Answers at a Glance
What plate (pin) removal surgery is, and who is it right for?
Plate removal is a surgery to remove the titanium plates and screws that held the bone in place during orthognathic (double jaw) or facial contouring surgery, once the bone has healed sufficiently (usually 6–12 months later). In many cases the plates can safely be left in the body, but they are removed if they can be felt, cause discomfort or inflammation, or if the patient wishes. At The Barunface, we also remove pins for patients who had surgery at other hospitals, such as those in Seoul, and we proceed after checking the plate locations with your previous surgical records and a CT scan.
- 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 Card13 frequently asked questions
- Surgery Time
- 30 minutes – 1 hour
- Anesthesia
- Sleep (sedation) anesthesia or general anesthesia
- Hospital Stay
- Same-day discharge or 1 day
- Suture Removal
- About 1–2 weeks
- Return to Daily Life
- 2–3 days
- Timing
- 6–12 months after surgery
This content was reviewed by board-certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Sang-Hoon Lee, Directorfor medical accuracy · Last reviewed
Recommended for You If
- Those who are more than 6 months past orthognathic (double jaw) or facial contouring surgery
- Those who can feel the plate or find it feels cold
- Those with inflammation or discomfort around the plates
- Those who had surgery at another hospital, such as one in Seoul, and would like the pins removed closer to home
Plate (pin) removal, explained by Dr. Lee in videos
From the YouTube channel ‘안될 턱이 있나’, we have gathered only the videos related to plate (pin) removal, in which Dr. Sang-Hoon Lee answers questions frequently asked in the consultation room. Click to play them right here.
YouTube channel 안될 턱이 있나 These videos are published with patient consent. Results and recovery vary from person to person.
Do the pins have to be removed?
No. Titanium is well tolerated by the body, so it is often left in place. However, it is removed if you can feel it, have discomfort or inflammation, or simply wish to have it removed. Patients who have many plates after orthognathic (double jaw) surgery tend to choose removal at a higher rate.
I had surgery at another hospital. Can I have the pins removed here?
Yes. Some patients who had facial contouring or orthognathic (double jaw) surgery at plastic surgery clinics or dental hospitals in Seoul have had their pins removed in Busan. Previous surgical records from your former hospital are helpful, but even without them, we plan the removal by checking the number and location of the plates with a CT scan. Please see <a href="/why-busan">the story of having pins removed in Busan after surgery in Seoul</a>.
How is removal surgery performed?
We approach through the original intraoral incision line, remove the screws and plates, and then suture. If bone has grown over the plates, it takes a little more time. The procedure is done under sedation or general anesthesia.
When the Director Recommends Surgery
Whether to recommend plate (pin) removal is decided by diagnosis, not by photos or trends. Below are the criteria the director actually uses in consultations, relayed in the director's own words.
Orthognathic (double jaw) surgery is not a treatment that ends in the operating room. Important steps continue afterward, including managing pain and swelling, returning to eating and daily life, collaborating with the orthodontist, and long-term follow-up.
I try to be straightforward and plain: I explain why something can be done and why something cannot.
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
- Name of the hospital where you had your previous surgery, surgery date, and surgical record
Plate (pin) removal consultation preparation card (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 plate (pin) removal generally proceeds in 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 director who consults with you oversees your plate (pin) removal 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)
Frequently Asked Questions About Plate (Pin) Removal 13 questions
01How much does plate (pin) removal cost in Busan?
Based on The Barunface's non-covered fee schedule, pin removal after jaw correction surgery performed at our clinic is KRW 1,500,000, pin removal after facial contouring performed at our clinic is KRW 600,000, and pin removal after surgery performed at another clinic is KRW 500,000 (per pin). Orthognathic (double jaw) surgery is a non-covered treatment. The surgery cost varies depending on the scope of surgery (double jaw, lower jaw, combined), anesthesia, hospitalization, and tests, and will be provided in writing after diagnosis. You can check the reference prices in the non-covered fee schedule on our website. The exact total will be provided in writing after diagnosis.
02How long is the recovery after plate (pin) removal?
Return to daily life is usually 2–3 days. Right after surgery – Day 3: Pain and swelling management during your hospital stay, ice packs, and keeping your upper body upright. Swelling-management injections and regeneration laser are applied depending on your condition. Weeks 1–2: Liquid diet, oral hygiene, and light walks. Stitches are removed at around 2 weeks. This is when swelling noticeably decreases. Weeks 3–6: Gradually progress to soft foods and return to social life. Orthodontic treatment resumes with the orthodontics department after surgery. Month 3 – Year 1: Residual swelling and sensation recover gradually. Once the bone has firmly healed, fixation pins are removed if needed. Recovery speed varies from person to person.
03What are the side effects of plate (pin) removal?
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 for plate (pin) removal?
The procedure takes 30 minutes – 1 hour, with sedation or general anesthesia, and you can go home the same day or stay 1 day. At The Barunface, Dr. Sang-Hoon Lee, a board-certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon, provides care personally.
05Can I have plate (pin) removal 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.
06When should the pins be removed?
6–12 months after surgery, once the bone has healed sufficiently.
07What about surgery time and anesthesia?
30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the number of plates. Performed under sedation or general anesthesia.
08Do I need to be hospitalized?
Many patients go home the same day, and a 1-day hospital stay is possible with general anesthesia.
09What about the cost?
Pin removal after jaw correction surgery performed at our clinic is KRW 1,500,000, pin removal after facial contouring performed at our clinic is KRW 600,000, and pin removal after surgery performed at another clinic is KRW 500,000 per pin. Anesthesia fee is separate.
10Won't the bone become weaker after removal?
Because the plates are removed after the bone has healed sufficiently, they do not cause problems in daily life. The screw holes fill in over time.
11What about swelling and recovery?
Swelling lasts a few days, stitches are removed in 1–2 weeks, and you can return to daily life in 2–3 days.
12Do I need to have them removed because of an MRI?
Titanium does not interfere with MRI, so there is no need to remove it for that reason alone.
13What should I prepare for elliptical pin removal?
If possible, please bring your previous surgical records and imaging. If you don't have them, we will take a CT scan at our clinic.
Costs and what to know before your visit
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Pin Removal After Jaw Surgery at Our Clinic | 15010,000 KRW |
| Pin removal after facial contouring performed at our clinic | 6010,000 KRW |
| Elliptical surgery pin removal (per pin) | 5010,000 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.
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This content was reviewed by board-certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Sang-Hoon Lee, Directorfor medical accuracy · Last reviewed