Jaw correction for facial feminization in gender reassignments

How can my jaw be more feminine? – Clinic Dr. FunkThe jawbone makes a fundamental contribution to the facial contouring.

There are significant differences between the sexes, especially in the chin area, which make a face look more masculine or even more feminine.

With a jaw correction we can give your face a downwardly rejuvenating, more feminine shape. This way we are able to make a significant contribution to facial feminization in the context of gender reassignment.

To achieve a holistic picture of the feminization of transgender persons, besides the jaw correction, there are numerous other options. If you would like to see a detailed overview, please click here: Facial feminization.
Another option to make the face appear more feminine is the forehead reconstruction. Information about this method can be found here: Forehead reconstruction.

 

Chin and jaw: these are the differences between the sexes

The typical female face generally appears narrower, in particular when it comes to the area of the chin and the jawbone. The female jaw runs in gentle curves up to the earlobe. Due to the higher fat content, the woman's chin and jaw appear rounder and more harmonious.

The typical man has a prominent lower jaw and a prominent chin with a rather square jaw line, which becomes rather unattractive on a female face. Generally speaking, the male jawbone is heavier, has more corners, and is slightly larger. The jawbone runs straight towards the chin at an acute angle giving it its angular shape.

Jaw line contouring in the context of gender reassignment

Jaw surgery for transgender women – feminization – Clinic Dr. FunkThe shape and structure of the face are essential indicators of whether a person is perceived as a man or a woman.

A jaw correction is performed in patients who were born biologically as a man and want to adapt their body to their own identity, in particular in the facial area.

With a jaw correction, an angular-looking jaw line can be shaped to get a rounder and more feminine appearance.

In addition, we can inject autologous fat or hyaluronic acid into this area in order to increase the volume of the angular chin.

The various types of jaw correction

Generally speaking, there are only two general forms of jaw adjustment: the jaw reduction and the jaw enlargement. In the context of facial feminization, the originally male jaw size usually has to be reduced.

The jaw reduction

In order to achieve a reduction of the jaw in size, the surgeon makes incisions and saws off the excess bone with a microsaw. This gives the entire facial contour a more feminine shape. The square corners of the rear jaw will be rounded off.

The jaw enlargement

In order to achieve an enlargement of the jaw in size, implants and bone substitutes are used. In some cases, it also makes sense to combine implants with non-invasive methods of jaw correction.

How is the jaw correction intervention performed?

Facial feminization of the jaw – Clinic Dr. FunkFirst of all, during the consultation interview, it must be determined whether there is a deficiency in the bone shape or in the volume of the soft tissue.

Surgical intervention on the bone

In case bone corrections are needed, we work with the most innovating jaw correction techniques. In this context, we very often use the osteotomy procedure, in which the bone is deliberately severed and, if needed, a bone wedge is removed.

In this context, often silicone implants and bone substitutes are used in order to achieve a stable reshaping of this region. At this point, we would be glad to outline the rough procedure of a chin correction surgery in the context of facial feminization.

  1. Anaesthesia
    An extensive chin correction intervention is performed under general anaesthesia.
  2. Incision
    As a rule, the surgeon will make an incision inside the mouth to gain free access to both sides of the jaw.
  3. Insertion of the implants or grinding of the bones
    In our beauty clinic, we work with the most innovating materials. We use specially shaped implants made of Gore-Text or other synthetic materials for jaw correction or jaw adjustment as part of a gender reassignment to enlarge the jaw. The exact shape is determined before the operation. The implants are fixed by means of titanium screws. If the jaw must be reduced in size, the surgeon will work with a small saw at this point to shape the jawbone.
  4. Closure of wounds
    After that, the wounds are sutured, and the patient wakes up from the anaesthesia. For the closure, self-dissolving sutures are used. As a rule, an overnight stay in the clinic is usually required.

Sometimes more cosmetic treatments may be required after a chin correction, for example to treat problems with excess skin by a facelifting.

Manipulations on the muscle

Sometimes a modification of the jaw muscle in the jaw area can suffice to achieve a more feminine and harmonious shape. On the lateral side of the lower face area, there is the masseter muscle. This masticatory muscle can give the face a square and therefore more masculine shape.

The surgeon can soften this muscle by relaxing it. This results in a slimmer and rounder chin line. By filling the tissue with autologous fat and hyaluron, the jaw volume can be increased and appear more feminine.

FAQ about jaw correction

Click on the questions to view the answers.

The chin correction intervention can be combined very well with a face lifting and a hairline lowering. It is often advisable to combine the jaw correction with operations on the chin or cheeks so that the face gets the right balance.

It can take up to 6 months for all to heal and subside.

The jaw correction is a complex intervention which should be performed by an experienced and specialized surgeon. In our clinic, we have had many years of experience in the field of chinplasty. During the intervention, the usual surgical risks may arise. After the intervention, the face may swell for a while. The regular cooling of the affected area can speed up the resolution of the symptoms.

In case of bone-grinding or implant insertion, you will only be able to eat liquid or soft food for the first and sometimes also for the second week after the intervention. You will perceive a feeling of numbness in the area of the surgery. After about 2 to 3 weeks, you will be able to participate in society again. Sports activities are possible again after approx. 6 weeks. The jaw can only be fully loaded again after 2 to 3 months.

During the jaw correction, the incisions are made in the interior part of the mouth. This means that no external skin incisions are needed and so no scars will be left.