Double Jaw Surgery
Procedure Time
3 – 4 Hours
Anaesthesia
General Anaesthesia
Recovery Period
14 – 18 Days
Stitch Removal
7 Days Post-op
Hospitalisation
1 – 2 Days
What Is Double Jaw Surgery?
Who Needs Double Jaw Surgery?
- Troubles or discomfort with swallowing or chewing food.
- Congenital facial deformities.
- Acute pain due to chronic malocclusion.
- Severe facial asymmetries.
- Large spaces between upper and lower teeth.
- Excessively elongated face structure, or high gum exposure when smiling.
- Excessive protrusion or retraction of the chin.
Planning for Double Jaw Surgery
Double Jaw Surgery Methods
1. Protruded Mouth
There are two surgery methods which can be used to retract the jaws. The choice of surgery method would depend on the severity of the protrusion.
2. Double Jaw Surgery
Double jaw surgery is a procedure known as Bimaxillary Osteotomy, which helps to retract protruded upper and lower jaw at the same time.
In this method, the upper and lower jaws are fractured in specific angles after making an incision inside the mouth. Then the bones will be moved to the most appropriate position, fixing them with metal pins and, sometimes, plaques to prevent this position from shifting in the recovery phase.
The Procedure – How Double Jaw Surgery Works In Singapore
Before undergoing a double jaw surgery procedure in Singapore, detailed planning is essential to ensure predictable outcomes. Pre-operative diagnostics include cephalometric X-rays, dental impressions, and, in some cases, 3D simulation to visualise how jaw repositioning will affect facial symmetry and function.
As a form of corrective jaw surgery, it involves the following steps:
Anaesthesia and Incision
The procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia. Small incisions are made inside the mouth to access the jawbones, leaving no visible scars.
Osteotomy
Controlled cuts are made in both the upper and lower jaws to allow repositioning. Depending on the case, this may involve adjustments to correct underbites, overbites, or asymmetry.
Repositioning and Fixation
The upper and lower jaw segments are moved into their new position. Titanium plates and screws are used to secure the bones and stabilise them during the healing process.
Hospital Stay and Monitoring
The surgery takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. Patients are usually required to stay in hospital for 1 to 2 days for close monitoring and post-surgery care.
This structured approach helps support both functional and aesthetic improvements while minimising external trauma.
Double Jaw Surgery Vs Chin Surgery – What’s The Difference?
Genioplasty Overview
Genioplasty, or chin surgery, is a procedure designed to reshape the chin by moving it forward, backward, or vertically. It focuses on modifying the chin bone without involving the upper or lower jaws. This surgery can improve facial balance and is often chosen by individuals with a receding or overly prominent chin.
Which One is Right for You?
Double jaw surgery addresses the upper and lower jaws together, targeting both structural and functional concerns such as bite correction, facial asymmetry, and jaw alignment. Genioplasty is typically recommended when chin projection is the main concern and there are no bite issues to resolve.
Can They Be Combined for Better Results?
Yes, double jaw surgery and genioplasty can be combined when both jaw alignment and chin projection need to be addressed. This combination allows a more harmonised result, especially in cases of complex facial proportions or imbalances.
Why Choose Dream Plastic Surgery For Jaw Surgery In Singapore?
At Dream Plastic Surgery, each double jaw surgery procedure in Singapore is customised to the individual’s condition, whether the goal is aesthetic refinement, functional correction, or both. Here’s what you can expect:
Facial Analysis and Simulation
Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation of facial proportions using imaging tools and dental assessments to help plan the repositioning required for symmetry and balance.
Customised Surgical Planning
Our approach is centred on creating a treatment plan that takes into account jaw structure, bite alignment, and long-term stability.
Post-Surgery Follow-Up
Recovery guidance, dietary advice, and regular follow-ups are part of the process to support healing and assess functional improvements over time.
Our goal is to ensure a supportive and well-informed journey for individuals considering double jaw surgery, from planning through to recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Conditions Can Double Jaw Surgery Help With?
Double jaw surgery, also referred to as bimaxillary osteotomy, may be recommended for individuals with structural issues affecting both the upper and lower jaw. Common concerns include facial asymmetry, bite problems such as underbite or overbite, difficulty chewing, excessive gum show when smiling, or a noticeably protruding or recessed chin. In some cases, functional and aesthetic concerns occur together.
Will I Need Braces Before or After Double Jaw Surgery?
Yes, orthodontic treatment is usually part of the process. Most patients will require braces before the surgery to align their teeth for the new jaw position. Braces may also need to remain in place for several months after the surgery to ensure proper bite alignment and stability during recovery.
Is Double Jaw Surgery Painful?
Discomfort is expected in the early stages after surgery, especially within the first week. Pain can usually be managed with medication prescribed by your doctor. Some numbness around the chin, lips, or cheeks may occur due to nerve sensitivity, but this often improves gradually over time.
How Long Is the Recovery Period for Double Jaw Surgery?
Initial recovery takes about 2 to 3 weeks, during which swelling and bruising are most noticeable. Soft foods and limited jaw movement are usually recommended during this period. Full recovery can take several months, with gradual improvements continuing as the swelling subsides and bone healing progresses.
Are There Any Visible Scars After Double Jaw Surgery?
No, the surgical incisions are made inside the mouth, so there are no visible external scars. This approach allows the jaw bones to be repositioned while keeping the appearance of the face unaffected by scarring.
Is Double Jaw Surgery Permanent?
Yes, the structural changes achieved through double jaw surgery are long-lasting. The new position of the jaw bones is stabilised using small plates and screws. As long as post-operative care is followed and any necessary orthodontic treatment is completed, the results are expected to remain stable.
Does Insurance or Medisave Cover Double Jaw Surgery in Singapore?
In Singapore, double jaw surgery may be covered under Medisave or insurance plans if the surgery is deemed medically necessary. This includes cases involving difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing due to jaw misalignment. Procedures done purely for cosmetic reasons are generally not eligible. It is advisable to consult your healthcare provider or clinic to confirm eligibility based on your condition.