JAW SURGERY

Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic)

Orthognathic surgery involves the surgical repositioning of the top jaw, bottom jaw and/or chin in any direction to correct functional or cosmetic problems. This is usually performed in conjunction with your orthodontist, as a period of braces is usually required to prepare for and supplement surgery. This is a core part of our work at OMS Specialists.

Request appointment
Orthognathic (corrective jaw) surgery — clinical reference

Quick answer about this procedure

QUICK ANSWER

Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw or chin to address skeletal discrepancies causing an abnormal bite, breathing difficulties or facial imbalance. Led by Mr Richard Cobb (Melbourne Orthognathic Fellowship), complex cases are planned using 3D Virtual Surgical Planning software.

Procedure
Orthognathic (Le Fort I / BSSO / genioplasty)
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia
Duration
2–4 hrs
Stay
Hospital 1–2 nights
Recovery
4–6 weeks back to work

IS THIS FOR YOU?

Orthognathic surgery is usually considered when:

  • An abnormal bite (Class II or Class III malocclusion) cannot be corrected by braces alone
  • Open bite, facial asymmetry or skeletal imbalance affects function or appearance
  • Obstructive sleep apnoea would benefit from maxillo-mandibular advancement
  • A combined orthodontic-surgical plan has been agreed with your orthodontist
  • Eating, speaking or jaw function is significantly affected by skeletal discrepancy
WHO PERFORMS THIS

Performed by Richard Cobb

Mr Richard Cobb performs this procedure at OMS Specialists.

Mr Richard Cobb, Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Mr Richard Cobb

Specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

BDS · MBBS · MFDS(Eng) · MRCS(Eng) · DHMSA · FRCS(OMFS)

  • Oral Surgery
  • Jaw Surgery
  • Facial Surgery
  • Skin Surgery
View full profile

RECOVERY TIMELINE

Recovery timeline

  • 1–2 nights

    Hospital stay

    Inpatient admission with monitored recovery. Liquid then soft diet, prescribed pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication.

    Red flags · Difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, fever over 38.5°C, or inability to swallow fluids.

  • 1–14 days

    Week 1–2

    Swelling peaks in the first week then settles. Soft diet continues. Most patients work from home in week 2.

  • 4–6 weeks

    Week 4–6

    Return to desk-based work, dietary progression to chewing soft foods, and orthodontic elastics begin to refine the bite.

  • 3–12 months

    Month 3–12

    Continued bone healing and braces finishing. Final orthodontic detailing is usually complete by 6–12 months post-surgery.

RISKS & HONESTY

Risks we discuss before consent

  • Altered sensation

    Numbness or altered sensation of the lower lip, chin or cheek is common in the early weeks and usually recovers over months. A small risk of permanent altered sensation is discussed at consent.

  • Bleeding

    Significant haemorrhage during orthognathic surgery is uncommon but is part of the consent discussion given the vascular anatomy of the maxilla and mandible.

  • Relapse or unfavourable healing

    Occasionally the corrected position relapses slightly or the bone heals unfavourably, requiring revision or adjustment of the orthodontic finishing plan.

  • Infection

    Infection at the surgical sites or around the fixation plates is uncommon and is managed with prescribed antibiotics.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Common questions about orthognathic surgery

How long does the whole orthodontic-surgical process take?

The full pathway typically takes 18 to 24 months from braces start to braces off. Pre-surgical orthodontics align the teeth within each jaw over 12 to 18 months, surgery repositions the jaws in a single operation, and post-surgical orthodontics refines the bite over a further 3 to 6 months. This is usually performed in conjunction with your orthodontist, as a period of braces is required to prepare and supplement surgery.

Is orthognathic surgery painful?

Orthognathic surgery is performed under general anaesthesia in a hospital, with prescribed pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication managing post-operative discomfort. Most patients describe the first week as moderately uncomfortable rather than acutely painful, with swelling being the more dominant sensation. Pain settles markedly over the first 7 to 10 days.

What is Virtual Surgical Planning, and will my case use it?

Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP) uses digital imaging and computer software to plan the surgical movement of the jaws and to manufacture custom cutting guides and plates. It allows highly complex procedures to be extremely precise. Mr Richard Cobb leads VSP at OMS Specialists, and complex orthognathic cases routinely use VSP to plan the surgery in three dimensions.

RELATED PROCEDURES

Other procedures patients consider

START THE CONVERSATION

Three pathways to specialist care

DIRECT

Request an appointment

Online form. Our admin team will respond within one working day.

Request appointment

CLINICIANS

Refer a patient

For GPs, dentists and specialists. Secure referral portal with imaging upload.

Refer a patient

SPEAK DIRECTLY

Call (09) 477 0058

Mon to Fri, 8:00am to 5:00pm. Reception will route your call to the right person.

Call (09) 477 0058