Medical Tourism Blog
Protruding Jaw Correction in Korea: Double Jaw Surgery Solutions for a Balanced Facial Profile
Table of contents
- Double Jaw Surgery: A Detailed Medical Overview
- Best Clinics in Korea for Protruding Jaw
- The Patient Journey: Getting Double Jaw Surgery in South Korea
- Costs and Value: Double Jaw Surgery in South Korea vs. Other Countries
- Life After Double Jaw Surgery: Patient Experiences and Outcomes
- Conclusion
- References
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A "protruding jaw," medically known as prognathism, occurs when the lower jaw (mandible) extends farther forward than the upper jaw (maxilla), leading to an improper bite and facial misalignment. The name is rooted in Greek, translating directly to "forward jaw." This condition can arise from true mandibular prognathism, where the lower jaw grows excessively, or from pseudo-prognathism (maxillary hypoplasia), where the upper jaw is underdeveloped, making the lower jaw appear more prominent. Some individuals may even have a mix of both issues. Identifying the specific skeletal problem requires expert diagnostic evaluation with detailed imaging and facial analysis. This step is crucial because it ensures that surgical treatment targets the right bone(s) rather than just addressing surface symptoms.
Common Medical Terms and Pseudonyms
Several terms are used to describe a protruding lower jaw:
- Prognathism: Describes any jaw that juts forward beyond the normal facial plane.
- Mandibular Prognathism: Specifies that the lower jaw is protruding.
- Class III Malocclusion: Orthodontically, this means the lower teeth are in front of the upper teeth, creating an "underbite."
- Underbite: A widely recognized term for this appearance.
- Extended Chin: A non-medical phrase for the look of a prominent lower chin or jaw.
Causes and Contributing Factors
Prognathism commonly results from multiple overlapping causes.
- Genetics: Family history plays a major part. Inherited conditions or genetic syndromes like Crouzon syndrome or basal cell nevus syndrome frequently include prognathism.
- Developmental Issues: The jaw shape can develop abnormally either from birth or due to conditions affecting bone growth, such as gigantism or acromegaly.
- Environmental Factors: Especially in pseudo-prognathism, factors like poor dental extractions, missing teeth, or a cleft palate can lead to an apparent protruding jaw.
Impacts and Symptoms (Functional and Aesthetic)
A protruding jaw affects both daily function and appearance. While cosmetic concerns often lead patients to seek help, the condition is considered a disorder mostly when key functions like chewing, speech, and social interactions are disrupted.
Functional Issues:
- Malocclusion: An incorrect bite that can trigger other problems.
- Eating Difficulties: Impaired biting and chewing, possibly causing dietary concerns.
- Speech Issues: Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds or a lisp.
- Jaw Pain or Discomfort: Misalignment can cause persistent pain and even teeth grinding.
- Breathing Issues: Sometimes links to obstructive sleep apnea.
- Tooth Wear: Misaligned bites wear teeth down unevenly, risking dental complications.
Aesthetic Concerns:
- Unbalanced Appearance: The lower jaw may look overly large, affecting facial harmony.
- Aggressive Expression: A pronounced jawline could be perceived as harsh.
- Receding Upper Jaw: Adds to midface imbalances.
Comprehensive treatment aims to restore both natural function and harmony, not just improve looks.
Double Jaw Surgery: A Detailed Medical Overview
What is Double Jaw Surgery (Bimaxillary Osteotomy)?
Double jaw surgery, or Bimaxillary Osteotomy, is a specialized orthognathic surgery designed to reposition both the upper (maxilla) and lower (mandible) jaws at the same time. This comprehensive approach is reserved for complex situations—including severe underbites, overbites, or facial asymmetry—where correcting just one jaw cannot achieve lasting, functional, and aesthetic improvements. The procedure’s three-dimensional precision makes it best suited for challenging jaw discrepancies.
Purpose of the Procedure (Functional and Aesthetic Corrections)
The surgery aims to address both health and appearance:
Functional Corrections:
- Correcting malocclusion, including severe bite problems.
- Restoring efficient chewing, biting, and swallowing.
- Improving speech and eliminating impediments.
- Reducing jaw pain and TMJ-related discomfort.
- Enhancing breathing and relieving sleep apnea.
- Protecting teeth from uneven wear.
Aesthetic Corrections:
- Achieving optimal facial symmetry.
- Balancing the facial profile for natural appearance.
- Enabling comfortable lip closure.
- Refining chin proportions, sometimes with additional genioplasty.
Key Surgical Techniques Involved
Performed under general anesthesia in a hospital, the procedure usually lasts three to four hours or longer for complex cases.
