Your jaw can largely impact your facial appearance and overall facial profile.

It is not only structurally and cosmetically important, but is also a functionally important foundation of your face. A misaligned jaw can cause many health concerns like dental irregularities, difficulty chewing foods, difficulty breathing and even sleep apnea.

Orthognathic surgery can be very beneficial in realigning the jaws for both cosmetic and functional improvement. As a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and fellowship trained cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Yirae Ort performs aesthetic corrective jaw surgery to improve the quality of life and confidence for the residents of Bellevue, Washington and the surrounding Seattle areas.

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Why Should I Have Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Whether congenital or as a result of an injury or accident, there are a lot of reasons to consider orthognathic surgery. Many patients consider this surgical option for the following reasons:

  • Difficulty chewing or incising foods
  • Open bite
  • Overbite, upper jaw protruding excessively
  • Underbite, lower jaw protruding excessively
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Snoring/Sleep apnea
  • TMJ or chronic jaw pain
  • Unbalanced face
  • Facial asymmetry
  • Long face
  • Flat face

How is Orthognathic Surgery Performed?

This surgery is performed under general anesthesia, incisions are made inside the mouth to gain access to the jaw. Although incisions on the skin are rare for this type of surgery, a small incision can be made in the neck crease or by your ear in order to have better access. They are cosmetically hidden and typically heal very well.

Your unique surgical plan will depend on the specific corrections needed. In general, the jaw bone is cut and repositioned, and small plates and screws will be used to secure them in their new positions. The hardware used during surgery is typically not removed and will remain in place unless they bother you or cause an infection. Corrective jaw surgery can address things like an open bite, a protruding lower jaw, or a receding lower jaw. During your consultation for orthognathic surgery Bellevue facial plastic surgeon Dr. Ort will explain how each of these options has specific techniques. You may need to stay overnight in the hospital after surgery, after which you can return home.

How Should I Prepare for Corrective Jaw Surgery?

When opting for Orthognathic surgery, it’s important to partner with your orthodontist as well as Dr. Ort to ensure that your teeth are properly aligned to help with the best outcome for your surgery and to ensure that your dental health remains intact throughout the surgical and recovery process. You’ll be asked to visit with your orthodontist before and after surgery. The length of the entire process varies depending on how long your dental alignment takes to prepare you for surgery, but typically can take anywhere from 6 months to over a year.

Is Orthognathic Surgery Safe?

Orthognathic surgery is a major surgery that can transform the way you look and function. As with any operation it carries certain risks; however, it is considered a safe and well-tolerated procedure when expertly performed by a qualified surgeon.

Some of the potential risks of corrective jaw surgery are numbness and tingling in the jaws and related mouth structures, bleeding, and infection. Anesthesia risks are something you need to understand before undergoing surgery of any kind.

What Can I Expect During Recovery?

Recovery can require some extensive downtime. Although there is an immediate improvement in your facial profile and bite, our Bellevue jaw surgery patients can expect to have the most swelling and bruising in the first two weeks. During that period, you should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercises, and stay on a soft, non-chewing diet until indicated otherwise. Dr. Ort and her team will provide detailed instructions to follow and will schedule follow-up appointments to make sure everything is healing properly.

Consultation for Orthognathic Surgery in Bellevue, WA

Corrective jaw surgery can be a life-changing procedure for patients struggling with jaw deformities that impact their confidence and quality of life for years to come.

To get started on your options with orthognathic surgery, contact our office by calling (425) 200-5890, or by filling out our online form. Dr. Ort can recommend the right steps for you and your goals during a private consultation

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Take the next step to discover your true beauty.

Contact us to set up your personalized consultation with Dr. Ort. We warmly invite you to experience exceptional cosmetic surgery at Yirae Ort M.D. Facial Aesthetic Surgery.

Call Today (425) 200-5890

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