With the ever-growing popularity of plastic surgery in Korea, it's no wonder millions of people across the globe are going under the knife to alter their appearance. One of the trending surgery procedures right now is the Korean double jaw surgery. The results? A slimmer and more feminine facial bone structure.
In South Korea, this slim jaw appearance is a very common beauty standard and trend. The v-shaped chin has gained popularity across the globe for its feminine and delicate look. In order to achieve this look, roughly 5,000 double jaw surgeries are performed per year.
So, if you're thinking about getting double jaw surgery or just want to know what all the hype is about, you've come to the right place. We did the homework for you and put together the Ultimate Guide to Double Jaw Surgery.
WHAT IS KOREAN DOUBLE JAW SURGERY?
The reason why it's called double jaw surgery is because reguar jaw surgery is often times performed one jaw at a time, meaning the top jaw will receive a procedure separately from the bottom jaw. However, when both the top job (maxilla) and the bottom jaw (mandible) are performed at the same time in the same procedure, this is called double jaw surgery.
Usually, the surgery is to correct a misalignment of the jaw, which can cause an asymmetrical appearance of the face. Also, the double jaw surgery is made to correct longer, elongated, or protruding jaws.
In order too achieve the desired v-shaped slim look, the jaw is usually adjusted at the maxilla and then aligned later in the mandible like the video shown below. Also, the less prominent the asymmetry, the less is required to adjust and can even just be adjusted on just one jaw.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR DOUBLE JAW SURGERY?
Most people who want to get surgery are people who suffer from a misaligned bite. This can be a protruding underbite or an exaggerated over bite. This can be extremely uncomfortable on a daily basis and even sometimes painful. It can also cause dental problems and TMJ depending on the severity of the misalignment
The underbite is when the lower jaw sticks out farther than the upper jaw, causing the lower mandible to protrude. The overbite is when the mandible appears short and the top jaw hangs over, making the chin look like it's very far back into the head.
However, many people also explore Korean double jaw surgery for aesthetic reasons. Because the small chin and v-shaped face is so popular in Korea, this is why the procedures are mostly done in South Korea.
HOW DOES THE PROCEDURE WORK?
In order to complete the surgery, you need to fracture the jaw and reset it into a more symmetrical alignment. Despite the intense description, the surgery can actually be done under general anesthesia and takes around 3-4 hours.
Sometimes, the upper jaw can be adjusted as well if there is a receding mandible or overbite. However, this is a much more complex procedure since you are not removing bone but adding it on to create a more full chin.
These fractures can be achieved with two different procedures:
Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy (SSRO)
This is one of the most popular procedures since it makes a diagonal incision on the lower jaw which creates two plates. Then, the lower jaw bone is brought backwards, which allows a protruding mandible to be easily aligned. Also, this procedure allows the doctors to adjust the chin if it is asymmetrical. The healing time for this procedure is the fastest and most stable.
Intraoral Vertical Ramus Osteotomy (IVRO).
This procedure is by far one of the toughest out the jaw surgeries because it requires laser-sharp precision. Since the jaw is being vertically cut in the back of the mandible, there are no adjustments being made. So, the incision has to be perfect and align without error in order to be successful.
However, because it doesn't require adjustments of the bone, the healing process is much better long term. Also, you will less likely develop jaw joint problems and less pain down the line.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECOVER?
Generally, it takes about 6 weeks for you to look relatively normal again, so be sure to understand there will be a lot of swelling and bruising during the healing process. Also, be aware that you will be restricted to soft foods and juices in the beginning since you will not be able to use your jaw to chew.
There are two mandatory days that you need to stay in the hospital after the surgery so the doctors can properly monitor you and make sure you are healing properly.
Here is a general timeline of the healing process:
Post Surgery Day 1
The first day after surgery, you will be served juices and a light rice pudding. Though you'll probably be feeling a little discomfort, it is recommended too eat since you will need to re-nourish your body after the procedure.
Remember to keep the bandages on and try not to adjust them or remove them. Lot's of rest is recommended. Use plenty of ice packs to reduce swelling.
Post Surgery Day 2
The second day after surgery, you need to make sure to continue to ice your jaw regularly. The doctor will examine the dental status and the incisions to ensure everything is healing properly.
Post Surgery Day 3
The third day after surgery, you will received a CT scan to make sure everything is ok and then you're free to go home. However, the bones will not be properly formed together, so do not use your jaw to chew food. Keep eating very soft foods like soups and juices.
Post Surgery Day 4-7
During the first week, it's important to use ice backs regularly to reduce the swelling. Also, be sure to gargle water gently in the morning, after meals, and at night to prevent infection in the wound sites.
Also, you can wear a compression band for 406 days after the surgery that will prevent you from moving the jaw too much. Be sure to sleep on your back propped with several pillows to elevate the head to reduce inflammation and
t’s recommended to wear compression band for 4-6 days after the surgery and avoid bending down the head or lying on the stomach. Sleeping with 2-3 pillows under the head will help reduce inflammation. The stitches can be removed after 7-10 days.
HOW MUCH DOES DOUBLE JAW SURGERY COST?
One of the reasons why people from all over the globe fly to South Korea to receive plastic surgery is the high quality of doctors and the price. Because plastic surgery is so prevalent in their culture, there is more competition for doctors. Therefore, prices are much more competitive and the quality of service is very high.
That being said, you can find double jaw surgeries in Korea ranging between $14,000-19,000. Of course, this is just a range and depending on the circumstances and complexity of the case, the price can be affected accordingly.
WHERE CAN I GET KOREAN DOUBLE JAW SURGERY?
For those of you who are not Korean locals, you can consider looking into medical tourism. Every year, thousands of patients spend top dollar to get the best treatment for the best results.
One of the most popular sites to book your media tourism trip to Korea is http://www.docfinderkorea.com/. Here, you can get one-on-one consulting about planning your medical trip.
Here are some of the services they offer:
A | Provide quotes for all procedures listed | |
B | Assign you a personal DocfinderKorea case manager, so that you are in contact with only one individual from start to finish | |
C | Retrieve medical records | |
D | Provide feedback from your surgeon on your photos and details | |
E | Provide comprehensive information regarding your surgeon, treatment and hospital. Arrange dates and times for all appointments | |
F | Arrange consultations with your surgeon to answer any questions, usually within 24 hours | |
G | Provide airport pickup to/from your hotel in a private vehicle | |
H | Chauffeur you to all appointments | |
I | Assist you with other non-surgical consultations you may have, including beauty and pampering | |
J | Answer any questions you may have regarding post-operative care once you return home |