Your face is your signature, but maybe there are a few tweaks you would like to make in your bone structure. Haute Beauty talks to renowned Chicago plastic surgeon Dr. Marco Ellis about jaw contouring and how altering your face to your liking is quite simple with this procedure. Dr. Marco Ellis specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face and body. His unique training, experience and knowledge in facial surgery give him unparalleled expertise in assessing facial form.

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Haute Beauty: What is jaw contouring?

Dr. Marco Ellis: Jaw contouring is a catch-all term for procedures performed on patients interested in changing their bone structure.

HB: Who is a good candidate for this procedure?

Dr. ME: It’s common in two patient populations. The most frequent scenario is patients born with severe overbites or underbites. They need orthodontics and surgery to improve their smile and improve their facial profile. The second group is patients undergoing gender affirmation surgery. For example, men are born with more angular facial features and are interested in smoothing their facial borders and chin to achieve a more feminine appearance.

HB: What does recovery look like?

Dr. ME: These are outpatient procedures and typically last 2-3 hours. Recovery for the more straightforward jaw and chin procedures is pretty basic with some bruising and swelling for 2-4 weeks. Most patients return to work within the first 10-14 days for discretion. These results are permanent and don’t require touch up.

HB: Do men also benefit from this procedure?

Dr. ME: Yes, if they are seeking a more angular jawline, or, as mentioned above, are seeking the procedure as part of gender affirmation surgery.

HB: How are results best maintained?

Dr. ME: These results are permanent and don’t require touch up. These are surgeries that shave or adjust the lower jaw and they provide instant and lasting change.

Photo Credit: Dr. Marco Ellis

HB: What’s a day like in your office?

Dr. ME: My schedule varies from day-to-day. Three days a week, I operate from 7:30am-5pm doing a mix of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Throughout the day, I see a couple of patients for quick, postoperative appointments. The remaining days I devote to evaluating new patients and performing office procedures. My staff and I perform minimally-invasive and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures.

HB: What was your favorite travel destination this summer and why?

Dr. ME: My favorite travel destination is touring Europe. Each year, my wife and I spend a couple of weeks visiting a few cities where we explore the culture and cuisine.