[Health Column] Why My Front Face Still Looks the Same After Square Jaw Surgery

 

hello. Dr. Hyunwoo Cho, Director of 3D Plastic Surgery no see.

 

When I consult about square jaw surgery, I often get asked, “If I have the surgery, will I definitely get a V-line?”

but Reducing a square jaw does not automatically make the frontal view slimmer.

The side view may look small, but the front view is often the same.

today Why does this difference occur? , and What role does ‘cortical osteotomy’ play in determining the frontal effect? I will explain it step by step.

 

 

Why is the frontal effect different when undergoing square jaw surgery?

📌Not all square jaw reductions result in the same facial changes. .

 

Square jaw surgery Cut in a long curve from the square jaw below the ear to just before the chin bone This is a surgery that makes the jawline smoother.

When viewed from the side, the angle below the ear is reduced, making the face appear smaller. The frontal effect depends on the 'shape' of the jawbone.

 

✔️ If you look at the CT scan, the square appears to be less noticeable from the front.
✔️ In some cases, the angle below the ear is almost 90 degrees when viewed from the side.

 

👉 In this case, If you only cut the angle, you may not feel a big change from the front.

 

🔸 Example

• This is why people ask, “I’m satisfied with the side view, but why is the front view the same?”

• The frontal effect is It's not about how much you cut, but what structure you reduce. is more important

 

🔸 Advice
👉 Before surgery A process of receiving explanations based on both frontal and lateral CT scans This is absolutely necessary.

 

Pre-simulation CT (dried jawbone)

 

 

 

Why is it less effective when the square jawbone is ‘sunk in’?

📌If the bone is rolled inward, the width may not be reduced even if cut. .

 

Square jawbone

• Inwardly rolled shape and

• Outwardly spreading form It is divided into .

If it gets stuck Even if you cut a lot of square jawbone, the frontal width may appear to have little change.

That's why people say, "I had square jaw surgery, but my frontal appearance is the same."

 

CT after simulation (dried jawbone)

 

 

🔸 Key Points
✔️ The frontal effect is not about the ‘amount of reduction’ Bone orientation and structure It depends

 

🔸 Advice
👉 I Is it a dried bone structure or a spread structure? It is important to check first.

 

 

Why does a square jaw that flares outward look so good from the front?

📌Because the front width itself is reduced .

 

If the square jawbone spreads outward,
Just with square jaw surgery Changes in width from the front It looks relatively good.

 

Extended jawbone before simulation

 

Stretched jawbone after simulation

 

 

 

🔸 Example

• In the frontal photo, the jawline appears to have moved inward one step.

• In cases where the feeling that “the frontal view has become slimmer” is relatively quick

🔸 Advice
👉 Even if it's the same surgery Depending on your bone type, the results you experience may vary greatly.

 

 

So what role does ‘cortical osteotomy’ play?

📌This is a method that is considered together to increase the frontal effect.

Cortical osteotomy involves reducing the outer surface (lateral cortex) of the square jaw. Not only the sides How to reduce the volume from the front as well no see.

 

The square jawbone has a multi-layered structure. Among these Removing only the outer layer is called lateral cortical osteotomy. no see.

A method of smoothing the surface instead of cutting it in the same location is called 'cortex shaving'. It is called.

 

✔️ Even if the angle under the ear is not large
✔️ Even if the bone is dried out
👉 It is used to complement the frontal effect

 

cortical CT

 

 

⚠️ Caution

• Because the cortex thickness varies from person to person The extent of abstinence is determined differently for each individual. It's possible

• Excessive osteotomy Risk of side effects Skill is important because it can increase your

 

 

Why is cortical osteotomy important in square jaw surgery?

📌This is the element that creates the ‘reason for it to look like a V-line’ from the front.

Looking at actual contouring surgery cases,
Even if the angle of the ear does not change much When the volume of the outer cortex decreases, it appears like a V-line. There are many.

 

✔️ Square jaw angle resection
✔️ Bone Spreading
✔️Muscle condition
Consider these three together The frontal effect may be improved.

 

CT before and after cortical osteotomy

 

 

🔸 Advice
👉 If you want a frontal effect The key is not 'how much angle to cut' but 'where to reduce' no see.

 

 

FAQ ❓

Q1. Are there any criteria for when square jaw surgery is necessary and when it can be done with Botox?
A1. If the frontal squint appears severe but the angle is not significant on CT, the muscle influence is greater than the bone, and Botox may be able to improve the situation. If bone development is also present, surgical options may be considered.

 

Q2. What is the difference between masseter reduction and cortical osteotomy?
A2. Muscle reduction reduces muscle volume, while cortical osteotomy reduces the outer volume of the bone. For a frontal effect, both bone structure and muscle condition are assessed.

 

Q3. How long is the recovery period after square jaw surgery?
A3. Major swelling is usually explained as a standard of about two weeks, and minor swelling gradually resolves over several months.

 

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Conclusion 🧾

✔️ Not all square jaw surgery results in the same frontal effect.
✔️ Depending on the shape of the bone If cortical osteotomy or shaving alone is sufficient There is.
✔️ What's important is Customized judgment based on your CT structure It is. ✨

 

Rather than surgery that just cuts off a lot,
A method that suits your current situation Decision made after sufficient consultation with a specialist I recommend you do it.

 

 

 

 

3D plastic surgery

CEO Cho Hyun-woo

Graduated from Yonsei University College of Medicine

Master of Medicine, Yonsei University Graduate School

Severance Hospital plastic surgery specialist

Severance Hospital Plastic Surgery Visiting Professor

 

Regular member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons

Korean Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery regular member

Korean Society of Craniofacial Plastic Surgeons regular member

International Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ISAPS) member

Regular member of the Korean Society for Surgery of the Hand

Korean Association of Plastic Surgeons regular member

Executive Director of the Minimally Invasive Plastic Surgery Research Association

Director of Hyun 3D Plastic Surgery Clinic

Experience in facial contouring treatment 21 year