What Is Jaw Surgery?

Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a surgical procedure that corrects jaw alignment, bite issues, and facial imbalance caused by skeletal structure. In Korea, jaw surgery is performed for both functional improvement and facial harmony, with strong emphasis on precision and long-term stability.

Unlike cosmetic contouring alone, jaw surgery addresses how the upper and lower jaws function together.

Common Types of Jaw Surgery in Korea

Protruded Mouth Surgery

This procedure corrects forward-positioned jaws that cause mouth protrusion.

Main goals:

• Improve lip closure
• Reduce mouth protrusion
• Correct bite alignment
• Improve side-profile balance

It is often chosen when dental protrusion alone cannot be corrected with orthodontics.

Bimaxillary (Two-Jaw) Surgery

Bimaxillary surgery repositions both the upper and lower jaws.

Main goals:

• Correct severe malocclusion
• Improve facial symmetry
• Balance midface and lower face proportions
• Enhance breathing and chewing function

This is the most comprehensive form of jaw surgery and is typically used for complex skeletal issues.

Upper Jaw Surgery (Maxillary Surgery)

This procedure adjusts the position of the upper jaw only.

Used for:

• Open bite correction
• Vertical facial imbalance
• Midface protrusion or retrusion

It can significantly improve both bite function and facial profile.

Lower Jaw Surgery (Mandibular Surgery)

This surgery repositions the lower jaw forward or backward.

Used for:

• Underbite or overbite correction
• Jaw asymmetry
• Functional bite improvement

Lower jaw surgery directly affects chin projection and jawline balance.

Asymmetry Correction Surgery

This approach focuses on correcting uneven jaw positioning.

Main goals:

• Improve facial symmetry
• Correct uneven bite force
• Balance left–right facial proportions

Asymmetry correction often involves customized planning rather than standard movements.

Functional Goals of Jaw Surgery

Jaw surgery in Korea is not performed for appearance alone. Key functional goals include:

Bite Correction

• Proper alignment of teeth
• Improved chewing efficiency
• Reduced abnormal tooth wear

Speech Improvement

Correct jaw positioning can help improve articulation in certain cases.

Breathing & Airway Function

Jaw repositioning may:

• Improve nasal airflow
• Reduce airway obstruction
• Support better sleep quality in selected patients

Jaw Joint Comfort

Balanced jaw positioning can reduce strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Aesthetic Goals of Jaw Surgery

In addition to function, jaw surgery also improves:

• Facial balance
• Side-profile harmony
• Lip posture
• Chin and jawline proportion

In Korea, surgeons aim for natural, proportion-based results rather than exaggerated changes.

Jaw Surgery vs Facial Contouring Surgery

Key differences:

• Jaw surgery corrects jaw position and bite
• Facial contouring surgery reshapes bone width and angles

Jaw surgery is chosen when function is affected, while contouring focuses on facial shape.

Recovery Timeline

General recovery expectations:

• 1–2 weeks: swelling and discomfort
• 1 month: major swelling subsides
• 3–6 months: facial movement and strength improve
• 6–12 months: final jaw position stabilizes

Recovery varies depending on surgery type and individual healing.

Who May Benefit from Jaw Surgery?

Jaw surgery may be appropriate for individuals who:

• Have bite misalignment
• Experience difficulty chewing or speaking
• Have facial imbalance caused by jaw position
• Did not achieve correction through orthodontics alone

A thorough evaluation is essential before proceeding.

Planning and Diagnosis

Jaw surgery planning in Korea typically involves:

• Facial analysis
• Dental bite assessment
• Imaging and structural evaluation
• Functional testing

Accurate diagnosis ensures that both function and aesthetics are addressed together.

Final Thoughts

Jaw surgery in Korea goes beyond cosmetic improvement. It is a functional corrective procedure that enhances bite alignment, facial balance, and daily comfort. With precise planning and a function-first approach, jaw surgery can deliver long-term improvements in both health and appearance.

Understanding the type of jaw surgery needed—and its functional goals—is the key to successful outcomes.