Jaw Reduction
Jawline reduction surgery is performed on patients with a prominent, masculine jawline. The purpose is to make the face more feminine and slender.
When the jaw appears to be too wide from a frontal view, the outer half of the bone is shaved off. This procedure is performed from inside the mouth. Depending on the circumstance, the prominent masseter muscle may or may not be shaved along with the bone. In cases where the jawline appears to be too prominent from a side view, the bottom borders of the bone can be shaved using an approach from behind the ear. In many cases, the chin is shaved along with the jawline if the chin is also prominent.
Depending on the circumstance, a 3D CT scan is sometimes used for preoperative planning. Most people take about 10 days off work/school for recovery.
Types of Jaw Reduction Surgeries
This is the traditional method of treating a disproportionate jaw. By manually reducing the amount of bone in the jawline, Dr. Lee can narrow the bone structure and create a more aesthetically-pleasing facial contour.
For those looking for a non-surgical alternative to the jaw shaving procedure, an injection regimen utilizing BOTOX® Cosmetic or Myobloc™ can be used to reduce the prominence of a patient’s facial contours. Dr. Lee was a pioneer of this technique and was the first to present this method of jaw reduction to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for non-surgical treatment?
During your consultation, Dr. Lee will discuss your goals and examine your facial structure to determine what options you have.
Is the surgical process painful?
It is typical for patients to experience some pain, swelling, and redness in the jaw area. Dr. Lee will prescribe appropriate medications to mitigate those issues.
What substance is used in the non-surgical jaw reduction option?
Either BOTOX® Cosmetic or Myobloc™ injections are used to reduce the prominence of the jawline.
When will I see my results?
Most patients are able to see their results after three or four weeks of recovery; however, every patient will vary, and individual healing times can run longer or shorter depending on a variety of factors.
What are my options for reducing a prominent jaw?
We offer jaw shaving as well as non-surgical jaw reduction. Non-surgical jaw reduction involves the injection of BOTOX® (botulinum toxin type A) or Myobloc™ (botulinum toxin type B). This type of jaw reduction is a very good alternative to surgery because it carries fewer risks.
How long will the effects of non-surgical jaw reduction last?
Results vary depending on the patient. On average, the effects of BOTOX® are visible for 6 months. If we inject you with a double or triple dose of BOTOX®, the results will usually last 9-12 months. Sometimes non-surgical jaw reduction can lead to permanent results. Permanent results are more likely in patients whose jaw muscles were not originally large, but grew thick with aging.
BOTOX® injections also appear to cause permanent results in those with a medical condition called benign masseteric hypertrophy, which is characterized by pain and enlargement of the jaw muscle. For most patients, I recommend two injections per year for about 3 years. After this point, the results of further injections last quite a long time.
Am I a candidate for non-surgical treatment?
Am I a candidate for non-surgical treatment?
During your consultation, Dr. Lee will discuss your goals and examine your facial structure to determine what options you have.
Close
Is the surgical process painful?
Is the surgical process painful?
It is typical for patients to experience some pain, swelling, and redness in the jaw area. Dr. Lee will prescribe appropriate medications to mitigate those issues.
Close
What substance is used in the non-surgical jaw reduction option?
What substance is used in the non-surgical jaw reduction option?
Either BOTOX® Cosmetic or Myobloc™ injections are used to reduce the prominence of the jawline.
Close
When will I see my results?
When will I see my results?
Most patients are able to see their results after three or four weeks of recovery; however, every patient will vary, and individual healing times can run longer or shorter depending on a variety of factors.
Close
What are my options for reducing a prominent jaw?
What are my options for reducing a prominent jaw?
We offer jaw shaving as well as non-surgical jaw reduction. Non-surgical jaw reduction involves the injection of BOTOX® (botulinum toxin type A) or Myobloc™ (botulinum toxin type B). This type of jaw reduction is a very good alternative to surgery because it carries fewer risks.
Close
How long will the effects of non-surgical jaw reduction last?
How long will the effects of non-surgical jaw reduction last?
Results vary depending on the patient. On average, the effects of BOTOX® are visible for 6 months. If we inject you with a double or triple dose of BOTOX®, the results will usually last 9-12 months. Sometimes non-surgical jaw reduction can lead to permanent results. Permanent results are more likely in patients whose jaw muscles were not originally large, but grew thick with aging.
BOTOX® injections also appear to cause permanent results in those with a medical condition called benign masseteric hypertrophy, which is characterized by pain and enlargement of the jaw muscle. For most patients, I recommend two injections per year for about 3 years. After this point, the results of further injections last quite a long time.
Close
Before & After Photos


