Notice of Data Security Incident 10/23/25. Read the full notice

Contact
Michael R. Schwartz MD, FACS logo
(805) 706-0742

Precision Surgical Facial Contouring

Facial contouring at Schwartz Aesthetic Institute combines aesthetic judgment with precise work on both bone and soft tissue. Dr. Michael Schwartz is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 25 years of private practice experience, known for natural results that never look overdone. Dr. Phuong Nguyen is a double board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic and craniofacial surgeon with more than 22 years of experience. His expertise includes facial bone contouring, facial implants, and osteotomies, which allows the practice to offer skeletal facial contouring in Westlake Village. Surgery takes place on-site at the practice's accredited surgical center.

What Is Facial Contouring?

Facial contouring is a group of surgical procedures that refine the shape of the chin, jawline, cheeks, and lower face by reshaping bone, placing implants, or removing excess fullness. Each plan is built around the patient's own proportions rather than a single standard look.

A review of mandibuloplasty techniques notes that the angle of the jaw, the width of the chin, and the length-to-width ratio of the mandible all shape the lower face. Surgical plans work best when they account for each of these components.

Benefits of Facial Contouring

Surgical facial contouring can help patients whose facial proportions do not align with their goals. Potential benefits include:

  • A more defined or balanced jawline
  • Improved chin projection, height, or symmetry
  • Added fullness and structure in the cheeks
  • Better harmony between the nose, chin, cheeks, and jaw
  • Lasting results created by altering the facial structure itself

Because the changes are structural, they can also complement procedures that address skin and soft tissue, such as a facelift or eyelid surgery.

Banner media

Are You a Candidate for Facial Contouring?

Good candidates for facial contouring in Westlake Village are healthy adults with realistic goals and specific concerns about the structure of the chin, jaw, or cheeks. Ideal candidates typically:

  • Want to change the shape or proportions of the lower face or midface
  • Feel that the chin, jaw, or cheeks lack definition or balance
  • Have completed facial growth
  • Are in good overall health and do not smoke
  • Understand that surgical contouring involves a recovery period

Dr. Schwartz or Dr. Nguyen begins with a detailed facial analysis. Patients whose main concerns involve loose skin or volume loss may be better candidates for a facelift or neck lift, and the surgeons will say so when that is the case.

Types of Surgical Facial Contouring Procedures

Surgical facial contouring includes several techniques that can be performed individually or combined. Dr. Schwartz and Dr. Nguyen recommend the approach that fits each patient's anatomy and goals.

Genioplasty and Chin Augmentation

Genioplasty repositions the chin bone to adjust projection, height, or symmetry, while an implant adds forward projection over the existing bone. Learn more on our genioplasty and chin augmentation pages.

Jaw Angle and Mandible Contouring

Jaw contouring reshapes the mandible's lower border and angle to refine the jawline. According to a review of zygoma and mandibular angle surgery, mandibular angle reduction is one of the most commonly performed facial skeletal contouring operations. Jaw implants can also add definition when the angle is underdeveloped.

Cheek Implants and Midface Contouring

Cheek implants add structure and projection to the midface. Placed through discrete incisions, they can restore balance when the cheekbones are flat or underdeveloped. In select cases, the cheekbone itself may be reshaped.

Soft Tissue Refinement of the Lower Face

Bone changes are sometimes paired with procedures that refine the soft tissue. Liposuction under the chin and along the jawline, and buccal fat removal, can sharpen contours once the underlying structure is addressed.

Orthognathic Surgery as a Related Option

Orthognathic surgery corrects jaw alignment and bite, and it is primarily a functional procedure. When a patient's concerns involve how the teeth meet, Dr. Nguyen can discuss whether this is appropriate for the treatment plan.

Background media

Why Choose Schwartz Aesthetic Institute for Facial Contouring in Westlake Village?

Facial contouring depends on both artistry and a thorough understanding of facial anatomy. At Schwartz Aesthetic Institute, patients benefit from:

  • Two experienced facial surgeons: Dr. Schwartz has practiced in Westlake Village since 1998 and is a recognized educator in plastic surgery. Dr. Nguyen trained at NYU, UCLA, and the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.
  • Craniofacial and academic depth: Dr. Nguyen is a former Professor of Surgery and Chief of Pediatric Plastic Surgery with more than 139 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters.
  • Board certification: Both surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.
  • Visual planning: Vectra XT 3D imaging helps patients visualize possible results before surgery.
  • Accredited surgical care: Procedures are performed on-site at our own surgical center, described below.

