Jaw Implants Guide by Dr. Burak Sercan

Publication Date:February 28, 2024

In this ultimate guide, Dr. Burak focuses on the details of jaw implants by discussing issues like the durability of implants, safety issues, cost aspects, and the desire for natural-appearing results. Dr. Burak combines the virtue of careful attention to the smallest detail and passion for educating the patient, thereby turning jaw augmentation into something comprehensible and removing all the mystery from it that allows the readers to make the informed decision about cosmetic journey. Read on! 

What is a Jaw Implants ?

Jaw implants, also referred to as mandibular implants or chin implants, are surgical prosthetic devices intended to enhance the structure and look of the lower jaw or chin. Most common materials used for these implants are such as silicone or porous polyethylene being of medical grade and well tolerated by the body. The jaw implants are available in different profiles and sizes that suit the various facial configurations and aesthetic desires.

Types of Jaw Implants

Not all jaw implants are the same. The right implant type depends on your facial anatomy, your aesthetic goals, and whether you are seeking subtle refinement or a more dramatic structural change. Below is an overview of the main types of jaw implants used in modern facial surgery.

Jaw Angle Implants (Gonial / Mandibular Angle Implants)

Jaw angle implants — also called gonial implants or mandibular angle implants — are placed at the back corners of the lower jaw, where the jaw meets the neck. They widen and sharpen the posterior jaw, creating the characteristic square, defined look many patients seek. This is the most popular implant type among male patients pursuing a stronger jawline, but women often request a subtler version for improved facial framing.

The target area — the gonial angle — is the angular region that defines how broad or tapered the lower face appears when viewed from the front. Patients with a soft or receding posterior jawline are typically the best candidates.

Chin Implants (Mentum Implants)

Chin implants address projection at the front of the lower jaw. They are suitable for patients with a recessed or weak chin who want improved facial balance without the recovery time of a bone-cutting procedure such as sliding genioplasty. Chin implants are often combined with jaw angle implants to achieve full jaw augmentation in a single procedure.

Full Jawline Implants

Full jawline implants wrap from the chin to both jaw angles in a single extended prosthesis, reshaping the entire lower face in one surgery. They are ideal for patients who need improvement across multiple zones — anterior projection, lateral width, and posterior angle definition — and who want to avoid staging multiple separate procedures. Custom jaw implants are frequently used for full jawline cases because they allow the surgeon to design the exact shape required for each patient’s facial structure.

Custom Jaw Implants vs Standard Implants

Custom jaw implants are designed using CT scan data of the patient’s actual skeleton. A 3D model is generated, the implant is engineered to fit the patient’s bone surface precisely, and the final prosthesis is manufactured before surgery. This approach eliminates intraoperative adjustments, reduces operative time, and allows for asymmetry correction that off-the-shelf implants cannot achieve.

Standard jaw implants come in predetermined sizes and profiles. They are a reliable, cost-effective option for patients with typical anatomy and straightforward augmentation goals.

Implant Materials: Silicone vs PEEK

Most jaw implants are made from one of two materials:

  • Solid silicone — the most widely used material. It is soft, biocompatible, easy to carve during surgery for fine-tuning, and straightforward to remove if ever needed. Silicone does not fuse to bone, sitting instead in a thin capsule of soft tissue over the mandible.
  • PEEK (Polyether ether ketone) — a high-performance polymer used in many medical implants. PEEK is stiffer than silicone, integrates well with surrounding tissue, and is radiolucent (invisible on X-ray), which is useful for follow-up imaging. PEEK jaw implants are typically used for custom cases requiring precise load-bearing properties.
  • Porous polyethylene (Medpor) — a third option that allows tissue to grow into the implant over time, creating firm fixation. Used less frequently than silicone or PEEK.

Jaw Implants for Men

Jaw implants for men have become one of the most requested male facial procedures worldwide, and for good reason. The male jawline is a central feature of masculine facial aesthetics — a strong, defined jaw communicates youth, health, and vitality. For men whose natural jawline is soft, recessed, or asymmetrical, jaw augmentation offers a lasting structural solution that no exercise, diet, or grooming routine can replicate.

What Makes Male Jaw Implant Goals Different?

When designing jaw implants for men, the surgical goals are distinct from those pursued in female facial surgery. Typically, male jaw augmentation aims to:

  • Increase posterior jaw width — broader

gonial angle implants that flare the back of the jaw outward, creating a wider, more square lower face when viewed from the front

  • Sharpen the jaw angle — creating a more defined, angular transition between the jawline and the neck
  • Increase anterior projection — a stronger, more prominent chin that aligns with the forehead in profile
  • Improve jawline symmetry — correcting asymmetry caused by natural variation or prior injury

Female patients, by contrast, tend to request narrower, more tapered implants that refine the jawline rather than widen it. The distinction matters because using the wrong implant profile for a patient’s gender or face shape produces results that look incongruous rather than natural. At Dr. Burak’s clinic, male jaw implants are always selected and positioned with masculine proportions as the primary reference.

