The aim of mandibuloplasty is to alter the shape of the jaw to bring it into harmony with the face. The jaw angles, the lower edge of the jaw or the chin are the areas most commonly reshaped, although the width of the jaw can also be reduced, or the jaw can be moved forwards or backwards. In any case, it is an ideal procedure for achieving a more balanced facial appearance.
What is mandibuloplasty and what is it used for?
Mandibuloplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the jaw, correcting disproportions or asymmetries that may affect facial appearance or jaw function.
This procedure is used for both aesthetic and functional purposes, particularly when there are problems with tooth alignment that affect the bite or dental occlusion. It is a highly personalised procedure that can be carried out on its own or in combination with other facial procedures, if a more extensive facial transformation is sought – as part of a profiloplasty, for example.
It is also suitable for people seeking a less prominent jaw to give the face a softer appearance, as well as for those wishing to have a more prominent one. The procedure may involve the removal of bone to reduce its size or the placement of implants to increase its projection.
The procedure involves making internal (intraoral) incisions to access the jaw. Depending on the objective, a surgical drill or saw is used to reduce or reshape the mandibular bone, or implants are used to augment it. The soft tissues are then adjusted to achieve a harmonious contour.
Before and after a mandibuloplasty
Bear in mind that this surgery is carried out inside the mouth and that, therefore, there will be no external, visible scar after the procedure. Also, the first consultation is crucial for the doctor and patient to exchange information and opinions. Explaining to the specialist what you hope to achieve is essential so that they can design the most appropriate procedure for each individual case.
The second thing you need to know is that, before carrying out this type of reshaping, it is essential to carry out a photographic assessment and a facial scan of the patient. Thanks to this personalised and detailed assessment, we will be able to fully appreciate both the areas to be treated and the structures that must be preserved, such as the dental nerve. Furthermore, this preliminary assessment allows us to carry out a simulation to visualise the desired changes.
All these preliminary steps guarantee a successful outcome. It is the best way to precisely define a successful treatment plan. Only once the specialist and the patient are in agreement, and the case has been thoroughly analysed, do we proceed with the operation.
After the procedure, the face remains swollen for a few days. Don’t worry, as this is a normal consequence of the procedure. If you follow the specialist’s advice, you will minimise the symptoms, ensure a complication-free post-operative period and significantly speed up your recovery.
Mandibuloplasty can be performed on its own or, if a more extensive facial transformation is desired, in combination with other procedures: on the chin (mentoplasty), nose (rhinoplasty), cheeks (bichectomy) or forehead (frontoplasty).
The benefits: aesthetic and functional improvements
These are some of the main benefits that a mandibuloplasty can offer, from both an aesthetic and functional perspective:
- It achieves greater facial harmony. By correcting disproportions, a more harmonious and balanced profile is achieved.
- Defines the facial contour. It allows the facial contour to be tailored to meet each patient’s expectations.
- Resolves functional problems. It can help people who have difficulty chewing or speaking properly due to jaw asymmetries or misalignments.
- Permanent results. Once the surgery has been carried out, the changes achieved are permanent.
As a result of all this, and as we have observed with our patients, those who undergo mandibuloplasty feel better about themselves, see an improvement in their self-esteem and enjoy a better quality of life.
If you are thinking about improving the appearance of your face or the function of your jaw, mandibuloplasty may be the solution. At Clínica Birbe, we’ll advise and support you. You can call us on 34 932 124 737, send us a WhatsApp message to 34 626852363 or email us at clinica@birbe.org.
Article written by the Birbe Editorial Committee
