How long does jaw surgery take to perform? Almost every patient asks this question while opting for jaw surgery. The answer is that it takes approximately 2 to 4 hours to complete, depending on the complexity of your case.
Most patients undergo general anesthesia, and healing starts hours after surgery is completed.
Read this detailed guide to learn further about jaw surgery.
What Is Jaw Surgery?
It is a reconstructive treatment to shape your jaw to fix any problem or fault, like bite, shape, appearance, etc. It can be done for both medical and aesthetic reasons. It’s most often ordered for:
- Overbites or underbites
- Misalignment of the jaw
- Speech or chewing problems
- Facial asymmetry
- Sleep apnea due to jaw shape
How long does jaw surgery take to perform?
Average Surgery Time
- Single Jaw Surgery (either upper or lower): 2 to 3 hours
- Double Jaw Surgery (upper and lower): 3 to 4+ hours
- With Genioplasty (chin surgery): Add 30–60 minutes
Surgical time will depend on:
- Nature of the correction to be performed
- Whether or not bone grafting is to be performed
- Level of skill and experience of the surgeon
What Happens During the Surgery?
Enfield Royal Clinic Islamabad‘s jaw surgery includes these main steps:
- A general anesthetic is administered.
- The operation is performed inside the mouth, so no scars will show.
- The jawbones are sectioned, repositioned, and held in place with plates or screws.
- The cuts are sutured.
- The jaw is stabilized using elastics or splints during early healing.
Does Recovery Time Affect Surgery Duration?
No. The surgery itself lasts from 2 to 4 hours, but recovery is a self-contained process:
- Hospital stay: 1–2 days
- Return to soft diet: Within 2 weeks
- Full healing: 6–12 weeks
- Final results: Up to 6 months when swelling reduces to zero
Can Jaw Surgery Be Done Faster?
While there may be a long process to ensure safety and accuracy, technologies such as 3D imaging, virtual surgical planning, and minimally invasive instruments can make a surgical event less time-consuming, yet have the same result. At Enfield Royal Clinic, we use advanced diagnostics to optimize surgical results while minimizing global time in surgery.
What to Expect Before and After the Procedure
Before Surgery:
- Orthodontic treatment (braces) may be performed for several months.
- Scans and X-rays will be taken in order to perform surgery.
- Blood work and an anesthesia consultation, in most cases, will be performed before surgery.
After Surgery:
- You will be monitored for any swelling and bleeding.
- Pain will be controlled with medications.
- Diet will be restricted to a soft or liquid diet for a few weeks.
You will need to show up to regular follow-ups to analyze the healing and progress after surgery.
Is Jaw Surgery Painful?
The operation is performed under the influence of anesthesia, so you will not feel any pain during the surgery, but after the treatment, you may feel swelling, tightness, or slight tenderness, but that goes away within a week. Painkillers are prescribed by your doctor.
Risks and Safety
All operations carry risks, but jaw surgery is safe if performed by a skillful maxillofacial surgeon. Common risks are:
- Temporary numbness
- Swelling or bruising
- Infection
- Need for minor adjustments
At Enfield Royal Clinic Islamabad, we minimize risks with careful planning, advanced skill techniques, and sterile surgical techniques.
Who Does Jaw Surgery?
You want to have a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon trained in both cosmetic and functional jaw surgery. Our surgeons at Enfield Royal Clinic are trained to repair:
- Functional issues (chewing, breathing, speaking)
- Aesthetic issues (asymmetry, facial imbalance)
Why Choose Enfield Royal Clinic for Jaw Surgery?
- Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- Advanced 3D Surgical Planning
- Minimal Scarring (Intraoral Technique)
- Personalized Treatment Plans
- Safe Environment & Post-op Support
Conclusion
The treatment takes 2-4 hours, but the results are permanent and life-changing. With careful planning and care by Enfield Royal Clinic Islamabad, the procedure is safe, effective, and tailored for your benefit. If you, too, want a structured and sculpted face, then book your consultation at Enfield Royal Clinic, Islamabad, with our renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Naveed Azhar, and have the results you have always desired.
FAQs
Is jaw surgery worth it?
Yes. It can greatly improve your bite, your face, and your quality of life.
Do I need braces before or after jaw surgery?
The majority of patients need pre- and occasionally post-surgery orthodontics to align the teeth.
How soon can I talk after surgery?
You can speak immediately, but not with very good clarity. Normal speech as swelling resolves.