American men flock to Spain to have jaws surgically reshaped

An increasing number of American men are traveling to Spain for cosmetic jawline surgeries to enhance their facial features. 

According to an exclusive report by The Daily Mail, Dr. Frederico Alfaro, who runs the Instituto Maxilofacial in Barcelona, revealed that approximately half of his patients are international, with a significant portion coming from the United States.

“In fact, my second case this morning, he is a patient from New York,” Alfaro shared. “We get a lot of American patients.”

About 50 percent of the clinic’s clients seek jawline surgery for cosmetic reasons. The trend has been fueled by the clinic's online posts which show shocking before-and-after transformation photos that attract men worldwide.

The surgical procedure involves cutting and repositioning the mandible and securing it with metal plates and screws. In some cases, bones in the midface or chin may also be cut and repositioned. 

“One of the main concerns is a lack of facial projection, a lack of jawline and neck definition. A lack of manliness, we could say it like this,” Alfaro explained. 

Alfaro added that he takes a “holistic approach” to ensure clients are satisfied with their results. Patients opting for the surgery can take advantage of an international package that includes a week-long stay in Spain. The surgery itself takes about an hour and a half, leaving the remaining days for recovery.

Dr. Alfaro’s clinic treats approximately 200 patients annually, with about half coming from abroad. The surgeries, such as the one to reposition the jaw, can cost between $17,000 and $19,000 in the US.

While many patients undergo the surgery for cosmetic reasons, others seek it to address medical issues such as misaligned teeth or sleep apnea. The clinic also offers additional procedures, such as facelifts, to improve skin and overall facial appearance.