Dr. Sam Lam Plastic Surgery Forum

Hi Dr.Lam-

What do you think of mandible contouring surgery? I have a very wide, square jawline for a female that is not related to the muscle, unfortunately. I am hoping to obtain a more angular shape to the chin/jaw.

Do you have any suggestions as to what I should consider?

Thank you.

Hi,
I have already answered this question somewhere else in this forum in detail. Can't remember which one. In short, here are the reasons that I don't perform the procedure:
1. Too little demand for it so there is no way that I could be a proficient surgeon in this procedure in the United States. I did train to do it both in residency and in fellowship. My suggestion is to go to Korea and find someone who only does this kind of bony surgery. I think there are a few of them, but I can't make any recommendations. This is a very technically challenging procedure and I would go to someone dedicated in doing it.
2. Most oftentimes, the thing that I don't like about is that a shaved mandible can look like an animal's jawbone since there is a rounded look from a side view. This to me is both unnatural and unattractive since this look does not naturally exist in nature.
3. This procedure typically has a long recovery and has some related risks. In general, I don't like surgeries with a higher risk and recovery.
4. Oftentimes, the muscle is the culprit even though you don't think so. By trying Botox one time you can tell if it is the problem. Worst case scenario, you don't see a difference.
Hope that helps,
SML