The big jaw theory

Double jaw surgery, that started off as a remedy to correct facial deformities and for those who have an excessive over or under bite, has now become a beauty trend in South Korea. The procedure that involves realignment of the upper and lower jawbones, resulting in a dramatically reshaped face is rather complex and can take months to recover from. Further possible side effects include paralysis, permanent facial numbness, nerve damage and chronic jaw pain.

It has seen a rise in South Korea after many celebrities went on television extolling the surgery as a “turning point” in their lives. There are even advertisements for this surgery throughout the country proclaiming: ‘Everyone but you has done it.’ People are being encouraged to undergo the risky operation in the name of beauty as a small face with a V-shaped chin and jawline is considered a mark of feminine beauty in that part of the world.

NOT VERY SAFE
Dr Manoj Khanna, Cosmetic and Plastic surgeon, Chairman Enhance Cosmetic & Aesthetic clinic, says the demand for the surgery is limited in India. “The procedure involves cutting the jaw bones on different sides and doing sliding osteotomy where the bone is shifted to a new area and fixed. It’s common in countries like Korea where a more angular face is considered more goodlooking,” he says, adding, “It’s not a very safe procedure as the nerves can get injured resulting in problems in chewing. I would suggest only someone who has a genuine jaw problem to get it done.”

PATIENT’S CHOICE
Dr Meenakshi Agarwal Cosmetic Surgeon, Face and Figure clinic, says there’s both a surgical and non-surgical way to modify the jaw. “It’s commonly demanded by those who have a square jawline and want to make it more oval and aesthetically pleasing. One method is to use botox injections that relaxes the muscle, but is temporary and needs to be redone every few months. The double jaw surgery is more permanent but leaves swelling and bruising for upto three weeks after. It’s important to go to a well-trained plastic surgeon for this and it’s ultimately the patient’s choice on what he/she wishes to do.”