|
Jaw Augmentation - Jaw Implant Surgery
We mostly think of a large
jaw as being masculine, and it is. Women need less of a defined jaw than a man
would but a weak jaw can take away from an otherwise beautiful face. Even if all
of your other facial features were close to perfect, a weak jaw takes away the
sense of symmetry and balance. Personally I find my jaw a little too strong.
It
resembles Kathy Ireland's. *Here's an added bonus: When a woman has a strong jaw
she should take care to add height to the crown of the head with her hairstyle.
This
helps give balance to the face.
A weak jaw (considered the mandibular
area) can make a normal nose appear large and an already prominent nose seem
even larger. It may also give the appearance of a 'fleshy' neck. On the other
hand a too prominent jaw may give the appearance of being overly masculine or
"John Travolta like" (no offense, Vinnie). Quite frankly you have to have a large head to
go with a large jaw. The goal should be a balanced relationship between the
structure of the face, unless you would like a signature feature.
What Is Jaw
Augmentation?
Jaw augmentation is
the use of synthetics or biologicals to augment, or make the mandible
structure of the face more prominent. It can give balance to an otherwise
less defined face or further augment an already existent mandible structure.
It also may be that
the face needs mentoplasty/chin
augmentation or malar
(cheek) augmentation to balance out the features either in addition to jaw
augmentation. It is very common to have jaw augmentation in conjunction
with chin augmentation. A qualified plastic surgeon can help
determine your needs by examining your facial structure and photographs.
Some surgeons even draw a graph on a photo of your face to measure the distances
from each facial feature or utilize computer imagery to help portray the
possibilities. However, you mustn't rely on the accuracy of the surgical
outcome when computer imaging is utilized. The image is only an
approximation although it can be used to help convey your desires to your
surgeon.
Are You A
Candidate For Jaw Augmentation Surgery?
First and foremost, an
individual must be in good health, not have any active diseases or pre-existing
medical conditions and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of their
surgery. Communication is crucial in reaching one's goals. You
must be able to voice your desires to your surgeon if he/she is to understand
what your desired results are. Discuss you goals with your surgeon
so that you may reach an understanding with what can realistically be achieved.
You must be mentally and
emotionally stable to undergo an cosmetic procedure. This is an operation
which requires patience and stability in dealing with the healing period.
There is sometimes a lull or depression after surgery and if there is already a
pre-existing emotional problem, this low period can develop into a more serious
issue. Please consider this before committing to a procedure.
You must have no
bone disorders, are not or have not been on Accutane for the last 6 months or
sometimes more (it causes excessive facial bone growth, called Hyperostosis, and
increased, keloid-like scarring after skin trauma (such as incisions).
Only a qualified plastic surgeon can determine this after speaking to you as
well as going over your medical history, examining your facial structure and
skin. You must realize that no doctor can perform miracles but a highly
skilled surgeon can transform what you do have into a more balanced look
altogether.
What Are Your
Options In Jaw Augmentation?
-
Bone Grafts
-
Autologous
Tissue Grafts
-
Autologous Fat
Transfer (Fat Grafting)
-
Cadaveric Tissue
Grafts & Cultured Tissue
-
AlloDerm (Lifecell
Corp)
-
AlloGraft
-
Apligraft
-
Silicone Implants
-
Expanded
Polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)
-
Polyethylene
Implants
-
Hydroxyapatite
Implants
-
Injectable
Augmentation Products
Does Jaw
Augmentation Surgery Hurt?
Although, there is
normally no extensive pain related to jaw implantation, pain medication is
prescribed beforehand. Your surgeon may also prescribe pharmaceutical
grade Arnica montana to reduce swelling and
bruising. You may feel a degree of numbness that should disappear within
1-3 months. You may continue to wear a support brace while you sleep to
allow your tissues and implant to heal in the desired position and prevent
shifting in the first few weeks.
How Long Will I
Be Bruised & Swollen?
Don't be alarmed at the
presence of bruising and swelling. The swelling will begin to
disappear within the first 5 to 7 days. Many patients return to work with the
help of camouflaging cosmetics at about 5 days post-op. The swelling of
jaw angle implants resembles inflammation of wisdom teeth or their removal and sometimes this
excuse is used at "the office." Although please realize that the
swelling may be apparent for months and the defined, chiseled look that you so
desire may not become evident for quite a while.
How Much Does Jaw
Augmentation Surgery Cost?
The costs of jaw augmentation surgery
varies significantly between surgeons, medical facilities, and regions of the
country. Patients who need additional or more extensive surgery will require
more intensive and expensive treatment. In non-private surgery centers or
in-office Operating Rooms the prices may include the following. However, in
hospitals - surgery charges can usually be separated into five parts:
-
the surgeon's fee
-
the anesthesiologist's fee (if
applicable)
-
the hospital charges, which
includes nursing care and the operating room
-
the medications (antibiotics,
topicals, dressings)
-
and any additional charges
All fees are averages;
out-patient charges, including surgeon fees, anesthesia, Operating Room charges,
and implants if applicable -- unless otherwise noted. Lab fees, such as
preliminary blood work (complete blood count, CBC, are normally an extra $35. to
$75., plus medications are
usually an additional $120. Physicals are more, HIV tests are additional and any
other fees that you may be responsible for (X-rays, etc.). If you are to be
staying in a hospital or are opting for home healthcare -- these expenses are
additional. This factor really depends upon the region, surgeon, etc.
Injectable Products
This usually requires no surgical team,
operating room or anesthesia other than local/regional and possibly an oral
sedative. The costs are significantly lower regarding the procedure
it self - although the product may be more expense and cc (cubic centimeters of
product) do add up. Inquire beforehand regarding your needs and the going
price at that time for the desired product. Also inquire regarding touch
ups for permanent injectables.
Various Options And Their
Average Costs
-
with implant(s),
$4,000. - $9,000.
-
with injectables
$500. - $3,000.+
-
fat grafting
$500. - $3,000.
*Costs for
medications, blood tests, and emergency surgeries, if applicable, are not
included.
What Are The
Risks, Complications & Contraindications Of This Surgery?
There is a chance of hematoma
(blood clots), seroma, numbness from nerve damage and hyperpigmentation
(permanent discolorations) caused by the bruising. There is the risk of implant shifting which
results in additional surgery to reposition the implant. There is the
chance of your disapproval which may result in a re-do or removal. There
is also a chance of asymmetry from tissues healing differently
and bone resorption.
|
