Jaw & Chin Contouring Surgery in Thailand (Mandibular Angle Reduction / Genioplasty)

The jawline and chin are among the most powerful gender markers of the face. A wide, square jaw and a broad, heavy chin are strongly associated with masculine appearance, while a tapered, V-shaped lower face reads as feminine. Jaw and chin contouring surgically reshapes the lower facial skeleton to achieve the proportions that align with your identity — whether that means softening and narrowing or strengthening and projecting.

Procedure 2–4 hours

Hospital Stay 1 night

Recovery 2–4 weeks

Minimum Stay 10–14 days

What Is Jaw & Chin Contouring?

Jaw and chin contouring encompasses a group of bone-sculpting procedures that modify the shape of the mandible (jawbone) and chin to alter the lower facial silhouette. For feminization, the mandibular angles are reduced and the chin is narrowed, shortened, and sometimes set back, creating a smoother transition from the ear to the chin and an overall oval or heart-shaped face. For masculinization, custom implants or bone advancement can widen the jaw angles and project the chin for a stronger, more angular lower face.

All bone work on the jaw and chin is performed through incisions inside the mouth, between the lower lip and the gum, leaving no external scars. The surgeon uses oscillating saws, piezoelectric instruments, and rotary burrs to precisely reshape the bone. Pre-operative 3D CT imaging guides the surgical plan and allows the surgeon to visualise exactly how the bone will be modified.

Common Concerns Jaw & Chin Contouring Can Address

Wide or flared jaw angles that create a square lower face
Broad, heavy, or protruding chin that dominates the lower face
Lower facial width that feels incongruent with feminized upper features
A chin that is too short, narrow, or recessed for a masculine presentation

Are You a Good Candidate?

Trans or gender-diverse individuals seeking lower facial reshaping that aligns with their gender identity
In good general health with no active dental infections or temporomandibular joint disorders
Non-smoker or willing to quit before surgery to support bone healing
Have realistic expectations about the degree of change achievable

Techniques & Options

The specific surgical approach depends on whether you are seeking feminization or masculinization, which areas of the lower face need modification, and how much change is required. Pre-operative 3D CT imaging maps bone thickness, nerve position, and dental root locations, forming the basis of a safe and precisely targeted plan. The inferior alveolar nerve, which provides sensation to the lower lip and chin, is carefully identified and protected throughout.

Key techniques include:

Mandibular Angle Reduction

The flared posterior angles of the jaw are reduced using an oscillating saw or piezoelectric instrument through an intraoral incision. The outer cortex of the bone may also be shaved to narrow the body of the mandible. This transforms a square jaw into a more tapered, oval silhouette.

Eliminates the wide, flared jaw angle associated with a masculine face
All incisions are inside the mouth with no external scars
Piezoelectric instruments offer precise bone cutting with reduced nerve risk
Results in a natural taper from the ear to the chin

Reduction Genioplasty

An osteotomy (bone cut) is made across the chin, and the free segment is repositioned — moved backward to reduce projection, shortened vertically to reduce chin height, or narrowed by removing a central wedge and bringing the two halves together. The bone is fixed in its new position with titanium plates and screws.

Simultaneously adjusts chin height, width, and projection
Achieves precise, millimetre-level repositioning
Titanium fixation provides stable, permanent results
Intraoral approach avoids any visible scarring

Chin Augmentation (for Masculinization)

For patients seeking a stronger chin, a sliding genioplasty advances the bone forward and downward, or a custom silicone or Medpor implant is placed over the existing bone to increase projection and width. The approach is through a small incision inside the lower lip.

Adds masculine projection and width to a recessed chin
Custom implants can be designed from 3D CT scan data
Sliding genioplasty uses the patient's own bone for a natural result
Can be combined with jaw angle implants for complete lower face masculinization

Recovery Timeline

Days 1–3

Significant swelling of the lower face, cheeks, and upper neck peaks around day two. Bruising may extend down the neck. Your jaw will feel stiff, and opening your mouth fully will be limited. A soft or liquid diet is mandatory. You will remain in hospital overnight with IV pain relief and a compression garment around the jaw.

Days 4–7

Swelling begins to migrate downward and reduce. You will be discharged to your hotel with oral medications, antibacterial mouthwash, and dietary guidance. Chewing is still restricted — stick to soups, smoothies, and mashed foods. Your care coordinator will check in daily to monitor your recovery.

Weeks 2–4

Most visible swelling has resolved and the new lower facial contour is becoming apparent. Intraoral sutures dissolve on their own. You can gradually reintroduce softer solid foods. Numbness in the lower lip and chin is typical after bone work in this area and will improve over the coming weeks. Light activity is fine, but avoid contact sports.

Months 2–6

Residual deep swelling dissipates fully, revealing the definitive jaw and chin shape. Sensation in the lower lip and chin returns progressively. Bone healing is complete by approximately three months, and by six months the contour has fully settled into its permanent form.

