Jaw aesthetics in the surgical sense means orthognathic surgery: repositioning the upper jaw, the lower jaw, the chin, or a combination, to correct a jaw that is too far forward, too far back, too long or asymmetric. It is carried out by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon working with an orthodontist.
It changes both the bite and the profile, which no filler, implant or veneer can do when the bone itself is out of position. Its limits are the commitment involved: usually 12 to 18 months of braces before surgery and about 6 months after, a general anaesthetic, weeks of recovery, and a real risk of lasting numbness of the lower lip.
What Jaw Aesthetics (Orthognathic Jaw Surgery) involves
Planning uses facial photographs, a cone beam CT scan and dental scans, merged in software to simulate the moves and print surgical splints. Braces first line the teeth up over their own jaw, which often makes the bite look worse before surgery. All cuts are made inside the mouth. For the upper jaw (Le Fort I osteotomy) the bone is divided above the tooth roots and moved forward, up or down. For the lower jaw (bilateral sagittal split osteotomy) the bone is split lengthwise behind the molars so that the tooth-bearing part slides forward or back. A genioplasty slides the chin point. The segments are fixed with small titanium plates and screws that normally stay for life. Elastic bands guide the bite afterwards; jaws are rarely wired shut today.
Who is a good candidate for Jaw Aesthetics (Orthognathic Jaw Surgery)?
It is for adults whose facial growth is complete and whose concern comes from jaw position, not only from the teeth or soft tissue.
- An underbite with a prominent lower jaw, or a set-back lower jaw with a marked overjet
- An open bite where front teeth do not meet
- Facial asymmetry from uneven jaw growth
- A long face with a gummy smile from vertical excess of the upper jaw
- Obstructive sleep apnoea linked to set-back jaws, where advancement enlarges the airway
- Readiness for orthodontics before and after the operation
It is usually not the right choice if:
- Teenagers still growing, generally under 17 to 18 in girls and 18 to 21 in boys
- People whose concern is mild and could be met with orthodontics alone, a chin implant, fillers or jawline contouring
- Anyone unwilling to wear braces or aligners as part of the plan
- Smokers, uncontrolled diabetes or medical conditions making a long anaesthetic unsafe
- People with unrealistic expectations or untreated body dysmorphic concerns
- Those unable to stay for early recovery or to arrange orthodontic follow-up
Technique options
- Lower jaw surgery (BSSO): Advances or sets back the mandible.
- Upper jaw surgery (Le Fort I): Moves the maxilla; used for underbites, gummy smiles and open bites.
- Double jaw surgery: Both jaws are moved for larger discrepancies or asymmetry. The most common pattern.
- Genioplasty: Slides the chin bone forward, back or vertically, alone or added to jaw surgery.
- Surgery-first approach: Operation before most of the orthodontics, in selected cases, to shorten total treatment.
- Non-skeletal alternatives: Chin or jaw angle implants, jaw reduction and fillers change contour but not the bite.
What happens during your treatment
Single jaw surgery takes about 1.5 to 3 hours and double jaw surgery 3 to 5 hours under general anaesthetic, with 1 to 3 nights in hospital. You wake with a swollen, numb face, elastic bands between the teeth and a liquid diet. Pain is usually moderate; swelling and a blocked nose after upper jaw surgery are the bigger complaints.
Preparing for your trip
Plan for 14 to 21 days in Istanbul. Your surgeon reviews photographs and your medical history before you book, and you meet in person the day before surgery for examination, marking and consent with a professional interpreter.
- Stop smoking and nicotine at least four weeks before and after surgery; it is the single biggest avoidable cause of wound problems
- Tell the team about every medicine and supplement you take; blood thinners, some herbal products and hormone treatment may need to be paused on your doctor's advice
- Arrange for someone to travel with you or to be reachable, and keep the first days at home free of work and lifting
- Book a changeable return flight; your surgeon confirms when you are fit to fly
Recovery and results
Swelling peaks on days 2 to 4 and most of it settles in 3 to 4 weeks, with the last subtle swelling taking 6 to 12 months. Diet moves from liquids to puree to soft food over about 6 weeks, and some weight loss is usual. Most people need 2 to 4 weeks off work or study. The bones unite in about 6 to 8 weeks; contact sport waits 3 months. Orthodontic finishing then continues for around 6 months, followed by retainers.
- Back to everyday activity: 2 to 4 weeks
- When results show: Profile change at once; final result at 6 to 12 months
- How long they last: Permanent
Safety, risks and revision policy
This is major surgery with a good safety record in experienced teams, but some effects, especially on sensation, are common and should be accepted beforehand.
- Numbness or tingling of the lower lip and chin after lower jaw surgery: almost universal at first, and permanent to some degree in roughly 10 to 30 percent of patients, more often with age
- Relapse of the jaw towards its old position, particularly after large moves
- A bite that needs further orthodontic or, rarely, surgical correction
- Bleeding, which occasionally needs transfusion, and infection of plates that may require their removal
- An unfavourable bone split during surgery
- Jaw joint pain or changes in the joint
- Changes to the nose shape after upper jaw surgery
- Dissatisfaction with the facial change, which is permanent
Every written proposal arranged through Clinic-Y states what the clinic covers if a correction is needed. Ask for it before you book, not after.
Cost of Jaw Aesthetics (Orthognathic Jaw Surgery) in Türkiye
Clinic-Y does not publish a single price for Jaw Aesthetics (Orthognathic Jaw Surgery), because the honest figure depends on your case. What moves it:
- One jaw, two jaws, and whether genioplasty is added
- Virtual planning, printed splints and custom plates
- Hospital stay and anaesthesia time
- Orthodontic treatment before and after, often provided separately
- Length of stay and follow-up visits
Send your photographs or reports and you receive written, all-inclusive proposals from suitable teams, side by side. Reviewing your case is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have jaw surgery without braces?
Rarely. Without orthodontics the teeth usually will not meet properly in the new jaw position. A surgery-first plan still needs orthodontics afterwards.
Does it make sense to travel for this?
Only with care. The operation and first 2 to 3 weeks can be done abroad, but you need an orthodontist at home who agrees the plan in advance and continues treatment, and you may need to return for reviews.
Will my jaws be wired shut?
Usually not. Plates hold the bones, and light elastics guide the bite, so you can open your mouth for liquids and cleaning.
I only want a stronger jawline. Is this the right operation?
Probably not. If your bite is normal, contouring options such as a chin implant, genioplasty or fillers are less invasive.