Orthognathic Surgery and Jawline Surgery in Istanbul, Turkey

Orthognathic surgery corrects the position of the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) when they do not meet correctly or when a receding or protruding jaw changes the profile. Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas, a plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon in Istanbul, plans jaw surgery together with the orthodontist and, when the aim is the profile rather than the bite, with chin surgery (genioplasty), jawline contouring and fat transfer.

At a glance

• Procedures: upper jaw osteotomy (Le Fort I), lower jaw osteotomy (BSSO), genioplasty, jawline contouring

• Anaesthesia: general anaesthesia

• Operation time: 2 to 4 hours depending on the segments moved

• Hospital stay: 1 to 2 nights

• Stay in Istanbul: 10 to 14 days

• Soft diet: 4 to 6 weeks; bone healing 6 to 8 weeks

• Price: given after examination of the jaw X-rays and the orthodontic plan

Who is a candidate?

Candidates are adults whose jaws have finished growing and who have a Class II (receding lower jaw), Class III (protruding lower jaw) or open-bite relationship, facial asymmetry, sleep apnoea related to a small lower jaw, or a profile they wish to change at the level of the bone rather than the soft tissue. When the bite is normal and only the chin or the jaw angle is weak, a genioplasty or jawline contouring with fat transfer is usually enough and is often combined with a facelift or a deep plane neck lift in older patients.

How the operation is performed

All incisions are made inside the mouth, so there is no visible scar. The jaw segments are cut according to a three-dimensional plan prepared from a CT scan, moved into the planned position and fixed with small titanium plates and screws. Orthodontic treatment usually precedes the operation for 6 to 18 months to align the teeth and continues for a few months afterwards to fine-tune the bite.

Recovery

Swelling is significant for the first two weeks and the diet is liquid or soft for four to six weeks. Most patients return to office work after two to three weeks. Sensation in the lower lip may be reduced for a few months while the nerves recover. The final facial shape is visible after about three months and the bone is fully healed at six to eight weeks.

Orthognathic surgery and facial harmony

Because the jaws define the lower third of the face, correcting them often improves breathing, chewing and speech as well as the profile. In patients over 45 the lower face also shows soft-tissue sagging; in these cases Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas may recommend addressing the jawline with a deep plane facelift and neck lift rather than bone surgery, and the right option is decided at the consultation with photographs and X-rays.

Frequently asked questions

Is jaw surgery visible from outside?

No. The incisions are inside the mouth; only the change in the profile is visible.

Do I need braces?

For a true orthognathic correction, yes, before and after surgery. For a genioplasty or jawline contouring alone, braces are not needed.

Can it be done abroad safely?

Yes, provided the orthodontic plan is shared in advance. International patients send their panoramic X-ray, CT scan and orthodontic records before travelling and stay in Istanbul for 10 to 14 days after surgery.

Next step

Send your photographs and X-rays for an online consultation. Related pages: Profiloplasty, Jawline contouring, Facelift in Turkey, Facial fat transfer.