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cosmetic surgery

Orthognathic Jaw Surgery

Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery or simply jaw surgery, is surgery designed to correct conditions of the jaw and lower face related to structure, growth, airway issues including sleep apnea, TMJ disorders, malocclusion problems primarily arising from skeletal disharmonies, and other orthodontic dental bite problems that cannot be treated easily with braces, as well as the broad range of facial imbalances, disharmonies, asymmetries, and malproportions where correction ma

By The Treatment Registry

Quick Facts

Price range
Varies by clinic
Recovery
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Sessions
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Category
cosmetic surgery
Anaesthesia
Varies
Min. stay abroad
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Price Range (International)
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Average Recovery
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Typical Sessions
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Category
cosmetic surgery

Overview

Orthognathic surgery, also called corrective jaw surgery or simply jaw surgery, is surgery designed to correct conditions of the jaws and lower face relating to their structure, growth and alignment. It is used to treat skeletal disharmonies that cause malocclusion (a bad bite) and cannot be treated easily with braces, as well as airway problems including sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and a broad range of facial imbalances, asymmetries and disproportion. Deformities range from micrognathia, where the lower jaw does not grow far enough forward, producing an overbite, to a lower jaw that grows too much, causing an underbite; both can make chewing problematic and uncomfortable. The surgery can also be part of the treatment of congenital conditions such as cleft palate. The core of the operation is an osteotomy, the surgical division of bone, usually carried out through the mouth, in which the upper jaw (maxilla), the lower jaw (mandible), or commonly both, are cut, repositioned, modified and realigned so the teeth and jaws meet correctly; a total maxillary osteotomy, for example, is used to treat 'long face' deformity. The procedure is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or plastic surgeon working with an orthodontist, and it usually involves braces before and after surgery, with retainers afterwards, so the teeth fit together properly once the jaws are moved. It is estimated that nearly 5% of the population has dentofacial deformities not amenable to orthodontic treatment alone; careful coordination between surgeon and orthodontist is essential to a good result.

Key Considerations

    Common Risks

    • Bleeding and swelling
    • Infection (rates of up to about 7% reported; antibiotic prophylaxis reduces the risk)
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Post-operative facial numbness from nerve damage, usually temporary and more rarely permanent
    • Injury to the inferior alveolar nerve, which must be carefully identified and worked around
    Detailed risk profile →

    Credentials a clinic should hold

    Specialty-board certifications and facility-level accreditations relevant to this procedure. Verify on the issuer's public register before booking — most issuers publish a searchable directory.

    • ISAPS member surgeon

      Issuer International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

      Individual surgeon membership; requires national-board certification in plastic surgery plus peer endorsement.

      Verify on the issuer's register →

    • National plastic-surgery board certification

      Issuer Country-specific (e.g. ABPS in US, BAAPS in UK, SBCP in Brazil, KSPRS in South Korea, ASPRS in Australia)

      Specialty-board certification in plastic surgery from the surgeon's country of practice. The single most important credential for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure.

      Verify on the issuer's register →

    Current clinical trials

    Ongoing research studies registered on ClinicalTrials.gov whose intervention involves orthognathic jaw surgery. This is a neutral pointer to public research — not an endorsement, not a recruitment drive, and not medical advice. Trial status changes often; confirm eligibility and current status with the study team via each record.

    Showing 6 recent ongoing studies. Source: ClinicalTrials.gov — all matching trials (U.S. National Library of Medicine, public domain). Retrieved 2026-08-02.

    Recovery Timeline

    Average recovery for Orthognathic Jaw Surgery is 0 days. Individual recovery varies — always follow your surgeon’s specific guidance.

    1. 01Day 0–1

      Immediate

      First 24–48 hours post-procedure. Monitoring, anaesthesia recovery, initial pain management. Most clinics expect you to remain on-site or nearby.

    2. 02Day 2–2

      Early recovery

      Wound care, swelling or bruising peaks, restricted activity. Typical window for follow-up visits and drain removal if applicable. Travel is usually not advised.

    3. 03Day 3–3

      Intermediate recovery

      Gradual return to non-strenuous daily activity. Many international patients fly home during this window. Surgeon may require medical clearance for long-haul travel.

    4. 04Day 4–0

      Full recovery

      Return to full activity, exercise, and work. Final results may still be settling. Final follow-up with local doctor recommended.

    Dentofacial osteotomies require an initial healing period of about two to six weeks, with complete bony union and remodelling taking a further two to four months. The jaw is sometimes immobilised with wires or elastics for roughly one to four weeks, and generally needs two to three months to heal properly. Pain medication is typically taken for about six to eight days, during which patients should not drive or operate machinery, while mouth-cleaning and antibiotics are used to help prevent infection. Most patients are able to return to work two to six weeks after surgery, while continuing to follow specific recovery rules for around eight weeks.

    Questions to Ask Your Clinic

      Browse all destinations offering Orthognathic Jaw Surgery →Detailed cost breakdown →

      Frequently Asked Questions

      What is orthognathic jaw surgery?

      It is corrective jaw surgery designed to fix conditions of the jaws and lower face related to structure, growth and alignment. It addresses skeletal problems that cause a bad bite and cannot be corrected with braces alone.

      What conditions does it treat?

      It is used for malocclusion arising from skeletal disharmony, such as overbites and underbites, as well as sleep apnea and airway issues, TMJ disorders, and facial asymmetries and disproportion. It can also be part of treating congenital conditions such as cleft palate.

      How is the surgery performed?

      The operation is based on an osteotomy, the surgical cutting of bone, usually done through the mouth. The upper jaw, lower jaw, or commonly both, are cut, moved, modified and realigned so the teeth and jaws meet correctly.

      Do I need braces as well?

      Usually yes. Orthognathic surgery often includes braces before and after the operation, and retainers after the braces are removed. Careful coordination between the surgeon and orthodontist is needed so the teeth fit together correctly after surgery.

      How long is recovery?

      Initial healing takes about two to six weeks, with complete bony healing taking a further two to four months. The jaw may be immobilised for roughly one to four weeks, and most patients can return to work within two to six weeks.

      What are the risks?

      Although infrequent, complications can include bleeding, swelling, infection, and nausea and vomiting. There can also be post-operative facial numbness from nerve damage, which is usually temporary but more rarely can be permanent.

      Conditions treated

      Clinical conditions for which orthognathic jaw surgery is a treatment-ladder option.

      Gummy smileJaw malocclusion

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