What to Expect

Permanent Bone reshaping provides lasting results

Gender-Affirming Lower face aligned with your identity

3–6 Months For swelling to fully resolve

Safety & Risks

Jaw and chin surgery involves precise bone modification in proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve and dental roots. Performed by experienced maxillofacial and craniofacial surgeons, the procedure has a strong safety record, though it is important to understand the potential risks.

Prolonged swelling and bruising of the lower face
Temporary or persistent numbness of the lower lip and chin
Asymmetry requiring revision

Infection at the bone site or around hardware (rare)
Dental root injury (rare with proper imaging)
Jaw stiffness or limited mouth opening during recovery

Pre-operative 3D CT imaging maps the exact position of your nerves, dental roots, and bone thickness, enabling every cut to be planned with precision. Each potential risk specific to your anatomy will be discussed in full before you confirm your procedure.

How Much Does Jaw & Chin Contouring Cost in Thailand?

Our pricing is transparent and all-inclusive — your quote covers everything from surgeon fees to hospital stay.

Jaw & Chin Contouring

All-inclusive surgical package

From $3,500

Board-certified surgeon fee
Anaesthesia & operating theatre
Hospital stay & nursing care

Post-operative medications
Follow-up appointments
Dedicated care coordinator

Choose Your Recovery Hotel

Comfortable accommodation with breakfast, transfers & round-the-clock care team access

From $89 / night

Spacious suites on Sukhumvit Soi 23 with kitchenette, daily breakfast, pool and gym access. Well-placed for hospital visits and ideal for longer recovery stays — private, comfortable, and easy on the budget.

Serviced apartments in central Sukhumvit with full kitchen, in-unit laundry, pool and fitness centre. A genuine home-away-from-home for patients recovering over several weeks — popular with those planning multi-stage procedures.

Five-star luxury near Bangkok's medical quarter, renowned for flawless Japanese-inspired hospitality. Generous rooms, a full-service spa, and 24-hour in-room dining — for patients who want an exceptional recovery experience.

Common Questions About Jaw & Chin Contouring

Everything you need to know before your procedure

We recommend a minimum stay of 10–14 days. This includes pre-operative imaging, consultation, surgery, hospital recovery, and at least one follow-up appointment before you are cleared to fly home.

The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, so you will feel nothing during surgery. Post-operative discomfort is typically moderate — a deep ache and tightness in the jaw rather than sharp pain. It is effectively managed with prescribed medication and generally subsides significantly within the first week.

No. All incisions are made inside the mouth, between the lower lip and gum. There are no external cuts and therefore no visible scars.

You will be on a liquid diet for the first few days, progressing to soft foods by the end of the first week. Most patients can return to a normal diet within three to four weeks, though very hard or chewy foods should be avoided for six weeks to allow the bone to heal fully.

Most patients are cleared to fly 10–14 days after surgery. You will still have some swelling at this stage, but it does not pose a risk for air travel. Stay hydrated and avoid chewing hard foods during the flight.

Your quote covers the surgeon's fee, general anaesthesia, operating theatre, hospital stay, 3D CT imaging, post-operative medications, follow-up appointments, and a dedicated care coordinator. Custom implants, if needed, are quoted separately. Flights and accommodation are not included.

Temporary numbness of the lower lip and chin is very common after jaw and chin surgery because the inferior alveolar nerve runs through the mandible near the surgical site. In the vast majority of patients, full sensation returns within three to six months. Permanent numbness is uncommon.

Yes, it is commonly performed alongside forehead contouring and rhinoplasty as part of a comprehensive FFS session. Combining procedures allows the surgeon to balance the entire face and reduces the number of anaesthetics and recovery periods you need.

A tailored preparation guide will be sent to you by your surgical team. Stop blood-thinning medications and supplements at least two weeks before surgery. Quit smoking a minimum of four weeks prior, as nicotine impairs bone healing. Stock up on soups, smoothies, protein shakes, and soft foods for the first two weeks of recovery. Ensure your dental health is good, as any active infections must be treated beforehand. A pre-operative 3D CT scan will be arranged to map your bone and nerve anatomy.

Dr. Kanokwan Pattanaporn

MEDICALLY REVIEWED

Dr. Kanokwan Pattanaporn

MEDICALLY REVIEWED

Gender Affirmation Surgeon · Bangkok

Last reviewed: February 25, 2026

Medical References

Medical disclaimer: Content on this site is provided for informational purposes and should not be treated as medical advice. Outcomes, timelines, and eligibility differ from person to person. Speak with an experienced gender-affirming surgeon before proceeding with any procedure.

What's Included

Board-certified surgeon fee
Anaesthesia & operating theatre
Hospital stay & nursing care
Post-operative medications
Follow-up appointments
Dedicated care coordinator

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Jaw & Chin Contouring Surgery in Thailand

What Is Jaw & Chin Contouring?