Three jaw

Three jaw surgery addresses severe facial asymmetry, misalignment, or functional issues involving the upper jaw, lower jaw, and teeth. It helps correct bite problems, improve facial balance, and address structural abnormalities.

You should plan to stay in Korea for about 3 to 4 weeks. The first week includes consultations and creating custom wafers. Surgery will take place in the second week, followed by a two-week recovery period for post-operative care, monitoring, and stitch removal.

Recovery after three jaw surgery takes time, with the initial healing phase lasting about 2 to 3 weeks. Swelling and bruising are most prominent during this period. By 6 to 8 weeks, most patients can return to light activities, but full recovery, including bone healing and complete swelling resolution, typically takes 6 to 12 months.

Wafers are thin, customized plastic devices used during two and three jaw surgeries to help guide the proper positioning of the jawbones during the procedures. They are also needed for post-operative occlusion (bite alignment). You will need to wear them during the recovery period.

You’ll start with a strict liquid diet for the first week or two to avoid straining the jaw. Gradually, you can transition to soft foods, such as purees and soups, over the next few weeks. Solid foods are typically reintroduced after 6-8 weeks, based on your surgeon's recommendations.

The key difference between two jaw and three jaw surgery lies in the areas they address. Two jaw surgery focuses on repositioning the upper and lower jaws to correct alignment and improve facial balance. Three jaw surgery combines two jaw surgery with protruding mouth surgery, correcting both jaw positioning and the removal and relocation of protruding teeth and gums.

On average, most patients can resume light daily activities, such as returning to work, within 3 to 4 weeks after surgery. During the first two weeks, regular follow-up appointments will be conducted to monitor your recovery. Strenuous activities or heavy exercise should be avoided for 6 to 8 weeks to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s specific post-operative instructions.