The need for orthognathic maxillofacial revision surgery arises when there are complications or unsatisfactory results from the initial orthognathic surgery.
Orthognathic surgery is a procedure to correct various jaw and facial abnormalities, such as misalignment of the jaws (underbite, overbite, crossbite) or other congenital or acquired conditions that affect jaw function and aesthetics. The goal of the surgery is to improve the patient’s bite, facial balance, and overall oral health.
In some cases, orthognathic surgery might require revision if the initial procedure resulted in:
- Insufficient correction or overcorrection of the jaw misalignment.
- Relapse, where the jaws gradually move back towards their original position over time.
- Complications like infection, nerve injuries, or bone healing problems.
Patients who have had jaw surgery in the past and require revision orthognathic treatment. We treat patients from all over the country and the world in need of revision or “redo” orthognathic jaw surgery. We are glad to speak with you about revision jaw surgery, continue reading to learn more about this procedure and determine if you could benefit.
What is revision orthognathic jaw surgery?
In some cases the jaw will “relapse” or move back toward the original position and undo some of the correction achieved at the original jaw surgery. New onset growth or shifting can also account for this (such as a late onset growth spurt, or a TMJ condylar new growth – condylar hyperplasia during adulthood). Additionally, jaw surgery can at times lead to a result that is less aesthetically / cosmetically favorable as initially anticipated, and needs to be redone or repositioned to optimize the form and function. At times hardware may be palpable or cause irritation, and needs to be removed. Asymmetry or residual defects or deformities can also be corrected via revision or redo jaw surgery.
Dr. Dr. Larry Wolford is one of the few surgeons in the world who has written extensively on, and has a population of patients traveling to see him to have their jaw surgery redone, or performed again to optimize position, cosmetics, occlusion, airway, TMJs, and jaw function.
As with anything in the human body – it is a biologic system, and not everything turns out exactly as planned, and cannot always be predicted. It is important to know that it is not necessarily because the procedure was done incorrectly the first time, but that things can move, shift, and change, and tissue can respond differently in some humans compared to others.
For whatever the reason, Dr. Dr. Larry Wolford is uniquely qualified to perform revision jaw surgery and optimize your outcome and result. Revision jaw surgery, or revision orthognathic surgery, is performed to correct problems that occur after initial jaw surgery. These problems can include:
Persistent/residual, or new onset mis-alignment of the jaws
Malocclusion, including difficulty chewing or biting
Persistent pain
TMJ issues
Sleep apnea
Asymmetry
Cosmetic concerns
The timing of revision surgery will depend on the specific case and the surgeon’s assessment of the individual patient’s needs and healing progress. It’s crucial for patients to communicate any concerns they have after the initial surgery to their surgeon so that appropriate evaluation and planning for potential revision can occur if necessary.
If you or someone you know is considering orthognathic surgery or experiencing issues after a previous procedure, it’s important to consult with an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon or orthodontist who can provide personalized advice based on the individual’s situation. Keep in mind that medical practices and guidelines may have evolved since my last update, so it’s essential to consult up-to-date sources for the most current information. Contact Dr. Larry Wolford who has over 30 years experience in jaw revision surgeries. Dr. Wolford has completed more jaw revision surgeries than another Orthognathic Maxillofacial surgeon.