Popular Procedures for Male Jaw Enhancement

  • Jaw angle implants alone — for men who want a sharper, wider posterior jaw while keeping the chin proportional
  • Jaw angle + chin implant combination — the most common male jaw implant combination; reshapes the entire jawline in a single procedure
  • Custom full jawline implant — for men seeking significant transformation; a single implant running from chin to both jaw angles is designed from CT data

Recovery for Male Patients

Recovery from jaw implant surgery in men follows the same general timeline as for any patient: 5–7 days of notable swelling and limited jaw movement, with most patients returning to desk work within 10 days and full physical activity by 6 weeks. The final result — once swelling resolves completely — typically takes 8–12 weeks to fully appreciate.

Men’s facial skin is often thicker, which can slightly prolong visible swelling compared to female patients, but it also provides better soft tissue coverage over the implant edges, contributing to natural-looking results.

How Much Does a Jaw Implant Cost in Turkey?

The cost of jaw implants in Turkey varies depending on the type of procedure, whether the implants are standard or custom-designed, and what is included in the package. As a general guide, the table below reflects typical price ranges at Dr. Burak’s clinic in Istanbul. All prices are indicative — a precise quote is provided following your consultation and imaging review.

ProcedureImplant TypeTypical Price Range (EUR)What’s Included
Chin implantStandard silicone€7,500 – €12,500Surgery, anaesthesia, 1-night stay, follow-up
Jaw angle implantsStandard silicone€9,500 – €15,000Surgery, anaesthesia, 1-night stay, follow-up
Jaw angle + chin implantStandard silicone€13,000 – €16,500Surgery, anaesthesia, 1-night stay, follow-up
Full jawline implantStandard silicone€16,000 – €20,000Surgery, anaesthesia, 1-night stay, follow-up
Custom jaw implantPEEK or custom silicone€12,000 – €21,000CT scan, 3D design, surgery, anaesthesia, stay
All-inclusive packageStandard or customContact for quoteSurgery + hotel + transfer + aftercare kit
Hotel + Transfer+ 20005 Star Hotel + VIP Vehicles

The jaw implant cost in Turkey is typically 50–70% lower than equivalent procedures in the UK, Germany, or the United States — without any reduction in implant quality or surgical standard. Dr. Burak uses the same FDA-cleared and CE-marked implants used by surgeons in Western Europe and North America.

For patients combining jaw augmentation with other facial procedures (such as rhinoplasty or a chin implant), a discounted combined-procedure package is usually available. Contact the clinic for a detailed breakdown based on your specific treatment plan.

Jaw Implant Before and After Results

Seeing jaw implant before and after results from real patients is one of the most reliable ways to understand what the procedure can realistically achieve. Every patient’s face is different, so individual results vary — but the examples below illustrate the kinds of outcomes commonly achieved at our clinic.

To view the full gallery of jaw implant results, including additional male and female cases, visit our Before & After Results page. All images are from patients treated by Dr. Burak Sercan Erçin, with full consent.

Cases In Which Jaw Implants are Needed

The cases when jaw implants are required are diverse but typically are aimed at optimization of face balance and symmetry, facial contours or correction of congenital defects, injuries, or age-related changes. A weak or receding chin may be a natural characteristic of some people which may spoil the general harmony of the face and make them feel ill-at-ease with their appearance. Jaw implants can help in chin augmentation and give an individual a more chiseled jawline, hence, improving the overall facial proportions and boosting self-esteem.

More so, people with jaw trauma, the congenital abnormalities types such as micrognathia (short jaw) may also require jaw implants to regain both counteractive and aesthetic functions. Moreover, patients who undergone orthognathic surgery (corrective surgery of jaw) may need jaw implants to achieve the perfect facial symmetry and balance after the surgical realignment of the jaw bones.

Jaw Implants for Facial Asymmetry

Jaw implants for facial asymmetry address one of the most psychologically significant concerns patients bring to a facial surgeon. No face is perfectly symmetrical — minor variation is normal and imperceptible. But when asymmetry is clinically visible, particularly in the lower face, it disrupts the overall harmony of the features in a way that patients describe as their face looking “uneven” or “off-balance” in photographs and on video calls.

How Jaw Asymmetry Develops

Lower jaw asymmetry can result from several causes: congenital skeletal variation (such as micrognathia affecting one side more than the other), uneven jaw growth during adolescence, trauma or fracture that healed imperfectly, or changes that emerge gradually with age. In cases where the asymmetry is caused by a difference in bone position rather than just soft tissue, jaw implants can add volume and contour to the deficient side to restore balance without requiring the recovery demands of orthognathic surgery.

