Hello, this is Woori Plastic Surgery.
Today, we’d like to organize the differences and similarities between double-jaw surgery and facial contouring surgery, which many people tend to confuse. Since both surgeries are major procedures that deal with the bones of the face, many people vaguely think, “Isn’t it just surgery to shave the facial bones?” However, in reality, their purposes and methods are quite different. Today, let’s take a look at the differences between double-jaw surgery and contouring surgery.
What Is Double-Jaw Surgery?
The primary purpose of double-jaw surgery is to correct malocclusion, which is a problem with how the teeth fit together. When the position of the jawbone is not normal, such as with underbite, severe asymmetry, or a recessed chin, this surgery moves the upper and lower jaws into the correct positions to align the bite. As the bite improves, double-jaw surgery can resolve functional problems, and it also brings an additional cosmetic effect by naturally improving the shape of the face.
What Is Facial Contouring Surgery?
Facial contouring surgery refers to surgery that reshapes the contours of the facial skeleton, as the name suggests. The purpose of contouring surgery is to reduce the size of the face and refine the lines more smoothly. For example, if the cheekbones are prominent, part of the cheekbone is cut and moved inward to reduce them; if the square jaw is developed, the mandibular angle is reduced to create a slimmer jawline; if the chin is large, part of it is removed to make the line smoother. In other words, facial contouring is surgery that adjusts the size and shape of the outer facial bones, and it does not affect the teeth bite.
Differences Between Double-Jaw Surgery and Contouring Surgery
The primary purpose of double-jaw surgery is to correct malocclusion and improve function, with cosmetic improvement as a secondary effect. In the case of facial contouring surgery, the primary purpose is facial reduction and line refinement, making it a surgery centered on cosmetic goals. Because the purpose and process of double-jaw surgery and contouring surgery are different, it is important to choose the surgery that is right for you after an accurate diagnosis.
Can the Surgeries Be Performed Together?
In the past, double-jaw surgery alone took 4 to 5 hours, and if all three contouring procedures were added, it could take nearly 10 hours, making it difficult to perform them all at once. However, with advances in surgical equipment and techniques, it is now often possible to combine double-jaw surgery (about 2 to 2.5 hours) and contouring surgery (about 2 hours) within a total of 4 to 5 hours. That said, this depends on the patient’s condition and diagnostic results, so you must consult with a specialist thoroughly.
Recovery Period for Double-Jaw Surgery and Contouring Surgery
After contouring surgery, you can usually return to work with a mask on after about one week. On the other hand, double-jaw surgery changes the bite, so an adjustment period is needed. In general, it requires 2 to 3 weeks of intermaxillary fixation (the period when the mouth is wired shut), so the recovery period is longer than that of contouring surgery.
Double-jaw surgery and contouring surgery are procedures with different purposes and methods, but depending on the case, they can be performed separately or together. After sufficiently consulting with a specialist who has extensive surgical experience, making a decision is the safest way to achieve satisfying results.
