Our Summary

In simpler terms, this research paper investigates why patients who’ve had jaw surgery might need a second operation. The study examined 30 patients who visited a clinic for secondary surgery consultation between October 2015 and September 2021. It found that the most common reasons for considering a second operation were not being happy with the look of the first surgery (70% of patients), changes to the airway (36.7% of patients), uncomfortable bite (26.7% of patients), other complications (16.7% of patients) and jaw joint disorders (13.3% of patients). However, less than half of these patients (43.3%) actually went through with a second operation. The second operations ranged from small tweaks to complete do-overs, depending on what the patient needed. For complete do-overs, modern technology like virtual planning, tailored surgical guides, and 3D printing helped achieve better and more predictable results. The study concludes that it’s crucial for doctors to properly discuss with patients what they can expect in terms of improved appearance from jaw surgery to ensure they are satisfied with the outcome.

FAQs

  1. What are the most common reasons for considering a second jaw surgery?
  2. What percentage of patients actually go through with a second operation after consulting?
  3. How does modern technology like virtual planning, tailored surgical guides, and 3D printing improve the results of a second jaw surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about orthognathic surgery is to have realistic expectations and to communicate openly with their surgeon about their goals and concerns. It is important for patients to understand that jaw surgery can have a significant impact on their appearance, function, and overall quality of life. By discussing their expectations and concerns with their surgeon, patients can ensure that they are on the same page and that the surgery will meet their needs and goals. Additionally, patients should follow their surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery and optimal results.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for orthognathic surgery are those with severe malocclusions (misalignment of the teeth and jaw), facial asymmetry, difficulty chewing or biting, sleep apnea, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, or other functional or aesthetic issues related to the jaw and facial structure. These patients may have tried other treatments such as braces or orthodontics without success, and orthognathic surgery may be recommended as a more permanent solution to correct their issues.

Timeline

Before orthognathic surgery:

  1. Consultation with orthodontist and oral surgeon to discuss treatment options
  2. Orthodontic treatment to align teeth and prepare for surgery
  3. Pre-operative appointments for medical evaluations and planning
  4. Discussion of surgical plan, potential risks, and expected outcomes
  5. Pre-surgical orthodontic adjustments to fine-tune bite alignment
  6. Consent form signing and final preparations for surgery

After orthognathic surgery:

  1. Immediate post-operative care in hospital or surgical center
  2. Pain management and recovery period at home
  3. Follow-up appointments with surgeon for monitoring healing progress
  4. Gradual return to normal diet and activities
  5. Continued orthodontic treatment to finalize bite alignment
  6. Monitoring of long-term outcomes and potential need for additional procedures
  7. Potential need for secondary surgery to address unresolved issues or complications

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after orthognathic surgery can vary depending on individual circumstances and treatment plans. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations and thorough discussions with their healthcare providers throughout the process to ensure successful outcomes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with orthognathic surgery?

  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?

  3. Will I need to follow a specific diet or take any medications after the surgery?

  4. How will orthognathic surgery improve my appearance and functionality of my jaw?

  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to orthognathic surgery that I should consider?

  6. What is the success rate of orthognathic surgery in terms of achieving the desired outcome?

  7. How many orthognathic surgeries have you performed and what is your experience with this procedure?

  8. Will I need any additional procedures or treatments after the orthognathic surgery?

  9. How long will the results of the orthognathic surgery last and are there any long-term considerations I should be aware of?

  10. What can I do to ensure the best possible outcome from the orthognathic surgery?

Reference

Authors: Kim CY, Ha SH, Lee PR, Baek SH, Choi JY. Journal: J Craniofac Surg. 2023 Jul-Aug 01;34(5):e437-e442. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000009271. Epub 2023 Mar 16. PMID: 36922388