Custom Implants vs Standard Implants for Asymmetry Correction

Custom jaw implants are strongly preferred for facial asymmetry correction. Because each side of the face presents a different deficiency, a standard symmetrical implant cannot address the problem — it would add equal volume to both sides, preserving rather than correcting the imbalance. With a custom mandibular implant designed from CT data, the surgeon can specify different shapes, thicknesses, or coverage areas for each side, compensating precisely for the anatomical discrepancy.

When Jaw Implants Are Not Enough

Not all cases of facial asymmetry are best treated with implants alone. When the asymmetry stems from a severe difference in jaw position or bite — such as a pronounced deviation of the chin to one side combined with a bite problem — orthognathic surgery (surgical jaw realignment) may be the primary treatment, with implants used as a secondary refinement step if needed. A thorough assessment with Dr. Burak, including 3D imaging, determines which approach is appropriate for each case.

Benefits of Jaw Implants

The benefits of jaw implants are manifold and extend beyond cosmetic enhancement. One of the primary advantages is the ability to achieve natural-looking results that harmonize with the patient’s facial features. By enhancing the contours of the jawline and chin, jaw implants can create a more youthful and attractive appearance. Furthermore, the procedure is minimally invasive compared to traditional jaw surgery, offering quicker recovery times and reduced risk of complications.

For individuals with asymmetrical facial features or disproportionate jawlines, jaw implants can help achieve a more balanced and harmonious facial profile, improving overall facial aesthetics and symmetry. Moreover, the psychological benefits of enhanced self-esteem and confidence cannot be overstated, as many patients report feeling more satisfied with their appearance and experiencing a boost in self-confidence following jaw implant surgery.

Jaw Implants vs Jaw Surgery

Differentiation betweenjaw implants and jaw surgery is important, as they are intended for different purposes and require separate surgical methods. The major aim of jaw implants is the augmentation of the chin or the lower jaw to improve facial proportions and gain the desired aesthetic results.

On the other hand, jaw surgery which is also called orthognathic surgery includes surgical correction of jawbones in order to correct functional problems such as bite misalignment (malocclusion), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders or obstructive sleep apnea.

Although both choices can enhance facial harmony and function, jaw surgery is usually considered for patients with profound skeletal abnormalities or functional problems that cannot be resolved by implants alone. Maxillo-facial surgery includes moving the upper jaw (maxilla), the lower jaw (mandible), or both apart from each other to solve bite abnormalities, improve function eating and speaking, and relieve breathing issues.

Jaw Implants FAQ

How long do jaw implants last?

The longevity of jaw implants is a function of the type of implant used, patient’s lifestyle and general health. By and large, jaw implants are made to last and are strong, with the majority of patients having their implant benefits for years without any major issues.

Jaw implants were not rolled for, therefore, it does not have a precise date of expiration however, it should last for several decades before the need for replacement becomes necessary because of factors such as wear and tear, facial changes, or aesthetic preferences.

Are jaw implants safe?

As for safety, jaw implants rank among non-risky surgical procedures when carried out by qualified and experienced plastic surgeons in a recognized medical facility. Like any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications that are associated with jaw implants surgery such as infection, implant displacement, asymmetry, and anesthesia reactions.

Nevertheless, the total risk of complications is usually quite small, particularly if patients adhere to the preoperative and postoperative instructions given to them by their surgeon.

How much is a jawline implant in Turkey?

The cost of a jawline implant in Turkey, as well as in any other country, could be very variable depending on a range of factors such as the specific type of a chosen implant, the qualification of the doctor, the location of a medical facility, and other additional costs such as preoperative consultations, anesthesia, and postoperative care.

In general, the price of jaw implant surgery in Turkey may be quite lower than in some Western countries, which makes it an appealing choice for people interested in good quality cosmetic procedures almost at half of the price in the West. But it is important for patients to focus on qualification and reputation of the surgeon and medical facility rather than the cost to assure an optimal result and safety.

Do jaw implants look natural?

One of the principal objectives of jaw implants surgery is to obtain a result that is natural and that fits with the patients’ facial features. The advances in materials that are used in implants and in surgical techniques have made it possible to the surgeons to create natural appearing enhancements that improve facial harmony and balance.

When done by an experienced surgeon, jaw implants can be tailored to the patient’s facial structure and desired aesthetic outcomes, creating a subtle but effective enhancement of the jawline and chin.

Do jaw implants hurt?

The recovery of patients from jaw implant surgery is characterized by discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the area of the surgery. But, the pain is usually tolerable with the use of prescribed pain killers and should subside slowly, throughout the healing process.

The majority of patients are likely to suffer little unpleasantness in the beginning of the recovery process, which is far less than they would get from the positive changes in their appearance. Like any other surgery, patients have to carefully adhere to their surgeon’s post-operative instructions to avoid discomfort and ensure appropriate healing.

Head surgeon Dr. Burak Sercan

Born in Izmir in 1986, Dr. Burak Sercan Erçin is a specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery. A graduate of Ege University, he has years of experience in the field.

Know more about Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burak Sercan Erçin from:

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