Our Summary

This study looks into whether social media plays a role in a person’s decision to have orthognathic surgery, which is a type of jaw correction surgery. The researchers gave an online survey to people who had this type of surgery. Out of 111 responses, 107 people took part in the survey. The results show that Twitter was a source of information about this surgery for 57% of the people. Only 2.8% of people were influenced by an ad or social media post about the surgery, while 14% felt somewhat influenced. Around 23.4% of people chose their surgeon through social media. More than half (52.3%) were neutral about whether social media had answered their questions or concerns about the surgery. The study concluded that social media did not really influence the decision to have the surgery. The researchers suggest that surgeons and specialists should use their social media platforms to answer any concerns or questions about this type of surgery.

FAQs

  1. Does social media play a role in influencing a person’s decision to undergo orthognathic surgery?
  2. What percentage of people used social media to choose their surgeon for orthognathic surgery?
  3. What is the role of surgeons and specialists in regards to using their social media platforms for patient concerns or questions about orthognathic surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about jaw surgery is to follow their post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal results. This may include sticking to a soft diet, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding habits like nail biting or teeth grinding can help prevent complications and promote successful outcomes. It is important to communicate openly with your healthcare team and ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have throughout the surgical process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended jaw surgery are those with severe malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth), facial asymmetry, difficulty chewing or speaking, sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and other issues with the alignment of the jaw. Orthodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons may recommend jaw surgery as a treatment option for these patients.

Timeline

Before jaw surgery:

  • Patient notices issues with jaw alignment or function, such as difficulty chewing or speaking
  • Patient consults with an orthodontist or oral surgeon to discuss treatment options
  • Patient undergoes various tests and evaluations to determine the best course of action
  • Patient receives information about the surgery, including potential risks and benefits
  • Patient prepares for the surgery, which may involve orthodontic treatment to align the teeth

After jaw surgery:

  • Patient undergoes the surgery, which may involve repositioning the jaw bones and securing them in place with screws or plates
  • Patient experiences swelling, pain, and discomfort in the days following the surgery
  • Patient follows a liquid or soft food diet as the jaw heals
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process
  • Patient may undergo orthodontic treatment to fine-tune the bite alignment
  • Patient experiences improved jaw function and aesthetics after the surgery

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with jaw surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during that time?
  3. Will I need to follow a specific diet or make any lifestyle changes before or after the surgery?
  4. How will my jaw function be affected by the surgery and will I need any additional treatments or therapies?
  5. What are the expected results of the surgery and will there be any visible changes to my appearance?
  6. How experienced are you in performing jaw surgery and what is your success rate?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could achieve similar results?
  8. How much will the surgery cost and will it be covered by my insurance?
  9. How many follow-up appointments will I need after the surgery and what can I expect during those visits?
  10. Are there any specific instructions or precautions I should follow before and after the surgery to ensure optimal outcomes?

Reference

Authors: Alsuhaym O, Aldawas I, Maki F, Alamro M, Alshehri K, Alharthi Y. Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Jun 12;20(12):6103. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20126103. PMID: 37372690