What Is a Protruding Mouth?

A protruding mouth, medically known as bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion, is a condition where both the upper and lower jaws and teeth push forward, creating an overly projected lip line. This often results in an unbalanced facial profile and is commonly accompanied by a receding chin.

Mild cases may be improved with orthodontic treatment alone. However, moderate to severe skeletal protrusion of the alveolar bone requires surgical correction, typically through ASO (Anterior Segmental Osteotomy).

What Is ASO Surgery?

ASO (Anterior Segmental Osteotomy) is a surgical procedure designed for patients with moderate to severe protruding mouth. It involves moving the upper and lower alveolar bone segments (including six front teeth) backward after extracting four premolars—two from the top and two from the bottom.

• Performed under general anesthesia
• Surgical time: approximately 1 hour or less
• Key benefit: direct backward repositioning of the A-point, which is not possible with orthodontics alone
• Often combined with genioplasty (chin surgery) to improve the lower facial profile

The backward movement of the A-point is critical in correcting the upper lip protrusion and achieving a smoother facial contour.

Why Is Genioplasty Often Performed Together?

Many patients with a protruding mouth also have issues with chin position—either too short, too long, receding, or protruding. In such cases, genioplasty is performed alongside ASO to enhance facial harmony.

• Surgery time for genioplasty: 20–30 minutes
• Can adjust chin position and length to complete the ideal profile

Key Characteristics of a Protruding Mouth

1. Prominent alveolar bone causes philtrum to stick out
2. Lips don’t close naturally (lip incompetence)
3. Chin wrinkles form when trying to close lips (chin muscle strain)
4. Thick, outward-turned lips (everted vermilions)
5. Deep nasolabial folds due to philtrum protrusion
6. Gummy smile appears when smiling
7. Lips cross the line between the tip of the nose and chin
8. Facial expression may seem angry or tense

Is Orthodontic Treatment Enough?

In moderate to severe cases, orthodontic treatment—even with tooth extractions—is often not sufficient.

• Orthodontics cannot move the skeletal structure (A-point and ANS) backward
• It cannot correct the chin shape or position
• Even 2+ years of orthodontics may not solve the root skeletal issue

For true skeletal protrusions, ASO surgery is necessary to achieve lasting and balanced results.

Preoperative Examination & Analysis

At SeoulCheil Plastic Surgery, your treatment begins with a one-stop visit. Our orthodontic and surgical team collaborate to analyze your facial structure and develop a personalized surgical plan tailored to your needs.

ASO vs. Double Jaw Surgery

ASO (Anterior Segmental Osteotomy) is designed to correct a protruding mouth by moving only the anterior segments of the jaw.
Double jaw surgery is intended for treating prognathism and involves repositioning the entire upper and lower jaw.

ASO is less invasive, does not require rubber band fixation, and allows for faster, safer recovery.

Why You Can Trust SeoulCheil Plastic Surgery

1. ASO Is Not a Major Surgery

With over 25 years of experience, ASO is a safe and routine procedure at our clinic. It is handled with precision and confidence.

2. Short and Precise Surgical Time

Most ASO surgeries are completed in under one hour. Our shortest recorded time is just 33 minutes.
While speed is not the priority, efficiency reflects surgical expertise and leads to less tissue trauma and faster recovery.

3. Fast Recovery

No intermaxillary fixation is needed. Patients can breathe, speak, and eat normally after surgery and usually return to their daily life within 3–4 days.

4. Academic and Clinical Excellence

Dr. Sang-Baek Han is a Seoul National University graduate and board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 25 years of clinical and research experience.

His paper on “Soft Tissue Response following Genioplasty Combined with ASO” was published in the internationally renowned PRS Journal in 2024 (Impact Factor 5.169).

He has been invited to speak at numerous global academic conferences, including PRS Korea, APS Korea, TSAPS (Taiwan), and Korea-Japan Joint Meetings.

5. Aesthetic Surgeon’s Eye

Dr. Han combines anatomical knowledge with an artistic approach to create beautiful and balanced results.
"A surgeon must also be an artist. Masterpieces aren’t made by tools—they’re shaped by hands."

6. Personalized Surgical Planning

Each patient receives a fully customized plan based on age, gender, facial structure, anatomical traits, lip thickness, philtrum length, and even social media trends.

Patients are welcome to bring photos of their desired appearance (e.g., celebrities), which are used as reference within medically safe limits.

7. Real Results You Can Watch

You can view video footage of real patients—before, immediately after, and months after surgery.

8. Patient-Centered Humanism

We never recommend unnecessary surgery.
We listen carefully, communicate clearly, and focus on delivering what each patient truly needs—both aesthetically and emotionally.

9. Transparent Surgery with CCTV

All surgeries are recorded via CCTV for transparency and peace of mind.
If requested, patients or their families may review the footage.

One mother commented after watching her daughter’s surgery:
"I was amazed to see how focused the doctor was for hours—standing still, shaping every detail with dedication."

10. Simultaneous Facial Bone Surgery

If necessary, ASO can be combined with cheekbone reduction and jaw angle contouring in one session.
The total operation takes approximately 3 hours and includes a one-night hospital stay—with no drainage tubes required.

11. One-Man Precision vs. Factory-Style Clinics

Unlike large clinics with multiple surgeons operating simultaneously, Dr. Han performs each surgery himself—ensuring personalized care, refined technique, and consistent results based on direct consultation and patient input.