Mandibular Angle Reduction

Conveniently located to serve Washington DC, Arlington, Bethesda

What is mandibular angle reduction?

A square jaw/wide lower face tends to masculinize the face, although there are models and very feminine celebrities (Angelina Jolie) who have a more angular jaw.  If this is an area that creates dysphoria, then the bone in this area can be shaved down.

How is this performed? 

An incision is made inside the mouth and the bone is exposed.  A burr/saw and osteotome are used to remove the most prominent part of the bone and some of the extra muscle is removed (if necessary).  The incision is closed in layers.

Recovery

Recovery is quick and consists of some early diet restrictions and using mouthwash.  There is some swelling that can last for up to a few months and early lip/chin numbness is common. Return to work can be within a few days.

Risks

1. Lip/chin numbness – most often resolves within a few months, but can rarely be permanent, less frequent with angle reduction surgery
2. Tooth injury – rare, but could require dental work
3. Swelling – common, but generally resolves within a few months
4. Wound healing issues – given the location of the incision, some patients experience slow healing of this incision
5. Infection – because the mouth has an abundance of bacteria, infection is a possibility, this could require antibiotics or drainage
6. Poor cosmesis – possible under/overresection poor shape is possible depending on healing
7. Some difficulty opening your mouth – due to swelling/scar tissue, sometimes it takes months to achieve full mouth opening. Rarely does this require more surgery.
8. Injury to the parotid duct – the drainage duct from the parotid gland runs close to this area.  Although it is identified and avoided, swelling or damage around the duct could cause blockage and inflammation of the parotid gland.  
9. Facial nerve injury – very uncommon, but could cause drooping of some of the facial muscles.