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Many people considering improving their facial shape wonder about the difference between double-jaw surgery and facial contouring surgery.
Both procedures are related to changing the shape of the face, but they differ in their approach and the goals of improvement.
In consultations, some people visit because their face appears large, but after examining the position of the jawbones and the bite, it may turn out that double-jaw surgery is necessary.
Today, we will discuss the difference between double-jaw surgery and facial contouring surgery.
What Is Facial Contouring Surgery?
Facial contouring surgery is a procedure that improves the shape of the face by reshaping the bones that make up its outer contours.
It may be considered when the cheekbones protrude and make the face appear wider, when developed square jawbones create a strongly angular impression, or when someone wishes to adjust the proportions of the chin.
Typical facial contouring procedures include cheekbone reduction, square-jaw surgery, and chin surgery.
In other words, it is a procedure that focuses on improving the appearance of the face and the contour lines.
How Is Double-Jaw Surgery Different?
Double-jaw surgery is a procedure that adjusts the positions of the upper and lower jaws together.
Rather than reshaping the jawbones, it moves the maxilla and mandible themselves, taking both facial proportions and the bite into consideration.
Therefore, it is often planned not simply to make the face appear smaller, but to improve problems caused by abnormal jawbone positioning.
Typical cases assessed during consultation for double-jaw surgery include a protruding lower jaw, protruding mouth, receding lower jaw, and facial asymmetry.
Why Are Jawbone Position and the Bite Important?
Double-jaw surgery is not performed solely for an outward appearance change.
When the positions of the upper and lower jaws do not align properly, this can also affect the bite.
Some people may feel discomfort when chewing, have difficulty closing their mouths naturally, or experience strain on the jaw joints.
In such cases, the surgical plan is developed by considering not only the facial shape but also functional aspects.
That is why analyzing facial proportions and the bite at the same time is important when planning double-jaw surgery.
When Should Double-Jaw Surgery Be Considered?
Double-jaw surgery can be used for various jawbone structural problems.
✔ A protruding lower jaw, commonly called an underbite
✔ A protruding mouth in which both the upper and lower jaws project forward
✔ A receding lower jaw, commonly called a weak chin
✔ Facial asymmetry in which the jaw is shifted to one side
✔ Cases accompanied by an abnormal bite
When the position of the jawbones themselves is the cause, double-jaw surgery may be considered instead of facial contouring surgery.
An Accurate Diagnosis Comes First
Although facial-shape concerns may look similar on the surface, the underlying causes can differ from person to person.
In some cases, the cheekbones or square jaw are the cause, while in others, the position of the jawbones and the bite may be contributing factors.
Therefore, when considering double-jaw surgery, it is important to accurately examine the current jawbone structure and bite rather than looking only at the facial shape.
Although both double-jaw surgery and facial contouring surgery are related to improving facial shape, they differ in their indications and surgical goals.
While facial contouring surgery focuses on refining the outer lines of the face, double-jaw surgery considers the positions of the jawbones and the bite together.
If you are concerned about your facial shape, we recommend receiving an accurate diagnosis of your current condition and finding out which factors are affecting your appearance and facial proportions.
