Answers at a Glance
What combined orthognathic and contouring surgery is, and and who is it right for?
Combined orthognathic and contouring surgery corrects the position of the upper and lower jaws with orthognathic (double jaw) surgery while also performing cheekbone, square jaw, and chin contouring on the same day. It is suited to people who have both "position" and "shape" problems of the bone, such as a long face, underbite, or facial asymmetry, and allows surgery and recovery to be completed in one go. Because surgery time and swelling increase, we decide whether to perform the surgeries together after reviewing your overall health and expectations with a 3D simulation.
- Operating Surgeon
- Board-certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Sang-Hoon Lee (20+ years in oral & maxillofacial surgery, about 15 years focused on orthognathic and contouring surgery)
- Diagnosis · Planning
- Large FOV CBCT (3D CT), intraoral scanner, 3D VSP software, in-house 3D printing
- Anesthesia · Safety
- General anesthesia operating room · recovery room, anesthesiologist, BIS, respiratory and CO₂ monitoring, emergency equipment, UPS
Board-Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr. Sang-Hoon Lee Medically reviewed ·
- Surgery Time
- About 4–6 hours
- Anesthesia
- General anesthesia · Anesthesiologist
- Hospital Stay
- 2–3 days in a private inpatient room
- Suture Removal
- About 2 weeks
- Return to Daily Life
- 3–4 weeks
- Pin Removal
- 6–12 months later, if needed
This content was reviewed by board-certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Sang-Hoon Lee, Directorfor medical accuracy · Last reviewed
Recommended for You If
- Those with a prominent square jaw or cheekbones along with an underbite or long face
- Those who want to refine the jawline and cheekbones as well after orthognathic surgery
- Those who want a single round of anesthesia and recovery instead of two surgeries
- Those who have been advised by their orthodontist to have surgical orthodontics and are also concerned about contouring
Combined orthognathic & contouring surgery, explained by Dr. Lee in videos
From the YouTube channel ‘안될 턱이 있나’ (“Is There a Jaw That Can't Be Fixed?”), we have gathered only the videos related to combined orthognathic and contouring surgery, in which Dr. Sang-Hoon Lee answers questions frequently asked in the consultation room. Click to play right here.
YouTube channel 안될 턱이 있나 These videos are published with patient consent. Results and recovery vary from person to person.
What are the benefits of doing both at the same time?
You go through anesthesia, hospitalization, and recovery only once, and because the contouring is designed with the jaw already in its new position, the overall harmony can be planned in one go. Splitting it into two surgeries doubles the cost and the recovery time.
Are there any downsides to doing both surgeries at the same time?
Surgery time extends to 4–6 hours, and swelling and blood loss increase. If your general health is not good or the scope of surgery is too large, splitting it into two operations may be safer, and we will give you an honest assessment during your consultation.
Can I see the contouring in the 3D simulation too?
No. On the bone model after the jaw has been repositioned, we design the osteotomy lines for the cheekbones, square jaw, and chin together. Because the contouring range needed changes when the jaw position changes, the orthognathic plan comes first.
How does recovery differ from orthognathic surgery alone?
Swelling is greater and lasts longer, and the hospital stay tends to be about one day longer. The liquid-diet period and your return to daily life are also planned about one week later.
When the Director Recommends Surgery
Whether to recommend combined orthognathic & contouring surgery is decided by diagnosis, not by photos or trends. Below are the criteria the director actually uses in consultations, in the director's own words.
The "gains" from surgery, such as improved function or aesthetics, must always outweigh the price (the "losses") that must be paid for undergoing surgery.
Orthognathic (double jaw) surgery performed purely for aesthetic purposes should be considered only when the patient's expectations or goals can be achieved solely through orthognathic surgery.
Tests and Preparation Before Your Consultation
Facial bone surgery is not decided by appearance alone. At your first consultation, we record how your bones, teeth, and face relate to one another using the tests below, and first judge from that data whether surgery is needed.
| Test | What We Look At |
|---|---|
| 3D CT (Large FOV CBCT) | We view the entire facial skeleton, along with the positions of nerves and tooth roots, in 3D. It can be taken on the day of your consultation. |
| Intraoral Scan · Dental Model | We digitally record how your upper and lower teeth fit together. |
| Facial Photos · Measurements | Using front, 45-degree, and side photos, we measure left-right differences and proportions. |
| 3D Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP) | On a 3D model that combines your CT, scans, photos, and models, Dr. Lee performs the surgery virtually first, and we review the expected changes together. |
What to Bring
- Referral from your orthodontist and orthodontic diagnosis records (if available)
- Previously taken CT, panoramic, and cephalometric images (records from other clinics are helpful too)
- Front and side-profile photos (to explain the changes you would like)
- Names of medications you are taking, systemic conditions, surgical history, and allergies
- Your school or vacation schedule, so we can plan surgery and recovery
Consultation preparation card for combined orthognathic & contouring surgery (printable)
How Your Care Proceeds
- 01
First Consultation · 3D CT Scan
We measure the skeleton, bite, airway, and asymmetry using facial photos, 3D CT, an intraoral scan, and dental models. We will honestly tell you, first of all, whether your face needs surgery.
- 02
Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP)
Dr. Lee personally determines the amount and direction of jaw movement on the 3D model, and explains the expected facial changes with 3D images.
- 03
Pre-Surgery Tests · Collaboration with Orthodontics
We perform pre-anesthesia tests such as blood tests and an ECG, and coordinate the timing of surgery and bite goals with your orthodontist. The surgical guide (wafer) is 3D-printed in-house.
- 04
Surgery · Hospitalization
After 3–4 hours of surgery under general anesthesia, you pass through the recovery room and stay 1–3 days in a private room. A guardian may also stay by your side, within reasonable limits.
- 05
Follow-Up After Discharge
Dr. Lee personally checks in at 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. If needed, the fixation pins are removed after 6–12 months.
How Recovery and Aftercare Continue
Recovery after combined orthognathic & contouring surgery generally follows the order below. The timeline reflects an average course, and recovery speed varies from person to person.
| Timing | Condition and Care |
|---|---|
| Right after surgery – 3 days | Pain and swelling management during your hospital stay, ice packs, and keeping your upper body raised. Swelling-control injections and regenerative laser are applied depending on your condition. |
| 1 – 2 weeks | Liquid diet, oral rinsing, and light walks. Stitches are removed around the 2-week mark. This is when swelling visibly decreases. |
| 3 – 6 weeks | Gradually moving to soft foods and returning to daily life. Your orthodontist resumes post-surgery orthodontic treatment. |
| 3 months – 1 year | Residual swelling and sensation recover gradually. After the bone has firmly healed, the fixation plates are removed if needed. |
The doctor who consults with you oversees your combined orthognathic & contouring surgery from start to finish
At The Barunface, one person, Dr. Sang-Hoon Lee, a board-certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon, handles the consultation, diagnosis, 3D surgical planning, surgery, inpatient rounds, and follow-up. We do not hand off stages to staff or other doctors.
Because the surgeon who performs your surgery remembers the concerns and diagnosis from your first consultation, you can ask the same person directly about questions that arise during recovery, such as swelling, sensation, and bite after surgery. Since we are located in Seomyeon, you do not have to make long trips for each follow-up visit.
Before the actual surgery, I perform the surgery on a computer first. I try it one way and another, and think it through carefully. In the past, I could only imagine the jaw position and facial appearance after surgery in my head, but now I can see it directly in 3D, which helps me a great deal and helps patients understand the surgery much more easily.
Treatment Standards and Basis
- Operating Surgeon
- Board-certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Sang-Hoon Lee (20+ years in oral & maxillofacial surgery, about 15 years focused on orthognathic and contouring surgery)
- Diagnosis · Planning
- Large FOV CBCT (3D CT), intraoral scanner, 3D VSP software, in-house 3D printing
- Anesthesia · Safety
- General anesthesia operating room · recovery room, anesthesiologist, BIS, respiratory and CO₂ monitoring, emergency equipment, UPS
- Hospitalization · Recovery
- 4 private single-patient inpatient rooms on a separate floor, central patient monitoring, Smartlux · LDM · Shurink recovery programs
- Insurance
- Not covered by insurance (some coverage criteria, such as for congenital deformities, will be explained during consultation)
Combined Orthognathic & Contouring Surgery FAQ 13 questions
01How much does combined orthognathic and contouring surgery cost in Busan?
Based on The Barunface's non-covered fee schedule, mandible surgery is KRW 9,000,000, orthognathic (double jaw) surgery is KRW 14,000,000, and the combined surgery add-on for the chin is KRW 2,000,000. Orthognathic surgery is a non-covered treatment. The surgery fee varies depending on the scope of surgery (double jaw, mandible, combined) and the anesthesia, hospitalization, and examination items, and is provided in writing after diagnosis. You can check the reference amounts in the non-covered fee schedule on our website. The exact total is provided in writing after diagnosis.
02How long is the recovery period for combined orthognathic and contouring surgery?
Returning to daily life usually takes 3–4 weeks. Immediately after surgery – Day 3: Pain and swelling management during hospitalization, ice packs, and keeping the upper body upright. Swelling-management injections and regenerative laser are applied depending on your condition. Weeks 1–2: Liquid diet, oral rinsing, and light walks. Stitches are removed around week 2. This is when swelling visibly decreases. Weeks 3–6: Gradually progressing to soft foods and returning to social life. Orthodontic treatment resumes with your orthodontist after surgery. 3 months – 1 year: Residual swelling and sensation gradually recover. After the bone has firmly healed, the fixation pins are removed if necessary. Recovery speed varies from person to person.
03What are the side effects of combined orthognathic and contouring surgery?
