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Jaw contouring surgery
Jaw contouring surgeries can address facial asymmetry or enhance the aesthetic balance of the face. Schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon to create a personalized treatment plan.
Specialist in the article
LT plastiikkakirurgian erikoislääkäri
Revised 10/10/2025
Jaw contouring surgery in brief
- Jaw contouring surgeries can improve facial symmetry or refine facial appearance, which can significantly enhance quality of life.
- The duration of the procedure depends on what is being done, typically lasting 1–4 hours.
- Prepare for the surgery by booking a consultation, following the instructions provided by the plastic surgeon, and arranging for an escort on the day of the surgery.
Benefits of jaw contouring surgery
Jaw contouring surgeries for the upper or lower jaw help correct facial asymmetry and enhance the aesthetic balance of the face. The surgery may be necessary due to congenital deformities, injuries, or unsatisfactory facial proportions.
Jaw implants can also be used to reshape the jawline and accentuate facial features. The benefits of the procedure are both functional and aesthetic, and the surgery can significantly improve quality of life.
During contouring surgeries, the surgeon uses precise and modern techniques, such as virtual planning and individually 3D-printed guides or implants, to ensure that the outcome is both aesthetically and functionally successful.
Jaw contouring surgery for the upper or lower jaw can be helpful in the following situations:
- Facial asymmetry or imbalance in the jawline.
- Jawbone damage caused by injury or illness.
- Aesthetic reasons, such as the need for jaw implants to correct facial shape.
Preparing for jaw contouring surgery
During the initial consultation with a plastic surgeon, your current situation will be reviewed, and a personalized treatment plan will be created together. The surgeon will assess your facial structure, bite, and the necessary procedures. If needed, a CT scan of the face and other diagnostic tests will be performed to plan the surgery.
- Health assessment. Be open with the plastic surgeon about your health status, medications you are taking, and any allergies. This information is crucial for planning the treatment. If you have any previous illnesses or other health concerns, it is advisable to bring them up during the first meeting.
- Smoking and alcohol. Avoiding smoking and alcohol before surgery is recommended, as they can slow wound healing and increase the risk of complications. Quitting smoking well in advance of the procedure significantly improves post-surgery recovery.
- Instructions. Before the surgery, the plastic surgeon may provide individual instructions, such as advising you to stop taking certain medications or to limit food intake. For the success and safety of the procedure, it is important to carefully follow the given instructions.
- Clothing. On the day of the surgery, it is advisable to wear comfortable, easy-to-put-on clothing.
- Escort and support. You will need an escort on the day of the surgery, as you will not be allowed to drive or move around alone after the procedure. It is also a good idea to plan your recovery time in advance and arrange for help at home if needed.
- Pain management. It is a good idea to have pain medication ready at home for the days following the surgery.
- Soft food. It is also recommended to stock up on soft foods at home in advance, such as soups, smoothies, or yogurt, as chewing may be restricted after the surgery.
How jaw contouring surgery for the upper or lower jaw proceeds
The plastic surgeon or care team will assess your health condition before the procedure, review your preparation, and answer any questions you may have. The anesthesiologist will discuss anesthesia-related matters with you and ensure that all necessary preoperative information is up to date.
For the procedure, the plastic surgeon may use specialized surgical instruments to shape the bone, for example, by removing excess bone or smoothing out irregularities. This may be necessary to correct jawbone asymmetry or improve the aesthetic balance of the face.
If the surgery involves the placement of jaw implants, the plastic surgeon will make carefully planned incisions inside the mouth or, if necessary, externally to position the implants correctly. The implants are precisely attached to the jawbone and can be used, for example, to enhance the jawline or increase the length of the jaw.
Once the surgery is complete, the surgeon will carefully close the incisions with either self-absorbing sutures or sutures that will be removed later during a follow-up visit. Simpler procedures may take approximately 1–2 hours, while more extensive surgeries can take several hours.
After the surgery, your condition will be monitored in the recovery room to ensure that any pain or discomfort is managed. You can usually go home the same day or the following day, depending on the extent of the surgery and your individual recovery.
Recovery from jaw contouring surgery for the upper or lower jaw
In the days following the surgery, swelling, pain, and bruising may occur, but these usually subside gradually. Cold compresses may be recommended during the first few days to reduce swelling. The final shape of the jawbone and the results of the surgery will only begin to appear after several months.
