Will Growing A Beard Help Camouflage Recovery From Jaw Angle Implants?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in getting  jaw angle implants. My main concern is making this non-obvious to the people who know me.  I am from out of town and would be flying in to have the procedure.  I was thinking of coming in for two weeks (I..e fly in on the day of or night before the surgery and then stay for 2 weeks to let most of the swelling subside).  I was thinking if I possibly grew a beard prior to the surgery and then keep the beard on for a few months, that by the time I shave it off, it wouldn’t really be noticeable to my family and friends.  What are your thoughts on this ?

A: That is the most common strategy that men do for any jawline procedure. Be clean shaven for the surgery and let it grow for 2 to 3 weeks and then shave it. That does make for non-obvious surgical change. By three weeks 80% of the swelling has subsided. The resulting 20% residual swelling is not that noticeable as it continues to go down almost completely by six weeks after surgery. I do not think you need to leave the beard on for months as the swelling will have gone down long before that. It is also not necessary to stay here for two weeks. If swelling was not an issue, you could go home within twp days. If swelling is a concern, one week should be sufficient.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana