What is orthognathic surgery?

Orthognathic surgery, also known as jaw surgery, readjusts the jaws and teeth to enhance functionality and appearance. Orthognathic surgery is generally performed entirely inside your mouth, leaving no visible facial scars on your chin, jaw or around your mouth.

Types of orthognathic surgery

• Surgery for severely compromised patients with major bone resorption
• Jaw movement, augmentation and dental implant rehabilitation
• Tongue surgery/tongue tie surgery
• Tongue reduction surgery for sleep apnoea
• Tongue flaps
• Treatment of facial asymmetry
• Mandibular (lower jaw) deformity
• Maxillary (upper jaw) deformity
• Chin deformity

The procedure

Surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia and requires a two- to a four-day hospital stay.

During surgery, Prof. Hendricks makes cuts in the jawbones and moves them into the correct position. Once your jaw movement is completed, tiny screws, bone plates, wires and rubber bands are used to secure the bones into their new position. These screws (which are smaller than a bracket used for braces) integrate into the bone over time.

In some cases, more bone may be added to the jaw. Prof. Hendricks transfers this bone from your hip, leg or rib and secures it firmly with plates and screws. In other cases, the bone may be reshaped to ensure a better fit.

Aftercare for Orthognathic Surgery

You will most likely recover from the anaesthesia in the hospital for a few hours. Single jaw surgeries do not necessitate an overnight hospital stay and will be discharged when certain criteria are met. Double jaw surgery cases will likely go directly to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for an overnight stay. During the first 24 hours, you should consume as much fluid as possible to prevent dehydration. Prof. Hendricks will prescribe medication to help reduce pain and swelling.