Chin & Jawline Contouring: What Maxillofacial Surgeons Can Do

Many people want a sharper, more defined jawline. You might wonder whether fillers or surgery is the right path. 

At Oral & Facial Surgery of Mississippi in Flowood, Mississippi, Dr. Michael R. Nichols provides personalized care to help you find the best solution for enhancing your profile.

We specialize in facial cosmetic surgery and reconstructive procedures. That means we don’t just look at the surface. We focus on the underlying bone structure. Our goal is to create a balanced, natural look that functions perfectly.

Why choose a maxillofacial surgeon for jawline contouring?

Maxillofacial surgeons are uniquely trained to treat facial bone structure and soft tissues, ensuring cosmetic changes don’t harm your bite or breathing.

They’re fully qualified to perform cosmetic procedures on the face and neck. Their extensive training helps them balance appearance and function.

At our office, we evaluate your facial skeleton in three dimensions. We make sure any change supports your overall health.

Should you choose bone-cutting surgery or synthetic implants?

You can enhance your chin by moving your natural bone or placing a synthetic implant. Both methods offer great cosmetic results but carry different risks. 

A review of nearly 5,000 adult patients undergoing chin augmentation found a 19.7% overall complication rate for bone-cutting surgery (osteotomy) compared to 15.7% for implants.

As for risks, moving the bone carries a 16.4% rate of temporary nerve numbness, compared to 2.4% for implants. Yet, implants carry a 6.9% risk of wearing away underlying bone over time. 

At your consultation, Dr. Nichols discusses these trade-offs to choose the safest path.

How does jaw contouring affect your breathing? 

Changing your jaw structure can directly affect your airway and breathing. Moving the jaw forward often opens the throat to improve airflow. In a study, surgically advancing the lower jaw significantly increased upper airway volume, which can make breathing much easier.

However, healing from this type of surgery takes time. You may resume normal activities in 3-6 months, but the jaw can take 9-12 months to heal fully. If you need structural correction, we offer jaw surgery to align your bite and improve your profile. 

Dr. Nichols uses advanced 3D imaging to plan every step safely.

Are there nonsurgical options for jawline definition? 

If you don’t want surgery, dermal fillers can temporarily define your jawline with no downtime. That’s ideal for mild to moderate changes. A study shows that dense hyaluronic acid fillers safely improve jawline definition.

We provide Botox® and fillers right here in Flowood. Both are great, temporary ways to enhance your look without a long recovery.

Ready to explore your options for chin and jawline contouring? Whether you want a permanent surgical change or a quick nonsurgical refresh, our team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a visit with Dr. Nichols.