JAW SURGERY

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)

OSA is a sleep-related breathing disorder which involves the partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway due to relaxation of the walls of the throat. Over time, this can cause snoring, poor sleep and significant health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke or heart attack.

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Jaw surgery for obstructive sleep apnoea

Quick answer about this procedure

QUICK ANSWER

Surgical management of obstructive sleep apnoea, principally through Maxillo-Mandibular Advancement (MMA) for patients who do not tolerate or cannot succeed with CPAP. MMA is the most successful surgical procedure available for OSA in appropriately selected cases.

Procedure
Maxillo-Mandibular Advancement (MMA)
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia
Duration
3–5 hrs
Stay
Hospital 1–2 nights
Recovery
4–6 weeks back to work

IS THIS FOR YOU?

MMA surgery for OSA is usually considered when:

  • CPAP has been tried and is not tolerated, or has failed to control symptoms
  • Sleep study (polysomnography) confirms moderate to severe OSA
  • Anatomic factors point to skeletal jaw position as a contributing cause
  • Your sleep physician supports a surgical referral
  • Other surgical options (UPPP, hypoglossal stimulation, septoplasty) have been considered
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
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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 and dietary progression to chewing soft foods. Sleep study repeat is usually scheduled at 3–6 months to confirm OSA resolution.

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 MMA is uncommon but is part of the consent discussion given the vascular anatomy of the maxilla and mandible.

  • Persistent OSA

    MMA significantly improves or cures OSA in the great majority of appropriately selected cases, but a small proportion of patients have residual OSA requiring ongoing CPAP or further intervention.

  • Infection or hardware sensitivity

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

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Common questions about OSA surgery

Why is jaw surgery a treatment for sleep apnoea?

OSA is partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep due to relaxation of the walls of the throat. The gold standard of treatment usually involves continual-positive- airway-pressure (CPAP), which involves the patient wearing a machine during sleep, every night. For patients who do not tolerate CPAP — or are burdened by the discomfort, inconvenience and social stigma of CPAP — surgically advancing one or both jaws is the most successful surgical procedure available, in appropriately selected cases. Maxillo-Mandibular Advancement opens the airway by repositioning the maxilla and mandible forward.

How successful is MMA surgery?

In appropriately selected cases MMA significantly improves or cures OSA. Our Surgeons are highly experienced in performing Maxillo-Mandibular Advancement (MMA) for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) patients and have a comprehensive understanding of the special considerations that must be accounted for. We work closely with your sleep physician to aim for a cure of OSA and ultimately a life off CPAP.

Will I need a sleep study before and after?

Yes. A sleep study (polysomnography) is required to confirm the severity of OSA, characterise the apnoea-hypopnoea index, and document baseline severity. A repeat sleep study is usually scheduled at 3 to 6 months after surgery to confirm the result.

What is the cost, and is this funded?

MMA for OSA is usually a self-funded or insurance-covered procedure unless a specific funding pathway applies. Southern Cross and Nib commonly cover most procedures under their surgical plans when surgery is clinically indicated. A written estimate is provided at consultation.

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