After orthognathic surgery, there may be reduced sensation in the lip and chin area (mostly recovering within several months, rarely persisting), bleeding, infection, swelling and bruising, jaw joint discomfort, changes in bite, plate-related problems, and the possibility of reoperation. There are also risks associated with general anesthesia. Results and recovery speed vary from person to person, so please make your decision carefully after receiving a thorough explanation before surgery. All surgeries and procedures may involve side effects such as bleeding, swelling, bruising, sensory abnormalities, infection, asymmetry, and the possibility of reoperation, and results and recovery speed vary by individual. Please be sure to tell us about any systemic conditions, medications you are taking, and pregnancy during your consultation.
04How are anesthesia and hospitalization handled for combined orthognathic and contouring surgery?
Surgery takes about 4–6 hours, with general anesthesia administered by an anesthesiologist, and a 2–3 day stay in a private hospital room. At The Barunface, Dr. Sang-Hoon Lee, a board-certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon, personally sees patients.
05Is it okay to have combined orthognathic and contouring surgery in Busan instead of Seoul?
We do not claim that we are unconditionally better than a large hospital in Seoul. However, at The Barunface in Seomyeon, Busan, a board-certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon trained at Seoul National University Dental Hospital and Asan Medical Center in Seoul personally handles your consultation, 3D surgical planning, surgery, private-room recovery, and follow-up care. If a problem arises after surgery, you can check directly with your operating surgeon nearby. Stories from patients who considered Seoul but chose Busan are on the 'Orthognathic Surgery: Do I Need to Go to Seoul?' page.
06How long does surgery take?
About 4–6 hours. It varies depending on the number of contouring areas.
07What about the hospital stay?
Usually 2–3 days.
08How much does it cost?
The combined surgery items (chin KRW 2,000,000, square jaw KRW 2,000,000, cheekbones KRW 4,000,000) are added to the orthognathic surgery fee. Anesthesia, hospitalization, and examination fees are separate and are provided in writing after diagnosis.
09When does the swelling go down?
Major swelling takes 2–3 weeks, and residual swelling 3–6 months. It tends to take 1–2 weeks longer than orthognathic surgery alone.
10Can I have the contouring done separately later?
Yes. Contouring can be planned once the jaw position has stabilized, at least 6 months after orthognathic surgery.
11Is the risk of reduced sensation higher?
Because the scope of surgery is wider, the possibility of reduced sensation in the lower lip and chin may be somewhat higher. Most cases recover, and we explain this thoroughly before surgery.
12What about orthodontics?
As with orthognathic surgery, orthodontic treatment is needed before and after surgery, and we coordinate with your orthodontist.
13Is a long general anesthesia dangerous?
An anesthesiologist manages the entire process, and if pre-operative tests indicate a high risk from prolonged anesthesia, we recommend splitting the surgery into separate procedures.
Cases related to combined orthognathic & contouring surgery
These photos are published with the patients' consent. Photographing conditions may not be exactly the same, and results vary from person to person.
Costs and what to know before your visit
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Lower Jaw Surgery | 90010,000 KRW |
| Orthognathic (Double Jaw) Surgery | 1,40010,000 KRW |
| Added to combined surgery · Chin | 20010,000 KRW |
| Added to combined surgery · Square jaw | 20010,000 KRW |
| Added to combined surgery · Cheekbones | 40010,000 KRW |
Based on the non-covered fee schedule published by the director. The total cost varies depending on the extent of surgery, anesthesia, hospital stay, and tests. The exact cost will be provided after diagnosis.
Costs · Insurance
Orthognathic surgery is a non-covered (not covered by national health insurance) treatment. The surgery fee varies depending on the scope of surgery (double jaw, lower jaw, combined) and the anesthesia, hospitalization, and examination items, and is provided in writing after diagnosis. You can check the standard amounts in the non-covered fee schedule on our website. View non-covered fee schedule
Side effects · Precautions
After orthognathic surgery, there may be reduced sensation in the lip and chin area (mostly recovering within several months, rarely persisting), bleeding, infection, swelling and bruising, jaw joint discomfort, changes in bite, plate-related problems, and the possibility of reoperation. There are also risks associated with general anesthesia. Results and recovery speed vary from person to person, so please make your decision carefully after receiving a thorough explanation before surgery. All surgeries and procedures may involve side effects such as bleeding, swelling, bruising, sensory abnormalities, infection, asymmetry, and the possibility of reoperation, and results and recovery speed vary by individual. Please be sure to tell us about any systemic conditions, medications you are taking, and pregnancy during your consultation.
This information complies with the Medical Service Act and medical advertising review standards, and treatment results and recovery may vary from person to person. Please make your decision only after consulting with a specialist.
Related treatments
Further reading
- Consultation preparation card (printable)
- The Days We Did Not Recommend Surgery
- Facilities · Safety systems
- Cases
- Patient Stories
- Can I see how my face will change before orthognathic (double jaw) surgery?
- When do you recommend orthognathic (double jaw) and contouring surgery, and when do you not?
- What are hospitalization and recovery like after orthognathic (double jaw) surgery? Can a guardian stay by my side?
This content was reviewed by board-certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Sang-Hoon Lee, Directorfor medical accuracy · Last reviewed