Can corrective jaw surgery give me a new face?

Dental mal-alignment, an excessively gummy smile, a protruding jaw (upper or lower or both), absence of a chin, asymmetrical facial features, a repaired cleft palate – these are some of the situations which may require a visit to a maxillofacial surgeon for corrective jaw surgery. Often, the expectation is to get a completely new face. The question – can corrective jaw surgery give me a new face – is one which we get with a high frequency. We would like to take this opportunity to discuss this question.

To answer the question, can corrective jaw surgery give me a new face – the answer is NO. 

Some patients have obtained drastically favourable results

Corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, is a procedure that works on modifying the position of the jaws to improve projection and symmetry. It does not change your facial soft tissue texture, colour and type. Therefore, it cannot give you new features or a new face.

Repositioning the jaw also does not mean that the procedure changes your personality – that is something only you can work on. Yes, the balance and symmetry which this procedure brings to your face can improve its aesthetic appeal, which acts as a confidence-booster, but it does not give you a new personality.

What does corrective jaw surgery do?

1. Bring about symmetry to your facial profile – this helps improve the aesthetic appeal.

2. Indirectly change the appearance of your nose.

3. Improve your smile and lip projection by repositioning the jaw.

4. Improve chewing efficiency and correct disturbed dental relationships.

5. Bring about the right degree of masculinity or femininity to your appearance, enhancing its youthfulness.

6. Change the airway size and breathing patterns

Therefore, while corrective jaw surgery does not give you a completely new face or facial features, it has a high impact on your overall appearance for the positive. The impact is not only felt in the aesthetic appeal but also helps overcome functional disturbances which are both observed and at times not obviously felt. 

It is important to correctly observe and follow all protocols prescribed by the surgeon, both for pre-surgery planning and post-surgery recovery. Dr Sanchaita Kohli, who is an expert oral and maxillofacial surgeon, meticulously plans each step of the procedure based on the specifics of your case, so it is important for you to share every detail, no matter how inconsequential it may seem at the time. It is also important to remember that corrective jaw surgery goes hand in hand with orthodontic treatment and this must not be neglected.