What Does My Face Need To Get The Male Model Look?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I’m going to ask you a question you probably heard 10000 times. What procedures do I need to perform in order to get “the male model look” and look handsome?  I think(I may be wrong) I need: Skull Reshaping, Cheek Augmentation, Chin Advancement, cheek and chin;jaw/mandibular Implants,  nose rhinoplasty; lip reduction; Neck Contouring; I’ve attached a few photos of me. My face looks fat. That’s because i have about 20 pounds of excess fat. 

A: You are correct in assuming that I have been asked that question a lot….and have subsequently done a lot of male facial sculpting surgery. In getting a better balanced and more defined facial shape in a male, there is a list of procedures to consider most of whom you have mentioned. But each face is different and therefore has different needs to improve its proportions and get closer to a more sculpted look. There is also the issue of priority and the associated cost to do them so making the proper diagnosis as to the anatomic problems is extremely important in surgical procedure selection.

Your most glaring anatomic problem is your severe lower jaw/chin deficiency. A short lower jaw makes the entire lower face both horizontally and vertically short. This is what contributes to your impression that your fat is fat…it is not. It is just that the lower 1/3 of your face is overpowered by the upper 2/3s. This is further accentuated in profile by a moderate nasal hump which makes the facial convexity worse.

Your most important procedure is to get the lower 1/3 of your face in proportion. This is beyond what a chin implant alone can do. You really need a chin osteotomy (sliding genioplasty) combined with a small square chin implant placed in front of it. Removing your nasal dorsal hump would then complement your facial profile. (see attached side profile prediction) These are the two most important procedures. Secondary consideration could also be given to cheek implants. (see attached front view prediction)

While some other procedures may be complementary, this is the foundation for helping you get closer to more of a ‘male model look’.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana