Orthognathic surgery repositions the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) to correct skeletal malocclusion that orthodontics alone cannot fix: prognathism (underbite), retrogenia (receding chin), facial asymmetry and long face with gummy smile. Dr. Lee recommends surgery only when the functional and aesthetic benefit clearly outweighs the burden, and purely aesthetic double jaw surgery only when the goal cannot be reached any other way.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sang-Hoon Lee, board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Who is a candidate?
Patients whose bite problem comes from the position of the jaw bones rather than the teeth: the lower jaw protrudes and the front teeth bite in reverse, the lower jaw is too far back, the chin deviates to one side, or the face is long with excessive gum display. Growth should be complete (around age 18+). Orthodontic treatment before and/or after surgery is usually needed and is coordinated with your orthodontist.
What happens on the day?
Surgery takes about 3–4 hours under general anesthesia (longer with contouring). The maxilla is moved with a Le Fort I osteotomy and the mandible with a sagittal split osteotomy (SSRO), then fixed with small titanium plates. You recover in a private room for 1–3 nights; a companion may stay with you.
Recovery
Swelling peaks at day 2–3 and reduces noticeably by two weeks. Liquid diet for about two weeks, soft food for 2–4 weeks after that. Stitches come out at about two weeks. Desk work is usually possible after 2–3 weeks. Numbness of the lower lip and chin is common and usually recovers over months, though rarely some may persist.
Coming from overseas
Send photos and any existing CT by email or LINE first. Plan to stay in Busan at least 2–3 weeks: pre-operative tests, surgery, hospital stay and stitch removal. Later check-ups can be supported with photos and remote consultation.
How Dr. Lee decides whether to operate
The benefit of surgery — in function or appearance — must always be greater than the cost the patient pays by having it.
Tests at your first visit
| 3D CT (large-field CBCT) | The whole facial skeleton, nerves and tooth roots in 3D — usually taken on the day of your consultation. |
|---|---|
| Intraoral scan and models | How your upper and lower teeth meet, recorded digitally. |
| Facial photos | Front, 45° and side views to measure asymmetry and proportions. |
| 3D virtual surgical planning | Dr. Lee performs the surgery on a 3D model first and shows you the expected change. |
If you have previous CT files (DICOM), photos or a referral letter, please send them before your visit by LINE or email.
Frequently asked questions
01How long is the hospital stay?
Usually 1–3 nights in a private inpatient room.
02Will there be scars on my face?
No. All incisions are inside the mouth.
03Do I need braces?
In most cases, yes — before and/or after surgery. We coordinate with your orthodontist; surgery-first protocols are possible in selected cases.
04Is the nerve damaged?
Temporary numbness of the lower lip and chin is common and usually recovers within months. A small residual numbness is rare but possible; this is explained before surgery.
05Do the plates have to be removed?
Titanium plates can usually stay. They are removed 6–12 months later only if they are felt, cause discomfort, or if you prefer.
06Is general anesthesia safe?
An anesthesiologist manages anesthesia throughout, with BIS depth monitoring, respiratory and CO₂ monitoring and emergency equipment. Pre-operative tests screen for risk factors.
07What does it cost?
Fees are listed on the Korean fee page (jaw surgery from KRW 14,000,000; anesthesia, hospital stay and tests are additional). The exact quote is given after diagnosis.
08Can I just have a consultation?
Of course. If surgery is not needed, Dr. Lee will say so.
This information is general and does not replace an in-person consultation. Results and recovery vary between individuals; every surgery carries risks such as bleeding, swelling, infection, numbness and the possibility of revision.
Full details, fees and cases are on the Korean site. 한국어 →