Is A Custom Jawline Implant The Only Way To Widen My Lower Face?

Q: Dr. Eppley: Hi, I am interested in getting a wraparound jaw implant (chin/jaw). I am interested in widening my jaw angles and having a stronger lower half of my face. The first photo attached is of my chin/jaw, and the other photos after are of what I hope to achieve. Please let me know an approximate cost range and what route you recommend taking. I was also looking into chin/jaw osteotomy surgery, but came across a couple comments made by you indicating that this type of surgery does not widen the jaw, despite what I was told by another surgeon. Thank you.

A: Thank you for your inquiry and sending your pictures. You are correct in that no form of mandibular osteotomy (sagittal split advancement, chin wing or sliding genioplasty) can wide the jaw and most certainly not in the way you want it to look.. These are mainly sagittal or anteroposterior bone movements. Jaw widening and/or creating a more defined jawline which has width requires a custom implant to really do it well in a predictable and smooth fashion. While I don’t know what your requirements are in the side view in terms of dimensional change that will await further pictures/analysis.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana