Answers at a Glance
What is protruding-mouth surgery (ASO), and and who is it right for?
Protruding mouth surgery (ASO) removes the premolars behind the upper and lower front teeth, then moves the section of bone holding the front teeth back into that space and secures it, bringing the protruding mouth inward. It is smaller in scope than orthognathic (double jaw) surgery, which moves the entire jaw, and faster than pulling the front teeth back with orthodontics alone. Because the bone itself is moved back, it can also improve a gummy smile caused by gum protrusion. Whether the protrusion comes from the teeth and alveolar bone or from the jawbone as a whole determines whether ASO or orthognathic (double jaw) surgery is more appropriate, and we decide this with 3D analysis.
- 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
- Approx. 2–3 hours
- Anesthesia
- General anesthesia
- Hospital Stay
- Private inpatient room, 1–2 days
- Suture Removal
- About 2 weeks
- Return to Daily Life
- Around 2 weeks
- Orthodontics
- Minor orthodontics before and 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 whose mouth sticks out further than the nose and chin tip in profile
- Those whose chin tenses and lips look thick when they close their mouth
- Those whose gums also protrude, so orthodontics alone has limitations
- Adults with a protruding mouth who want to shorten orthodontic treatment time
protruding mouth surgery (ASO), explained by Dr. Lee in videos
Videos from the YouTube channel ‘안될 턱이 있나’ in which Dr. Sang-Hoon Lee answers questions frequently asked in the consultation room, limited to those related to protruding mouth surgery (ASO). Click to play here on the page.
YouTube channel 안될 턱이 있나 These videos are published with patient consent. Results and recovery vary from person to person.
What is the difference between ASO and orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatment slowly moves only the teeth backward into extraction spaces (1.5–2 years), whereas ASO surgically moves the bone segment holding the teeth all at once. Because the procedure includes the gum-line bone, gum protrusion (gummy smile) improves as well, and the treatment period is shorter. The risk of tooth root damage is lower than with orthodontics, but surgical risks apply.
How is ASO different from orthognathic (double jaw) surgery?
ASO moves only the bone segment around the front teeth, while orthognathic (double jaw) surgery moves the entire upper and lower jaws. If the protrusion is limited to the front-teeth area, ASO is appropriate; if the whole jaw sits forward, or there are bite, length, or asymmetry problems as well, orthognathic (double jaw) surgery is the right choice.
Will my lips become thinner after surgery?
As the mouth moves back, the lips close more naturally and the sense of protrusion decreases. Changes in lip thickness itself vary from person to person, and are predicted with 3D simulation.
When the Director Recommends Surgery
Whether to recommend protruding-mouth surgery (ASO) 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.
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
Protruding Mouth Surgery (ASO) Consultation Prep 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 protruding-mouth surgery (ASO) 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 protruding mouth surgery (ASO) 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)
Protruding mouth surgery (ASO) FAQ 13 questions
01How much does protruding mouth surgery (ASO) cost in Busan?
According to The Barunface's non-covered fee schedule, orthognathic (double jaw) surgery is KRW 14,000,000 and protruding mouth surgery (ASO) is KRW 11,000,000. Orthognathic (double jaw) surgery is a non-covered (not covered by insurance) treatment. The surgical fee varies depending on the scope of surgery (double jaw, lower jaw, or combined) and on anesthesia, hospitalization, and testing 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 will be provided in writing after diagnosis.
02How long is recovery after protruding-mouth surgery (ASO)?
Return to daily life is usually around 2 weeks. Right after surgery – Day 3: pain and swelling management during hospitalization, ice packs, keeping the upper body upright. Swelling-reduction injections and regenerative laser are applied depending on your condition. Weeks 1 – 2: liquid diet, oral hygiene care, light walks. Stitches are removed at around 2 weeks. This is when swelling visibly decreases. Weeks 3 – 6: gradually advance to soft foods and return to social life. The orthodontics department resumes post-surgery orthodontic treatment. 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 protruding mouth surgery (ASO)?
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 protruding-mouth surgery (ASO)?
The procedure takes about 2–3 hours under general anesthesia, with a 1–2 day stay in a private room. At The Barunface, Dr. Sang-Hoon Lee, a board-certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon, personally provides your care.
05Is it okay to have protruding mouth surgery (ASO) 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 is ASO surgery, and what is the hospital stay?
About 2–3 hours, with 1–2 days of hospitalization.
07Do I have to have teeth extracted?
Space is needed to move the bone segment back, so the upper and lower premolars are usually extracted.
08Can the tooth nerves die?
Blood flow to the moved bone segment may decrease, and in rare cases front-tooth discoloration or nerve damage can occur. We explain this before surgery.
09Do I not need orthodontics?
A short course of orthodontics to align the teeth before and after surgery is often needed.
10What about the cost?
Based on the fee schedule, protruding mouth surgery is 11,000,000 KRW; anesthesia, hospitalization, tests, and extraction costs are separate.
11What is the recovery period?
Swelling lasts 1–2 weeks, stitches are removed at 2 weeks, and a soft diet is needed for 2–4 weeks.
12Can a receding chin be corrected at the same time?
In many cases, genioplasty (chin advancement) is performed together to balance the profile line.
13Can it come back?
If fixation is stable, relapse is uncommon, but maintaining tooth alignment with orthodontics is important.
Costs and what to know before your visit
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Orthognathic (Double Jaw) Surgery | 1,40010,000 KRW |
| Protrusion (bimaxillary protrusion) surgery (ASO) | 1,10010,000 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