• Facial Feminization Surgery
• FFS History
• FFS Male and Female Faces
• FFS Procedures
• FFS Trachea Shave
• FFS Jaw Shave
• FFS Chin Shaving and Implants
• FFS Brow Lifts
• FFS Forehead Bossing Surgery
• FFS Scalp Advancement
• FFS Nose, Lips, Eyebrows and Cheeks
• FFS Tips to Enhance its Effects
• FFS Considerations and Questions to Ask
• FFS Potential Risks
• FFS Glossary of Relevant Terms

Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS) and the
Jaw Shave

A prominent lower jaw gives the face a square, masculine look and can be considered unattractive for females and transsexuals. Having a jaw shave can reduce the appearance and size of thejaw, making it rounder and narrower at the square corners near the back of the jawbone. An additional jaw shave procedure involves cutting the large masseter muscles, which attach at the jaw corners, to create an even narrower appearance at the angles. For some people this is very feminizing.

A jaw shave typically involves incisions inside the mouth, though can be made externally under the jaw. Patients over 40 may experience loose skin around the jaw or chin after a jaw shave. This can be tightened after the original jaw shave procedure with a lower face-lift.

Jaw Shave Procedure
· A physical exam is given to estimate the amount of the muscle around the jaw.   An X-ray is given to determine the line of bone resection in order to provide a   smooth natural curve
· General anesthesia is given
· Incisions are made between gum and cheek to access prominent jawbone areas
· Marked areas of prominent bone are cut with a surgical drill and micro-saw,   curving down from back to front, to achieve a well-rounded contour
· Small surgical tubes may be inserted in the wound then out through the skin at   the level of the previous jaw line, which prevents potential blood collection and   also shortens the period of postoperative swelling
· The wound is closed with self-dissolving stitches

Jaw Shave Recovery
· After oral surgery, the mouth must be cleaned with provided mouth wash   solution. Some surgeons want you to not eat anything for 24 hours, while others   feel that eating is fine.
· A one night hospital stay is generally required
· The face will become moderately swollen and may become black and blue
· Return to usual activities in approximately one week
· It may take four to six weeks before the improved contour becomes obvious

Jaw Shave Complications
· Bleeding and prolonged swelling from the surface of the cut bone – This can   create a clot in the wound. Surgical drains and facial pressure garments will   significantly reduce this risk.
· Infection – An uncommon risk because prophylactic antibiotics are routinely   administered before and after surgery
· Over-resection - Careful assessment, an X-ray template and a complete set of fine   surgical instruments can help prevent over cutting of the bone
· Injury to the sensory nerves and nerves controlling facial muscle - The sensory   nerve is well protected in the bone and rarely injured if the cut is not extended to   the main nerve
· Temporarily numbness along the incision line or around the lower lip
· Temporary or permanent facial paralysis if the nerve that controls the function   of muscle expression around the mouth is injured. Accessing the jawbone from   the inside of the mouth is safer and can significantly reduce the chance of nerve   injury
· Temporo-mandibular joint injury or fracture around the joint - If the cut line is   accidentally extended to the joint, it may limit how the mouth opens or misalign   teeth