Square face correction is facial contouring surgery that softens a wide, angular lower face. Depending on the cause, it may reduce an enlarged jaw bone, a thickened masseter (chewing) muscle or excess cheek fat to create a more oval shape. It suits adults over 18 with a squared jawline who are unhappy with their appearance.
- AnaesthesiaGeneral anaesthesia
- DurationA few hours
- Hospital stayUsually 1 night
- Back to routineUsually 2 to 3 weeks
What is square face correction?
Face shape depends on the underlying bones, muscles and fat. A square face may come from an enlarged lower jaw bone, an enlarged and thickened masseter muscle, often from heavy chewing or teeth grinding, or fat build-up in the cheeks. Some people, particularly women, prefer a softer oval or almond-shaped face.
Options include liposuction of the chin, cheek and jaw area; reduction of the jaw bone, usually for a congenitally prominent jaw angle; and reduction of the masseter muscle through the mouth. These can be combined, and chin augmentation or rhinoplasty may be added when a large nose accompanies a small chin.
Surgery is generally not done before 18 because the jaw continues to grow until then, and it is not suitable where there is no underlying bony or muscular cause.
Who is square face correction for?
- Adults over 18 with a squared jawline
- An enlarged jaw angle (bone) or enlarged masseter muscle
- Excess fat in the cheeks or along the jaw
- Healthy people with realistic expectations
- Not suitable for those under 18 or without an identifiable bone, muscle or fat cause
How is it done?
- Blood tests, CT scan and anaesthesia check-up
- Fast for at least 8 hours; avoid aspirin-type blood thinners and stop smoking and alcohol
- General anaesthesia; surgery takes a few hours
- Masseter muscle reduction is done through the mouth, leaving no facial scar
- Jaw bone contouring or repositioning may use small metal plates and screws
What is recovery like?
- Usually one night in hospital
- Pain and swelling for a few days, managed with medicines
- Compression bandage for 3 days, then for 1 to 2 more weeks at home
- Light activity after 2 to 3 days; avoid active work for 2 to 3 weeks
- Recovery typically 7 to 14 days after muscle reduction; several months after major jaw surgery
What are the risks?
- Swelling, bruising and bleeding
- Infection
- Numbness of the lower lip or chin from nerve injury, usually temporary
- Asymmetry or over- or under-correction
- Anaesthesia-related risks
Why choose Dr. Jithendran?
- Dual training in orthopaedics (MS) and plastic surgery (MCh, DNB), with hand and microsurgery experience from Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore
- Consults at five hospitals across Bengaluru, with 24×7 availability for emergencies
- Clear explanations in English, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu, and time to answer every question
- Strict sterilisation and patient-privacy standards
Frequently asked questions
What causes a square face?
A square face may be due to an enlarged lower jaw bone, a thick masseter (chewing) muscle, or fat build-up in the cheeks. Heavy chewing or teeth grinding can enlarge the masseter. A CT scan and examination help identify the cause and the right treatment.
Will there be visible scars?
Masseter muscle reduction and most jaw bone contouring are done through incisions inside the mouth, so there is usually no visible facial scar. Liposuction uses tiny incisions that typically fade well.
What is the minimum age for jaw reduction?
Surgery is generally not done before 18 years, because the jaw continues to grow until then. Your surgeon will assess whether growth is complete, using examination and imaging, before planning surgery.
How long is recovery after square face correction?
Most patients stay one night in hospital. Swelling and pain usually last a few days, a compression bandage is worn for up to two weeks, and active work is avoided for 2 to 3 weeks. Recovery after major jaw surgery may take several months.
Can square face correction be combined with other procedures?
Yes. It can be combined with chin correction, cheek fat removal or rhinoplasty to improve overall facial balance, for example when a large nose accompanies a small chin. Combined plans are decided at consultation.
