Facial Cosmetic Procedures > Chin & Jaw Surgery

Pre-Operative Instructions and Post-Operative Instructions

Orthognathic surgery is needed when jaws don't meet correctly and/or teeth don't seem to fit with jaws. Teeth are straightened with orthodontics and corrective jaw surgery repositions misaligned jaws. This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.

Who Needs Orthognathic Surgery?

People who can benefit from orthognathic surgery include those with an improper bite or jaws that are positioned incorrectly. Jaw growth is a gradual process and in some instances, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. The result can be a host of problems that can affect chewing function, speech, long-term oral health and appearance. Injury to the jaw and birth defects can also affect jaw alignment. Orthodontics alone can correct bite problems when only the teeth are involved. Orthognathic surgery may be required for the jaws when repositioning is necessary.

Difficulty in the following areas should be evaluated:

• difficulty in chewing, biting or swallowing
• speech problems
• chronic jaw or TMJ pain
• open bite
• protruding jaw
• breathing problems

Any of these symptoms can exist at birth, be acquired as a result of hereditary or environmental influences or as a result of trauma to the face. Before any treatment begins, a consultation will be held to perform a complete examination with x-rays. During the pre-treatment consultation process, feel free to ask any questions that you have regarding your treatment. When you are fully informed about the aspects of your care, you and your dental team will make the decision to proceed with treatment together.

Technology and Orthognathic Surgery

Our surgeons may use modern computer techniques and three-dimensional models to show you exactly how your surgery will be approached. Using comprehensive facial X-rays and computer video imaging, we can show you how your bite will be improved and even give you an idea of how you'll look after surgery. This helps you understand the surgical process and the extent of the treatment prescribed. Our goal is to help you understand the benefits of orthognathic surgery.

If you are a candidate for Corrective Jaw Surgery, our surgeons will work closely with your dentist and orthodontist during your treatment. The actual surgery can move your teeth and jaws into a new position that results in a more attractive, functional and healthy dental-facial relationship.

Cosmetic Chin & Jaw Surgery

The chin balances the face and provides definition.  Your surgeon may also recommend rhinoploasty (nose surgery) when chin augmentation is used to achieve more facial balance and harmony.  Chin surgery is a relatively straightforward procedure that can make a major difference in the appearance of your face.

Sometimes jaws grow at different rates producing abnormalities that may interfere with proper teeth alignment, speaking and chewing. In these instances, jaw surgery is necessary to correct these abnormalities.

Chin Surgery - Who makes a Good Candidate?

There are many options and aspects to chin surgery that you should consider. A balanced profile can be achieved by inserting an implant or moving the bone forward to build up a receding chin. The same procedure can be used to reduce a chin that is too prominent. Liposuction of the neck can also help remove excess fatty tissue to redefine the chin or neckline.

During your consultation, your surgeon may use digital images of your face and profile. He will utilize image altering technology to work with you to develop and understand what may be possible. It is important to note that computer imaging gives an idea of the intended result but may not represent an exact outcome.

Knowing the Procedure.

To augment the chin, your surgeon will begin by making an incision either in the natural crease line just under the chin or inside the mouth, where gum and lower lip meet. This procedure is called genioplasty. The procedure is accomplished inside the mouth without any skin incision or scar.  When implants are placed, the incision is under the chin and scar usually cannot be seen.

In chin reduction surgery, incisions are made either in the mouth or under the chin. The surgeon then sculpts the bone to the desired shape and size.

Jaw Surgery - Who makes a Good Candidate?

After consulting with Dr. Kuhn or Dr. Tu it might be mutually agreed upon that corrective jaw surgery is the proper course of action to improve your appearance and avoid possible long term physical damage to the teeth, jaws and jaw joints.

Getting the Results you Want.

Corrective jaw surgery involves moving all or part of the upper and/or lower jaw into a position that gives the face a more balanced look. If the jaw is too large it can be moved backwards. The entire jaw can be moved forward if it is too small. The goal is to improve function and restore facial balance. Orthodontic treatment may also be needed to align teeth properly.

After the jaws are moved into their new position, they are fastened back together using small plates and screws. The jaws are not wired together after surgery. Rigid internal fixation with miniature screws and plates may be used to allow you to open and close your jaws after surgery.

Safe and Simple Recovery.

After chin or jaw surgery, Your surgeon applies a bandage that will remain in place over night. Pain medications will be prescribed to help with any discomfort. Chewing will probably be limited immediately after surgery and a soft, non-chewing diet will be required for a few weeks. Most patients feel a stretched, tight sensation after the surgery, but this usually subsides in a week.

Patients undergoing jaw surgery are limited to a swallowing diet for 6-8 weeks, even though they do not have their jaws wired together.

Before and After Photos
PATIENT 1

 

Patient presents with a large growth disturbance between the upper jaw and midface (small) and lower face (prominent).

After jaw reconstruction (movement of the upper jaw and midface forward and the lower jaw backward) the facial balance is natural. Patient als had rhinoplasty.

 

 

 After surgery patient has excellent facial harmony. Several procedures used in conjunction with each other create a dramatically improved facial appearance.

PATIENT 2











PATIENT 3