- Pain management and wound care. The doctor will provide detailed instructions for pain management and wound care.
- Diet. Diet is an important part of the healing process. In the first few days, it is advisable to consume soft and easily swallowed foods, such as soups, yogurt, and smoothies, to avoid unnecessary strain on the mouth area. Chewing should be avoided until the doctor gives permission.
- Oral hygiene. Oral hygiene is also particularly important to prevent infections. The doctor may recommend rinsing the mouth with an antiseptic solution and provide instructions for brushing your teeth after the surgery.
- Recovery time. Recovery from jaw contouring surgery typically takes 2–6 weeks, but complete healing may take several months. Mild swelling in the face may persist for up to a few months.
- Contacting the doctor. If you experience severe pain, warmth, discharge, or signs of infection in the surgical area, it is important to contact your attending physician immediately.
- Follow-up visits and monitoring. The first follow-up visit is usually scheduled within a week of the surgery, during which the plastic surgeon will check the healing of the surgical area and remove any sutures. Subsequent check-ups ensure that the healing process is progressing as planned and that the results meet expectations.
- Long-term recovery and final results. Complete recovery may take up to 6–12 months, during which any scars and tissue adjustments will fully settle. The plastic surgeon will monitor the healing process over the long term to ensure that the results are both aesthetically and functionally successful.
Prices for appointments with specialists, such as gynaecologists, dermatologists, cardiologists, orthopaedists and ophthalmologists, can be found in our appointment booking service.
Take into account in the price list
The price estimate includes the Kanta fee and the outpatient fee.| Service | Price estimate |
|---|---|
| Appointment with a specialist, 20 min Price per appointment. | from 99,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 129,80 € |
| Appointment with a specialist, 30 min Price per appointment. | from 114,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 144,80 € |
| Appointment with a specialist, 45 min Price per appointment. | from 142,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 172,80 € |
| Gynaecologist's appointment, 20 min | from 69,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 139,80 € |
| Gynaecologist's appointment, 30 min | from 74,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 144,80 € |
| Dermatologist's appointment, 20 min | from 117,70 € Without Kela reimbursement from 147,70 € |
| Dermatologist's appointment, 30 min | from 127,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 157,80 € |
| ENT doctor's appointment, 20 min | from 112,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 142,80 € |
| ENT doctor's appointment, 30 min | from 133,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 163,80 € |
| Paediatrician's appointment, 20 min | from 115,20 € Without Kela reimbursement from 145,20 € |
| Paediatrician's appointment, 30 min | from 134,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 164,80 € |
| Orthopaedist's appointment, 20 min | from 111,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 141,80 € |
| Orthopaedist's appointment, 30 min | from 133,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 163,80 € |
| Appointment with a psychiatrist, 45 min Price per appointment. | from 109,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 159,80 € |
| Appointment with a psychiatrist, 60 min Price per appointment. | from 120,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 180,80 € |
| Ophthalmologist's appointment, 30 min | from 127,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 157,80 € |
| Ophthalmologist's appointment, 45 min | from 138,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 168,80 € |
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Frequently asked questions about jaw contouring surgery for the upper or lower jaw
In jaw contouring surgery for the upper or lower jaw, the surgeon reshapes the jawbone through techniques such as grinding, bone transfers, or the use of implants. The goal of the surgery is to improve facial symmetry and aesthetic appearance.
Jaw contouring surgery is recommended when facial asymmetry, bite difficulties, or aesthetic concerns negatively impact quality of life. It may also be necessary to repair damage caused by injuries or illnesses.
Techniques used in jaw contouring surgery include bone grinding, bone transfers, implant placement, and sometimes soft tissue modification.
The initial recovery time for jaw contouring surgery is 2–6 weeks, but complete healing may take several months. Swelling and bruising are common during the first few days.
The choice depends on the reason for the surgery. For aesthetic procedures, a plastic surgeon is often the right choice, while an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is recommended for functional issues related to the bite.
The cost of jaw contouring surgery varies depending on the technique used and the extent of the surgery. The price typically includes the surgery, hospital fees, and follow-up visits. The exact cost is determined during the initial consultation. You can also explore Mehiläinen's flexible payment options.
