V-Line Surgery Risks: Essential Information for Patients

V-line surgery involves reshaping the jawbone and chin, which are close to several key facial nerves. During surgery, these nerves can be stretched, compressed, or, in rare cases, accidentally severed. The most commonly affected nerve is the inferior alveolar nerve, which runs along the lower jaw and impacts sensation in the chin, lower lip, and parts of the jaw. Damage to this nerve can lead to temporary or even permanent numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in these areas.

Minor nerve damage often resolves within a few weeks or months, but severe cases can lead to long-term or permanent effects. Some patients report altered sensations for several months after surgery.

Choose an experienced surgeon who specializes in facial contouring. Precision and skill in avoiding nerve damage come with experience. Follow your recovery instructions carefully, as unnecessary pressure or trauma to the healing area can worsen nerve damage. Monitor your recovery closely, and if numbness or pain persists for more than a few months, seek medical advice.

One lesser-known side effect of V-line surgery is the risk of skin laxity, where the skin around the jaw and chin becomes loose after the bone has been reshaped or reduced. This is more common in patients with less elastic skin, particularly older individuals. Since the jaw structure supports the overlying skin and soft tissues, reducing the bone can leave excess skin, causing sagging or drooping.

Assess your skin quality before surgery. Younger patients or those with good skin elasticity generally recover without issues, but if you’re older or have less elastic skin, consider discussing a skin-tightening procedure, like a mini-lift or laser treatment, with your surgeon. Post-surgery, non-invasive treatments like Ultherapy or radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening can help promote collagen production and tighten the skin.

After V-line surgery (jawbone contouring), bone regrowth or remodeling can occur as part of the body’s natural healing response. However, this regrowth can sometimes lead to unwanted changes in the jawline’s shape, potentially reducing the long-term effectiveness of the surgery.

Opt for precise bone reshaping techniques to minimize the risk of regrowth. Surgeons can properly file down bone edges, and in some cases, bone fixation devices may be used to prevent excessive regrowth. Regular follow-ups with your surgeon and early detection through X-rays or CT scans can help catch and address bone regrowth early if it occurs.

While the goal of V-line surgery is to enhance facial symmetry, unexpected asymmetry can occur if healing doesn’t go as planned. Uneven swelling or slight variations in bone healing can lead to subtle differences between the left and right sides of the jaw. This might not be noticeable immediately but could become more apparent over time.

Choose a well-qualified surgeon with a track record of achieving symmetrical results. Keep post-surgery swelling under control with cold compresses and anti-inflammatory medications as recommended by your surgeon. Regular follow-up appointments allow your surgeon to monitor for any early signs of asymmetry and make necessary adjustments.

Pre-surgery planning is essential. Your surgeon should assess your jaw alignment to avoid disrupting your natural bite balance. Physical therapy can help strengthen jaw muscles if weakness persists. A soft or liquid diet post-surgery can also aid in recovery without putting excessive strain on your jaw.

Discuss your desired outcome with your surgeon to avoid removing too much jawbone, which could contribute to an overly thin appearance. Fat grafting or filler treatments can be considered post-surgery to restore subtle volume if fat loss becomes a concern.