Answers at a Glance
What a long face is, How is it treated?
A long face (long face syndrome) is a condition in which the upper jaw grows long downward, making the lower part of the face long, the chin muscles tense when the mouth is closed, and a lot of gum shows when smiling. With orthognathic (double jaw) surgery, the upper jaw is moved up to shorten the length, and the lower jaw is rotated along with it to align the bite. If the chin is long, chin contouring surgery or facial contouring is performed together. At The Barunface, if the range of adjustment may be limited, we honestly explain that to you first.
- 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 ·
Request a Consultation Consultation Prep Card2 related cases
- Surgery Time
- About 3–4 hours (longer for combined procedures)
- Anesthesia
- General anesthesia · Managed by an anesthesiologist
- Hospital Stay
- 1–3 days in a private room
- Suture Removal
- About 2 weeks
- Return to Daily Life
- 2–3 weeks (varies by individual)
- Pin Removal
- 6–12 months after surgery (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
- For those whose lower face looks long and who have difficulty closing their mouth
- Patients whose gums show 3mm or more when smiling
- For those with a long chin and a strong-looking jawline
- For those who also have an open bite, where the front teeth do not meet
Long face, explained by Dr. Lee in a video
These are the videos related to long face, selected from those in which Dr. Sang-Hoon Lee answers questions often asked in the consulting room on the YouTube channel '안될 턱이 있나'. Click to play here.
YouTube channel 안될 턱이 있나 These videos are published with patient consent. Results and recovery vary from person to person.
Why does a long face develop?
The upper jaw overgrows vertically, lengthening the lower third of the face. As a result, the lower jaw often rotates backward and downward, so the mouth appears open and the chin looks set back.
How is the surgery done?
When the upper jaw is cut and moved upward (superior repositioning), gum display decreases and the lower jaw rotates naturally forward and upward, shortening the face. If the chin is long, its length is reduced with an inverted-V osteotomy or similar; if the jawline is strong, contouring surgery is added.
How much shorter can it become?
The amount the upper jaw can be raised is limited by nose shape, lip support, and bite conditions. It is usually a few mm, and for some people the range of adjustment may not be large. We first align your expectations with the realistic range through a 3D simulation.
What if I only want to fix the gum display?
If gum exposure is caused by the length of the upper jaw, orthognathic (double jaw) surgery is the fundamental solution. If it is caused by the lip muscles or the gums themselves, non-surgical options such as gum contouring or Botox are also available. We identify the cause and guide you accordingly.
When the Director Recommends Surgery
Whether to recommend long face surgery is decided by diagnosis, not by photos or trends. Below are the criteria Dr. Lee actually uses in consultations, recorded in his 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.
The goals and direction the patient hopes to achieve through surgery must match the goals and direction of the surgeon performing it.
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
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 long face surgery generally proceeds in the order below. The timeframes reflect 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 Director who consults with you oversees your long face care 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)
Long face FAQ 13 questions
01How much does long face surgery cost in Busan?
Based on The Barunface's non-covered fee schedule, orthognathic (double jaw) surgery is 14,000,000 KRW, with additional combined surgery · chin 2,000,000 KRW and combined surgery · square jaw 2,000,000 KRW. Orthognathic (double jaw) surgery is a non-covered (not covered by national health insurance) treatment. The surgery cost varies depending on the scope of surgery (double jaw, lower jaw, combined) and anesthesia, hospitalization, and examination items, and will be provided in writing after diagnosis. You can check the reference amounts in the non-covered fee schedule on our website. The exact total will be provided in writing after diagnosis.
02How long is the recovery for long face surgery?
Returning to daily life usually takes 2–3 weeks (varies by individual). Immediately after surgery – Day 3: Pain and swelling management during hospitalization, ice packs, upper body kept upright. Swelling-control injections and regenerative laser are applied depending on your condition. Weeks 1–2: Liquid diet, oral rinsing, light walks. Stitches are removed around week 2. This is when swelling noticeably decreases. Weeks 3–6: Progress to soft foods and return to social life. Orthodontic treatment resumes with your orthodontist after surgery. Month 3 – Year 1: 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 long face 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.
04What are the anesthesia and hospital stay like for a long face?
Surgery takes about 3–4 hours (longer for combined procedures), under general anesthesia managed by an anesthesiologist, followed by a 1–3 day stay in a private room. At The Barunface, board-certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Sang-Hoon Lee personally treats every patient.
05Long face: is it okay to have 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 long face surgery take, and is a hospital stay needed?
For orthognathic (double jaw) surgery, 3–4 hours with a 1–3 day hospital stay.
07Will the shape of my nose change?
Raising the upper jaw can change the nasal tip and the angle beneath the nose. We also check the soft tissue changes in the simulation.
08Is chin surgery always done together?
Done together if the chin is long or set back. Not done if the chin shape is good.
09Is orthodontic treatment needed?
Orthodontic treatment is needed before and after surgery in most cases. If you have an open bite, we work closely with the orthodontic department.
10What about the cost?
Orthognathic (double jaw) surgery at KRW 14,000,000, with chin and contouring items and anesthesia and hospitalization fees added.
11Could the change be small?
Yes. We tell you first during the consultation that the range of adjustment may be limited. Stories from patients who felt more trust because of that explanation can be found in the patient stories.
12Can I close my mouth properly after surgery?
When the height of the upper jaw is reduced, the lips often close without effort or tension. Results vary from person to person.
13What is the chance of recurrence?
Upward movement of the upper jaw is relatively stable, but some relapse may occur.
Long face-related cases
These photos are published with the patients' consent. Photographing conditions may not be exactly the same, and results vary from person to person.
Long face — orthognathic (double jaw) surgery
Orthognathic (double jaw) surgery for a long face, in which the upper jaw is moved upward to reduce face length and gum exposure. 6 months after surgery.
Long face · Skeletal Class III malocclusion (underbite) — Combined orthognathic surgery and contouring
A long face and underbite (skeletal Class III malocclusion) corrected with orthognathic (double jaw) surgery combined with contouring surgery. 6 months after surgery, including CT before and after surgery.
Costs and what to know before your visit
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| 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?
- 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