Our Summary

This research aimed to understand the ratio of soft tissue to hard tissue changes in the face after orthognathic surgery, a type of surgery that corrects conditions related to the jaw and face. The researchers reviewed various studies published before August 2015 using multiple databases.

They found 16 relevant articles, but the quality of the research methods used in these studies was not very high. Despite this, some patterns emerged. In certain types of surgical movements, the ratio of soft to hard tissue changes was consistent across several studies, although the specific ratios varied. In other types of movements, there was not enough data to draw firm conclusions.

The most consistent results were found in changes to the mentolabial angle (the angle formed by the lower lip and the chin) and the soft tissue at the tip of the chin. However, the overall low quality of the studies prevented the researchers from making more detailed conclusions. The researchers concluded that more high-quality studies are needed to understand these ratios better.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of orthognathic surgery?
  2. What were the most consistent results found in the studies reviewed about changes after orthognathic surgery?
  3. Why was it difficult for the researchers to draw firm conclusions from the reviewed studies regarding the ratio of soft tissue to hard tissue changes in the face after orthognathic surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about jaw surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal results. This may include following a soft diet, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments with your surgeon. It is also important to communicate any concerns or complications to your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for jaw surgery include those with:

  1. Severe malocclusion or misalignment of the jaws
  2. Facial asymmetry or disproportionate facial features
  3. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
  4. Obstructive sleep apnea
  5. Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
  6. Chronic jaw pain or headaches related to jaw position
  7. Congenital conditions affecting the jaw and face
  8. Traumatic injuries to the jaw or face
  9. Severe overbite or underbite that cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone

Ultimately, the decision to undergo jaw surgery is made on a case-by-case basis by a team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, and other healthcare professionals. The goal of jaw surgery is to improve function, aesthetics, and overall quality of life for the patient.

Timeline

Before jaw surgery, a patient will typically undergo a series of consultations with their orthodontist, oral surgeon, and other healthcare providers to discuss their treatment plan and the potential outcomes of the surgery. They may also have to undergo orthodontic treatment to prepare their teeth and jaw for surgery.

During the surgery, the oral surgeon will make incisions in the jawbone to reposition it into the correct alignment. The surgery can take several hours, and the patient will be under general anesthesia during the procedure.

After the surgery, the patient will experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in their face and jaw. They may need to follow a liquid or soft food diet for a period of time and take pain medication as prescribed by their healthcare provider. The patient will also have follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to monitor their recovery and adjust their treatment plan as needed.

Over time, as the swelling and bruising subside, the patient will begin to see the results of the surgery in their facial appearance. The soft tissue changes in the face, such as changes to the mentolabial angle and the chin tip, will gradually become more apparent. The patient may also have to continue with orthodontic treatment to further refine their bite and jaw alignment.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about jaw surgery include:

  1. What specific changes can I expect in my facial appearance after jaw surgery?
  2. How will the surgery impact the ratio of soft tissue to hard tissue in my face?
  3. Will my facial profile look more balanced and symmetrical after the surgery?
  4. Are there any potential risks or complications related to changes in soft tissue during jaw surgery?
  5. How long will it take for the soft tissue to adjust and settle into its new position after the surgery?
  6. Will I need additional procedures or treatments to address any changes in soft tissue that may occur after jaw surgery?
  7. Can you provide me with before and after photos of patients who have undergone similar jaw surgeries to help me better understand the potential outcomes?
  8. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions or exercises that can help optimize the soft tissue changes following jaw surgery?
  9. How soon after the surgery will I be able to see the final results in terms of soft tissue changes?
  10. Are there any factors, such as age or skin elasticity, that may impact the soft tissue changes in my face after jaw surgery?

Reference

Authors: Olate S, Zaror C, Blythe JN, Mommaerts MY. Journal: J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2016 Oct;44(10):1599-1606. doi: 10.1016/j.jcms.2016.08.016. Epub 2016 Aug 21. PMID: 27618719