Risks and expectations, honestly
Deciding with complete information is also part of good treatment.
Talking about this calmly
Every surgery has risks, and orthognathic surgery is no exception. It's an elective surgery: it's decided and scheduled in advance, and that allows you to go into it in the best possible condition. Talking about risks honestly is part of planning well. Here we share the essentials, without alarming you and without downplaying anything. We go over the details of your case together at your consultation, with time for every question, and they're put in writing in the informed consent before surgery. Asking questions isn't distrust: it's part of deciding well.
What to expect
Some things are part of recovery, and it's better to know about them beforehand. Swelling is the most noticeable thing in the first weeks. It's common for your lips and chin to feel numb, because we work close to the nerves that give them feeling; in general, that feeling comes back gradually, and in some people it may stay partly different, without affecting lip movement or your smile. Your bite also needs some time to settle.
What's less common
As with any surgery, there are less common risks: infection, bleeding, discomfort in the jaw joint, the need to adjust the bite or, in some cases, to remove the fixation hardware later on. These are known situations that the team knows how to prevent, recognize and manage. We don't mention them to worry you, but because deciding with complete information is part of good treatment.
What's done to reduce them
Much of your safety is built before you go into the operating room, and the time an elective surgery allows is put to good use. If you have a medical condition, it's evaluated and kept under control, and sometimes there's a special preparation for surgery. The team coordinates so that the anesthesiologist's evaluation and those of other medical specialties, when needed, are up to date for the day of surgery. Virtual planning lets us know your anatomy—including the path of the nerves—before operating, and the printed guides reproduce that plan precisely. Then come close follow-up visits. And your part: follow the instructions and let us know about any questions in time.
Realistic expectations
Surgery aims to bring your face to an optimal, harmonious position, in function and in beauty. It doesn't promise perfection, and it doesn't change who you are: your voice doesn't change and your features are still yours. The result settles over the months, as the swelling goes down and the bite stabilizes with orthodontics and follow-up visits. And if surgery isn't what you need in your case, we'll tell you.
Your questions deserve clear answers, with time. Bring them to the evaluation; we'll go through them one by one.
Frequently asked questions
Is orthognathic surgery a risky surgery?
It's a major, elective surgery: like any surgery, it has risks, and it's scheduled in advance so you can go into it in the best condition. Most of what you go through during recovery is expected and temporary, like swelling. The less common risks are well known, and we go over them with you in detail at your consultation, along with what's done to reduce them.
Can I have surgery if I have a medical condition?
It depends on each case, and it's looked at well in advance. If you have a medical condition, it's evaluated and kept under control before surgery, and sometimes there's a special preparation for surgery. The team coordinates so that the anesthesiologist's evaluation and those of other medical specialties, when needed, are up to date for the day of surgery.
Will I lose feeling in my lip?
It's common for the lip and chin to feel numb at first. In general, feeling comes back gradually; in some people it may stay partly different, without affecting lip movement or your smile. We talk about it before surgery and follow it at every check-up.
What if the result isn't what I expected?
That's why expectations are discussed beforehand: in virtual planning, we review together where we're heading. The result settles over the months, and follow-up visits let us support you and adjust whatever is needed. If something worries you, you can always talk it over with the team.
Is the result of the surgery stable?
When the bite ends up in balance and the jaw joint adapts well, the result holds over time. There are factors we keep an eye on together, such as the jaw joint, the tongue and habits, and that's what the follow-up visits after discharge are for.
Will my voice change?
No. Your voice doesn't change with orthognathic surgery. What can change, for the better, is how you pronounce some sounds once your bite fits together. At first, swelling may make you speak more slowly, but your voice is still yours.
What can I do to help everything go well?
Tell us your complete health history, come in with your questions answered, follow the instructions before and after surgery, attend your follow-up visits and let us know early about anything that seems unusual to you. Your part is as important as the team's, and you'll always have someone to ask.
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