Does Jaw Contouring Require Screws? The Role of Screws in Jaw Surgery

Hello, when researching jaw corrective surgery, many people are concerned about whether jaw contouring requires screws, whether screws need to be placed in the bone, and whether this has any long-term effects. This is a very practical question that needs to be clearly explained from a professional perspective. The doctor will provide a detailed analysis to help you properly understand the nature of this technique.

Does Jaw Contouring Require Screws?

The doctor explains as follows: jaw contouring may or may not require screws, depending on the surgical technique and extent of bone intervention.

For cases of simple mandibular angle reduction (removing excess bone at the angle of the jaw), screws are usually not required because there is no displacement of a large bone segment.

However, for more complex cases such as:

• Facial asymmetry correction
• Sliding genioplasty
• Jaw contouring combined with bone repositioning, the doctor will need to fix the bone using medical plates and screws to ensure that the bone remains stable in the correct position.

Screw fixation in these cases is mandatory according to the principles of maxillofacial surgery to ensure that the bone heals in the correct position and does not become displaced after surgery.

Types of Screws Used in Jaw Contouring

In jaw contouring surgery, all screws used are specialized medical-grade materials with high biocompatibility. Common types include:

Titanium Screws: This is the most commonly used type today, with the following characteristics:

• Do not cause a reaction with the body
• Do not corrode in a biological environment
• Lightweight yet very strong

Fixation Plates and Screws (mini plate & screw): Used to hold bone segments in their correct position after cutting. The number of screws is not fixed and usually ranges from:

• From 2–4 screws for small areas
• There may be more if multiple corrective techniques are combined

At Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital, these materials are all used according to medical standards, ensuring long-term safety within the body.

Why Are Screws Needed in Jaw Contouring Surgery?

Screw fixation is not intended merely to provide “temporary stabilization,” but is an important part of the principles of bone surgery.

After the bone is cut or repositioned, without fixation:

• the bone may shift from its original position
• the bone-healing process may occur in the wrong direction
• it may affect the bite and facial aesthetics

Screws and plates play the following roles:

• keeping the bone stable during the healing phase
• helping the bone heal along the correct anatomical axis
• ensuring the aesthetic result is achieved accurately according to the preoperative plan

Today, with 3D CT imaging and preoperative simulation technology, doctors can accurately calculate the screw placement positions, making surgery much safer and more precise than before.

Does Screw Placement During Jaw Contouring Have Any Effects?

This is something that causes concern for many people, but the doctor can confirm that titanium screws used after jaw contouring do not cause long-term health effects because:

• Titanium is highly biocompatible and does not cause rejection
• Does not affect daily activities, chewing, or sensation in the jaw area
• Cannot be detected from the outside
• Does not cause irritation in the body’s environment

In most cases, the screws are left permanently and do not need to be removed. Only in a small number of special cases (a feeling of discomfort or personal preference) will the doctor recommend screw removal after the bone has completely healed.

Important Considerations After Jaw Contouring with Screw Fixation

After jaw contouring with fixation screws, you need to pay attention to several points to ensure a smooth recovery:

• Follow a soft diet and avoid vigorous chewing during the initial period
• Do not apply strong force to the jaw area
• Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled to check bone stability
• Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection
• Immediately inform the doctor if you experience unusual pain or prolonged swelling

These factors help the bone heal firmly, keep the screws securely fixed in the correct position, and ensure a long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing jaw contour.

In summary, regarding the question whether jaw contouring requires screws, the answer is: it may or may not, depending on the technique, but in cases where bone fixation is required, screw fixation is completely safe and necessary according to medical standards.

If you are considering surgery and want to know whether your case requires screw fixation, you can visit Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital for a 3D CT scan, analysis of your bone structure, and an accurate consultation based on your condition.