Aesthetic Orthognathic Surgery Chicago
A strong jaw line is a physical suggestion of confidence, youth, and vigor. Features of the lower-third of the face that are lacking in definition or symmetry can influence self-esteem in men and women alike. Aesthetic orthognathic surgery, more commonly known simply as jaw surgery, is a procedure to enhance the shape, size, and contours of the jaw, while simultaneously correcting any functional issues that may be present.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR AESTHETIC ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY?
There are a number of factors that can attribute to a weak jaw line. Some people are born with smaller jaws, or mandibular hypoplasia (an underdevelopment of the jaw). You may have a retrusive jaw (one that is displaced backwards from a central position), or would just like to enhance or augment the size or shape of your jaw. Vertical maxillary excess, also known as a “gummy smile,” or too much teeth showing can be corrected with aesthetic orthognathic surgery.
Ideal candidates for orthognathic surgery are in generally good physical health, non-smokers, and do not have any medical conditions that may impede the healing process.
To best determine if you are a candidate for aesthetic orthognathic surgery, schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. In some cases, issues of the jaw line may be better treated with a different procedure, such as genioplasty, a neck lift, or liposuction.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR CONSULTATION
If you believe you are a candidate for aesthetic orthognathic surgery, contact the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago for a consultation. A board-certified plastic surgeon will review your medical history and perform a full facial evaluation to see if this procedure is the best treatment option for your aesthetic goals. We will take the time to explain all aspects of the procedure, including recovery, cost, any potential risks associated with aesthetic orthognathic surgery.
HOW IS AESTHETIC ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY PERFORMED?
After general anesthesia is administered, incisions are made, typically inside the mouth. From there, the process of performing the procedure varies. Aesthetic orthognathic surgery usually involves cutting either the upper or lower jaw, realigning the affected bones, and then using plates and screws to hold them in place. These techniques are used to improve the overall aesthetic balance of the face.
During the procedure, the jaw is typically wired shut with stainless steel wires to ensure that the bones are correctly positioned. After surgery, these wires are removed and rubber bands are used to allow the bones ample time to heal in the new positions.
Lastly, sutures are used to close the incisions. Oral sutures are usually absorbable, so they will not have to be removed later.
RECOVERY AFTER AESTHETIC ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY
Bruising and swelling at and around the surgical site is normal after orthognathic surgery. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medication and give specific instructions regarding diet and physical activity. A liquid diet is typical in the days following the procedure, and patients should not perform any rigorous activity until they are cleared by their plastic surgeon to do so.
Rubber bands will be placed for a short period of time after the procedure to help keep the bones in their new positions while they heal. Your plastic surgeon will discuss this with you during your consultation so that you understand the full recovery process.
The results of aesthetic orthognathic surgery will be apparent after swelling and bruising go away completely, usually within two months after the procedure is performed.
POTENTIAL RISKS OF AESTHETIC ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY
Every surgical procedure involves some potential risk. The complications generally associated with orthognathic surgery include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Changes in skin sensation
- Mouth or lip numbness
You should always ensure that your surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery before undergoing any surgical procedure, and that the surgery is being carried out in an accredited surgical facility.
WHAT DOES AESTHETIC ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY COST?
The national average cost for orthognathic surgery, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, is around $18,000. This figure will vary according to your location, the surgeon, and your particular aesthetic goals. In some cases, health insurance may cover some of the cost if the jaw is misaligned, under or overdeveloped, or if a congenital defect is apparent. You should speak with your health insurance provider before scheduling a consultation.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
At the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago, we are happy to answer any questions you may have about aesthetic orthognathic surgery. If you believe you may be a candidate for this procedure, give us a call to schedule a consultation and speak with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
All surgical procedures by the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago are performed at top hospitals in Chicago and CMS or AAAASF-certified surgical centers for safety.
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A facial feminization case that highlights how subtle changes can have a major impact on the balance and proportions of the face. Do the post-operative images appear softer, less angular, more refined, and more heart-shaped rather than square-shaped? Can you tell what surgeries were performed? Hint: look closely at the forehead/orbital rims, nose, chin, jawline, and neck. Posted with permission.
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Post-operative results on a patient in her 50’s who wanted improvement in the contour of her neck and jawline. She felt like her neck showed her age and she wanted to appear as she did in her late 30’s. The patient underwent a lower facelift and neck lift. In the post-operative photos, you can see a nice and natural neck contour and improvement in the jawline (jowls were treated). Pay attention to the volume redistribution, now her volume is in a more youthful position at the level of the cheek bones. Her appearance changed from sad and tired to looking as though she is ready to take on the world. Posted with permission.
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6 month follow-up on a patient who underwent a breast reduction and lift for neck and back pain. For this surgery, we reduce the size of the breast and lift the breast and nipple to a more aesthetic position on the chest. These surgeries are some of the most rewarding surgeries plastic surgeons perform due to the impact they have on neck/back pain and improvement in mobility, exercise, and activities of daily living. The scars continue to fade with time and by 1 year, they blend in with the surrounding skin color. Posted with permission.
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Early follow-up (3 months) on a patient with thicker skin, who underwent a primary rhinoplasty. The patient’s goals were to reduce the dorsal hump, refine and lift the tip, but not change her nose significantly. In the post-operative photos you can see a natural result with improvement in the dorsal profile and tip aesthetics. Over the next 8-12 months, the tip will continue to improve in terms of swelling, refinement, and detail. Posted with permission.
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A combined primary rhinoplasty and otoplasty or ear pinning. For the rhinoplasty, the goals of the surgery were to improve the deviation, remove the dorsal hump, and refine the tip. The patient had deviation to the right which was straightened. The dorsal hump was removed to create a nice profile. For the tip, the tip was de-projected, de-rotated and refined. In other words, the tip was brought back closer to the face, rotated downwards, and it was made smaller. Happy for this patient and the improvements we were able to achieve for her. Posted with permission.
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This young patient wanted to feel more confident about the appearance of her ears and to be able to wear her hair up without feeling self-conscious about the asymmetries of her ears. The patient underwent a unilateral otoplasty of the left ear. The patient now proudly wears her hair up and is living her best life. Posted with permission.
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This is a massive weight loss patient who lost over 100 lbs and was bothered by the loose skin of her arms. The patient underwent an arm lift to remove the excess skin and to define the arms. In the post-operative photos you can see significant improvement in the contour and definition of her arms that now fit her new body. Posted with permission.
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Challenging tertiary revision rhinoplasty. Patient has thick skin, significant deviation, a dorsal hump, a plunging and under-projected/under-rotated tip, wide nose etc….how much better does her nose look? Does it look straighter, narrower, refined, and is the tip more rotated and projected? Posted with permission.
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