Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Surgery)

• When? This should be undertaken when your face has finished growing. Usually this happens toward the end of adolescence and early adulthood.
• Why? Some patients who have had surgery for clefts affecting their palate notice an imbalance in the growth between their upper and lower jaw. They may notice that their lower jaw sits further forward in side profile. If this is concerning to them, we can offer orthognathic surgery to bring the upper jaw forward. Whilst this procedure is usually performed to change appearance, it can also have some knock on effects, such as improving speech and relieving nasal obstruction.
• Are there alternatives? This is not an essential surgery and it is up to you whether you would like to pursue it.
• How? You will be asleep for the operation. We will make some cuts in the bone of your upper jaw to move it forward and then fix it in position with some plates and screws
  • Before the operation:
    • You will need braces to prepare your teeth for surgery. This is usually for 12-24 months before the operation and 6 months afterwards
    • We may ask you to see our psychology team to speak to them about what you hope to achieve with surgery
    • You will have lots of X-rays and some moulds made of your teeth (dental impressions)
  • On the day of surgery:
    • You will receive instructions on when you need to stop eating and drinking before the operation
    • If you are being treated in Manchester, you will come to (location)
    • If you are being treated in Liverpool, you will come to (location)
  • Going home:
    • You will stay in hospital for at least one night to ensure that you are comfortable and do not have any immediate issues following the operation
  • Aftercare:
    • Feeding: You will be expected to be on a soft diet for 4 weeks. Advice on what foods count as a soft diet can be found here (link to nursing page
    • Pain relief: This depends on your level of pain after the operation. We would recommend regular paracetamol and ibuprofen, but you may also be sent home with a small supply of oral morphine if this is required.
    • X-rays: You will have some X-rays after your operation to check your new jaw position
    • Follow up: You will be seen by the orthodontist in clinic in the first few weeks following your operation
  • What are the risks?
    • Pain: this can be quite a sore operation, but we will support you whilst in hospital, and provide painkillers to take when you are discharged.
    • Swelling: The face is usually quite swollen following this operation. Most of the swelling will go down in the first 3 weeks, but some can persist for several months
    • Bleeding/bruising: Usually this can be well controlled in the operation. There is likely to be some bruising, and in a small number of cases our patients require a transfusion.
    • Numbness: This can affect the cheek or lip and is usually caused by the swelling, but it can take longer to settle. In rare cases, this is permanent.
    • Infection: This is
    • Speech: 20% of patients notice that their speech sounds more nasal after orthognathic surgery
    • Hearing problems: This can occur after surgery because changing the jaw position can also change the position of some tubes in the ear (eustachian tubes)
    • Metalwork problems: Most people keep the screws and plates forever, but a small number need them removing
    • Loss of teeth or bone healing problems: This is very rare, but we think it’s important because it would be unpleasant for you if it happens.

External links:

• • • https://org.uk/patients/treatments/your-jaw-surgery/
    • https://com/support-and-community/teenagers-young-people/understanding-operations/jaw-surgery-for-young-people/