, pudding and applesauce easiest and most comfortable.
• The face will become moderately swollen and may become black and blue around the jaw and neck.
• Patients can return to usual daily activities in approximately one week
• It may take four to six weeks before the improved contour becomes obvious.
• Exercise and other vigorous activity may be resumed 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Possible Complications

Bleeding and prolonged swelling from the surface of the cut bone—this can crate a clot in the wound. Surgical drains and facial pressure garments will significantly reduce this risk.

• Infection—an uncommon risk because prophylactic antibiotics are routinely administered before and after surgery
• Over-resection—Careful assessment and a complete set of fine surgical instruments can help prevent over cutting of the bone
• Injury to the sensory nerves and nerves controlling facial muscle—The sensory nerve is well protected in the bone and rarely injured if the cute is not extended to the main nerve
• Temporary numbness along the incision line or around the lower lip

• Temporary or permanent facial paralysis if the nerve that controls the function of muscle expression around the mouth is injured. Accessing the jawbone from the inside of the mouth is safe and can significantly reduce the change of nerve injury.

• Temporo-mandibular joint injury or fracture around the join—if the cut line is accidentally extended to the joint, it may limit how the mouth opens or misalign teeth