Our AAASF-Accredited Surgical Center in Westlake Village

Facial contouring at Schwartz Aesthetic Institute takes place at the Westlake Cosmetic Surgery Center, our state-of-the-art operating facility. Because the surgical center is on-site, patients move from consultation to surgery within a single private, convenient setting.

The center is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF), which means it meets strict standards for patient safety. Anesthesia is always provided by one of our board-certified anesthesiologists, and patient privacy and safety are always assured.

What to Expect From Facial Contouring Surgery

Consultation and Cost

The facial contouring consultation includes a facial analysis, review of medical history, and discussion of goals. Cost depends on which procedures are included, the use of implants, anesthesia, and facility fees. Our team provides a personalized estimate once the surgeon has outlined the surgical plan.

The Facial Contouring Procedure

Facial contouring is performed at our on-site surgical center under anesthesia provided by a board-certified anesthesiologist. Depending on the plan, the surgeon reshapes bone, places implants, or refines soft tissue, using incisions positioned to minimize visible scarring. Where appropriate, incisions are made inside the mouth. Combined procedures are planned together so the result stays balanced.

Recovery and Results

Swelling and bruising are expected after facial contouring and are typically most noticeable early in recovery. Dr. Schwartz or Dr. Nguyen provides instructions on diet, oral care, and activity restrictions. Swelling gradually subsides over several weeks, and the refined contours continue to emerge over the following months.

Background media

Combining Facial Contouring With Other Procedures

Facial contouring is often most effective as part of a complete plan. Dr. Schwartz and Dr. Nguyen may recommend combining it with:

Gold glitter

Facial Contouring FAQs

Is facial bone reshaping permanent?

Is facial contouring the same as a facelift?

Where are the incisions placed?

What are the risks of facial contouring?

How do I know which facial contouring procedure I need?

Where is facial contouring performed?

Is facial bone reshaping permanent?

Facial bone reshaping is long-lasting because the skeletal structure itself is altered. Natural aging of the skin and soft tissue continues, which is why some patients later add procedures such as a facelift.

Is facial contouring the same as a facelift?

No. Facial contouring changes the shape of the underlying bone or adds structural support, while a facelift lifts and tightens loose skin and soft tissue. The two address different concerns and can be combined.

Where are the incisions placed?

Incision placement depends on the procedure. Many contouring procedures can be performed through incisions inside the mouth, and others use discreet incisions in natural creases. Dr. Schwartz or Dr. Nguyen explains the planned approach during the consultation.

What are the risks of facial contouring?

Risks include swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, temporary or lasting numbness, asymmetry, implant displacement, and the possibility of revision surgery. The surgeons review these risks and how they apply to each patient before surgery.

How do I know which facial contouring procedure I need?

The right procedure depends on facial structure, proportions, and goals. Dr. Schwartz or Dr. Nguyen evaluates the whole face during consultation and uses 3D imaging to discuss realistic options.

Where is facial contouring performed?

Facial contouring is performed at the Westlake Cosmetic Surgery Center, the practice's AAAASF-accredited surgical center in Westlake Village. A board-certified anesthesiologist provides anesthesia for every procedure.

Schedule Your Facial Contouring Consultation in Westlake Village Today

Thoughtful facial contouring brings the chin, jaw, and cheeks into better proportion while preserving a natural look. Dr. Schwartz and Dr. Nguyen combine surgical experience, craniofacial expertise, and careful planning for every patient at Schwartz Aesthetic Institute. To discuss your goals and learn which procedures may be right for you, contact our Westlake Village office at (805) 706-0742 or request a consultation online.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.

Sources

Book YourConsultation Today

Dr. Schwartz has earned a reputation for excellence by creating results that consistently exceed his patients expectations. He is excited to learn about your cosmetic goals and work with you to create a custom treatment plan that sees you enjoying your ideal outcome. To get started, reach out to us by phone, or click on the link below to speak with a helpful member of our team and set up your initial consultation today.

Contact Us
Contact us media

© Michael R. Schwartz. All Rights Reserved.

Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Sitemap Notice of Open Payments Database

Digital Marketing & Design by Studio 3 Marketing® (opens in a new tab)
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (805) 449-7204.
Contact Us