Are you considering orthognathic surgery in Lisbon or Évora? This increasingly popular procedure helps improve facial appearance and address functional issues such as breathing and chewing. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what orthognathic surgery entails, its types, costs, recovery time, and more.

Table of contents

1. What is Orthognathic Surgery?
2. Types of Orthognathic Surgery
3. Recovery from Orthognathic Surgery
4. Costs of Orthognathic Surgery
5. Choosing the Right Orthognathic Surgeon in Lisbon or Évora
6. Patient Testimonials
7. Potential Risks and Complications
8. Non-Surgical Alternatives
9. Conclusion

What is Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, aims to enhance both functionality and facial aesthetics. The benefits include:

• Improved breathing
• Enhanced chewing ability
• Better speech articulation
• Refined facial appearance
• Increased self-esteem

One significant advantage is the potential to correct obstructive sleep apnea in carefully selected patients, potentially eliminating the need for a breathing sleep machine.

Types of Orthognathic Surgery

There are three main categories:

1. Monomaxillary: Only one bone is moved
2. Bimaxillary: Both maxilla and mandible are adjusted
3. Mentoplasty: Can be performed alone or in combination with jaw surgery

Common Procedures and Terms

• Le Fort I osteotomy: Horizontal cuts in the maxilla
• Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO): Standard design for mandible bone cuts
• SARPE (Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion): Combines axial and sagittal cuts to expand the maxilla
• Mandible setback: Retrusion of the mandible to correct protruding jaw
• Clockwise and counterclockwise rotation: Adjusts the lower facial axis, affecting vertical face dimensions
• Segmental surgery: Tailored bone cuts to move specific groups of teeth
• Corticotomy: Bone cuts around tooth roots to facilitate orthodontic movements

Recovery from Orthognathic Surgery

Recovery time varies based on the procedure and individual healing. Common post-operative experiences include:

• Temporary numbness in lips, teeth, nose tip, and face
• Swelling (most prominent in palatal osteotomies)
• Generally low to mild pain levels

Timeline and recommendations

• Hospital stay: At least one night for major procedures
• Short outdoor walks recommended after discharge
• Work leave:
  • Office jobs: Minimum 5 days, with potential remote work for the following week
  • Physical jobs: 4-8 weeks, depending on intensity
• Full bone consolidation occurs around 8 weeks post-surgery

Diet progression

1. Soft diet (first few days)
2. Semi-solid diet (within the first week)
3. Gradual increase in consistency (3rd-4th week)
4. Regular solid diet (8th-9th week)

Choose sugar-free, non-sticky foods and maintain good oral hygiene with a soft toothbrush.

Costs of Orthognathic Surgery

Pricing factors include:

1. Number of bones treated
2. Bone fixation system (standard vs. patient-specific)

Price range (in Euros)

Disclaimer: Prices vary according to each diagnosis. The following are estimated ranges and not fixed prices.

• SARPE: 3,900
• Monomaxillary surgery: 7,500
• Bimaxillary surgery: 9,000
• Associated mentoplasty / septoplasty: Additional 1000
• Mentoplasty (alone): 4,500

Patient-specific fixation systems may increase costs by 2,000 to 5,000 or more.

Additional Considerations

• Pre-operative exams (facial imaging, dental scans, general pre-anesthesia tests)
• Potential insurance coverage or reimbursement

Choosing the right orthognathic surgeon in Lisbon or Évora

Look for:

• Registration with the Medical General Council (Ordem dos Médicos) in Portugal and enrollment in the Maxillofacial Surgery College. Verify registration status at https://ordemdosmedicos.pt/
• Certification by the European Association of CranioMaxillofacial Surgery (EACMF)

Potential risks and complications

While orthognathic surgery is generally safe, it’s important to be aware of potential risks:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Nerve damage leading to numbness
• Relapse (jaw returning to original position)
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems
• Difficulty adapting to new facial appearance

Either you take your appointment with us, in Lisbon or Évora, we will discuss these risks in detail and provide strategies to minimize them.

Non-Surgical Alternatives

In some cases, non-surgical options may be considered:

1. Orthodontics: Braces or clear aligners can correct minor misalignments.
2. Dental restorations: Crowns, bridges, or implants may address some functional issues.
3. Sleep apnea devices: For those primarily concerned with sleep-related breathing issues (PAP, mandibular advancement devices)

Consult with us, specialists in orthognathic surgery, either at your appointments in Lisbon or Évora, to determine the best approach for your specific case.

Conclusion

Orthognathic surgery can significantly improve both function and aesthetics for residents of Lisbon, Évora, and surrounding areas. While it’s a major decision, the potential benefits are substantial.

Next steps

1. Schedule a consultation with us, as a qualified orthognathic surgery team in Lisbon or Évora.
2. Prepare a list of questions and concerns to discuss during your appointment.
3. Consider seeking a second opinion to ensure you’re making the best decision for your health.

Don’t let jaw misalignment hold you back any longer. Take the first step towards a more comfortable and confident you, by exploring orthognathic surgery options in Lisbon and Évora today!