What Are The Possible Side Effects From Asian Cheek and Jawline Narrowing?

 Q: Dr. Eppley, I am an Asian female who is 27 years old and want to have a more narrow face. I’m interested in jaw reduction, chin reduction(v-line) and cheekbone reduction surgeries. What are the possibilities of side-effects such as nerve damage and sagging skin? Is it possible to do all 3 surgeries at once?

A: As you undoubtably know, narrowing of the Asian face by bone reduction is a common request and collection of procedures. All three facial bone reduction procedures are commonly done together including cheek bone reduction and jawline narrowing.  The most common side effect, albeit not a complication, is the protracted facial swelling (4 to 6 weeks) until you see the beginnings of the results of the procedure. Generally permanent nerve damage (sensory nerves, infraorbital and mental nerves) does not occur although there will be a period of some lip numbness. The bigger risk is with the mental nerve as the jawline reduction goes right beneath it and some stretch on the nerve does occur. Sagging skin is also not usually an issue either and this is more of a concern in the cheek area rather than the jawline.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana