Thinking About Your Face Shape? Let’s Learn About Jaw Implants from Nirogi Lanka

Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, “I wish the lower part of my face—my jawline—looked a bit more defined and sculpted”? Many people feel self-conscious about the shape of their jaw. If you’ve felt this way, we want to talk to you about a medical procedure that can help. It is called a jaw implant surgery, or medically known as a Jaw Implant procedure.

What is a Jaw Implant?

Simply put, a jaw implant involves the surgical placement of a custom-designed, solid silicone material over your existing jawbone. Surgeons also refer to this as Jaw Augmentation. Much like choosing the right accessory to enhance your features, this implant gives the lower part of your face a new, more defined, and sharp contour.

It works to make your jaw appear wider and more prominent, helping to create better facial symmetry and balance with the upper portion of your face. The result is a more aesthetically pleasing, well-defined jawline.

Who considers this type of surgery?

There are several reasons why you might consider undergoing this surgery. Let’s look at the primary reasons.

Are You a Candidate for This Surgery?

If you are considering this surgery, several factors will determine if it is the right path for you. Your plastic surgeon will conduct a thorough evaluation to provide an informed recommendation. Generally, suitable candidates meet these criteria:

• You do not have underlying chronic conditions that compromise bone health.
• You are in good overall physical health. Crucially, if you use tobacco products, you must stop completely several weeks before surgery. Smoking significantly delays the body’s healing process.
• Your bone growth is fully complete, which typically means you are past the adolescent years.
• You maintain realistic expectations regarding the results. It is important to understand that this is a gradual process rather than an instantaneous transformation.

How to Prepare for Your Surgery?

Your surgeon will provide a personalized list of instructions to follow before your procedure, which may include:

• Medical Evaluations: You may need a physical exam and blood work to ensure you are healthy enough for the surgery.
• Photography: We will take images of your face and jaw to assist in surgical planning and to track your progress pre- and post-surgery.
• Medication Adjustments: You may be advised to pause certain medications, vitamins, or supplements temporarily.
• Antibiotics: You may be prescribed antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
• Smoking Cessation: As mentioned, you must quit smoking entirely for several weeks leading up to your surgery.

What Happens During the Procedure?

This procedure is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring you are completely asleep and comfortable. The surgery typically takes about two hours.

The general steps include:

1. Incision: Your surgeon will make small, discreet incisions inside your mouth, along the back molars on either side of the lower jaw.

2. Creating Space: Through these incisions, the tissue and fat are gently shifted to create the precise space needed for the implant.

3. Implant Placement: The implant is positioned along your jawbone and secured firmly in place using small titanium screws.

4. Closing: Finally, the incisions are closed using dissolvable stitches or sutures that will be removed by your doctor after a few weeks.

What Happens After Surgery and Recovery?

This is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home the same day barring any unforeseen complications. Since you will be under general anesthesia, please arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home.

During your recovery phase, following your surgeon's specific post-operative care instructions is vital for a smooth and comfortable healing process.

• Diet: For the first few days, you should stick to liquid or soft foods like porridge, yogurt, and soups. Avoid spicy or hard foods until your incisions have fully healed.
• Oral Hygiene: To prevent infection, your doctor will likely prescribe a special antibacterial mouthwash for you to use.
• Pain and Swelling: You may experience some mild pain and swelling during the first week.
• Using cold compresses on the outside of your jaw can help significantly in reducing swelling and discomfort.
• Sleeping with your head slightly elevated—using two or three pillows—can also be very helpful in minimizing swelling.
• You can take the pain relief medication prescribed by your doctor. However, please remember: do not take any medication without consulting your doctor first.

By about a week after surgery, you should be able to resume light daily activities. Be sure to ask your doctor specifically when you can return to exercise or lifting heavy objects. Keep in mind that it may take several months for the swelling to completely subside and for the final results to be visible.

When should you contact your doctor?

After your surgery, contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:

• Excessive bleeding, severe swelling, or unusual bruising.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Intense pain that you cannot manage.
• Signs of infection, such as pus oozing from the incision or a fever.

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