Corrective jaw surgery and facial injuries
Corrective jaw surgery and the treatment of facial injuries and their after‑effects.
Corrective jaw (orthognathic) surgery
When the upper and lower jaws don't meet properly, the result can be difficulty biting and chewing, speech problems, jaw‑joint symptoms, obstructive sleep apnoea or a facial appearance that troubles the patient. Orthognathic surgery repositions one or both jaws and is planned jointly with an orthodontist, who aligns the teeth before and after the operation.
Chris is clinical lead for orthognathic (facial deformity) surgery at University Hospitals of Leicester. Privately he offers consultation and opinion rather than the surgery itself: a chance to understand whether you are a candidate, what treatment would involve and how long it takes. Because orthognathic treatment runs over eighteen months to two years and involves both orthodontics and surgery, patients who are suitable are guided towards the NHS route, where Chris and his team provide it.
Facial injuries
Maxillofacial surgeons treat fractures of the cheekbone, jaw, nose and eye socket, and repair cuts to the face. Chris has co‑authored the chapters on mandibular and cheekbone fractures in two standard surgical textbooks. Emergency treatment of facial injuries is provided through the NHS. Privately, Chris sees patients with late problems after facial injury, such as an uneven cheekbone, a bite that no longer meets, numbness or persistent pain, and scars.
Do I definitely need treatment?
Not necessarily. Chris will first establish whether treatment is needed at all and whether there are reasonable alternatives to surgery. He may recommend leaving things alone when:
- the bite problem can be corrected with orthodontics alone, which is the case for many patients
- the concern is mainly about appearance and the surgical risks and long treatment outweigh what you would gain
- after a facial injury the bones have healed in an acceptable position and function is good, when surgery would add risk without benefit
What does the next week look like?
A typical recovery. Yours will be discussed with you individually before you decide to go ahead.
- That evening
- After corrective jaw surgery you stay in hospital overnight. The face is swollen and numb and you will be on a liquid diet.
- Day one
- Swelling increases. Home on day one or two. Painkillers, mouth rinses and a liquid or very soft diet.
- Days 2 to 3
- Swelling at its peak and the face looks much bigger than it will. Numbness of the lower lip and chin is expected.
- By one week
- Swelling reducing daily. Soft diet. Most patients feel far better than they expected at this point.
- Practicalities
- Driving
- 1 to 2 weeks.
- Work
- 2 to 4 weeks depending on your job.
- Eating
- Liquid to soft diet for about six weeks while the bones heal. Lip numbness usually recovers over months.
Chris's view
"Jaw surgery is a big undertaking and I say so. But for the right patient, someone who has struggled to bite or breathe properly for years, it is the most transforming operation I do."
Mr Christopher VinallWhen should I get advice?
Arrange an assessment if your orthodontist has said your bite cannot be corrected with braces alone, if you have difficulty biting, chewing or breathing at night because of your jaw position, or if you have ongoing problems with your bite, cheekbone or feeling after a facial injury.