- Incisions: Made almost exclusively inside the mouth to avoid visible scarring.
- Upper Jaw Correction (Le Fort I Osteotomy): The maxilla is cut, separated, then repositioned forward, backward, up, down, shortened, lengthened, or rotated for best fit and facial harmony. Sometimes bone above molars is shaved away to correct an open bite.
- Lower Jaw Correction:
- Sagittal Split Osteotomy (BSSO): Diagonal cuts in the lower jaw allow for backward or forward movement, followed by rigid fixation with titanium screws and plates, often minimizing the need for the jaw to be wired shut afterward.
- Intra-oral Vertical Ramus Osteotomy (IVRO): Vertical jaw cuts for backward repositioning.
- Fixation: Repositioned jaws are fixed internally with titanium plates and screws for stability.
- Intermediate Splint: A custom device ensures precise upper jaw placement before moving the lower jaw.
Advanced tools, including 3D modeling and virtual planning, ensure predictable outcomes and high safety—key reasons clinics in places like South Korea see high success rates.
Best Clinics in Korea for Protruding Jaw
Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for protruding jaw:
| Clinic Name | Key Features | Special Techniques |
|---|---|---|
| Made Young Plastic Surgery Website | Premium center in Seoul’s Gangnam district specializing in facial and anti-aging procedures with dedicated expertise for protruding jaw; led by a verified medical team averaging over 15 years of experience; direct consultations and diagnoses by its doctors; tailored treatment plans including jaw reduction, genioplasty (chin surgery), and V-line approaches; full-time, board-certified anesthesiologists on site; 1:1 dedicated monitoring; cross-check protocol for emergencies; CCTV coverage of procedures for transparency; dedicated aftercare center; recognized with the 2022 Korea No.1 Award and 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place; selected as Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons with certification by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society | jaw reduction; genioplasty (chin surgery); V-line approaches |
| View Plastic Surgery Website | View Plastic Surgery Clinic is a top choice in Korea for protruding jaw (lantern jaw) because it combines a safety-first philosophy with comprehensive lower-face solutions tailored for true balance and harmony. The clinic offers specialized Double Jaw Surgery for lantern jaw correction and facial asymmetry correction, and complements these with precise facial contouring options—such as V-line surgery, square jaw surgery, and front chin surgery—to refine the jawline and profile from every angle. With dedicated programs for both men and women, and a broad spectrum of related facial procedures under one roof, patients benefit from coordinated planning, natural-looking outcomes, and a steadfast emphasis on safety throughout the entire treatment journey. | Double Jaw Surgery for lantern jaw correction and facial asymmetry correction; V-line surgery; square jaw surgery; front chin surgery |
| Nana Plastic Surgery Clinic Website | Sinnonhyeon Station location; renowned for advanced aesthetic procedures backed by extensive clinical data and wide range of surgical experience; strong portfolio in facial contouring—jawline reshaping and chin balance; prioritizes natural harmony, safety, and long-term results; comprehensive profile harmony beyond the jaw includes nose procedures (flat, bulbous/hump, short/long, deviated/wide, alar reduction, revision rhinoplasty); soft-tissue refinement with Neck Lifting, Platysma Plasty, Thread Lifting, and Mini Face Lifting; full-spectrum aesthetic support with non-surgical options such as tightening, petit sculpting (fillers/Botox), slimming treatments, and lasers; proven experience across diverse procedures from face to breast and body; dedicated revision services (revision rhinoplasty and breast revision); ongoing outcome management with dedicated breast check-ups; accessible at Sinnonhyeon Station for local and international patients. | V Line Surgery; Genioplasty; Cheekbone Reduction; Facial Implant Surgery; intraoral incisions for cheekbone reduction; Revision Rhinoplasty; Breast Revision; Neck Lifting; Platysma Plasty; Thread Lifting; Mini Face Lifting |
Made Young Plastic Surgery
Made Young Plastic Surgery Clinic in Seoul’s Gangnam district is a premium center specializing in facial and anti-aging procedures, offering dedicated expertise for patients seeking improvement of a protruding jaw. Led by a verified medical team averaging over 15 years of experience, the clinic provides direct consultations and diagnoses by its doctors, with proven skills grounded in extensive clinical practice. With tailored treatment plans that may include facial contouring options such as jaw reduction, genioplasty (chin surgery), and V-line approaches, Made Young harmonizes traditional beauty ideals with advanced techniques to refine the jawline and profile with precision.
Patient safety and continuity of care are central to the Made Young experience. Full-time, board-certified anesthesiologists are on site, utilize a 1:1 dedicated monitoring system, and employ a cross-check protocol for precise assessment in emergencies, with full CCTV coverage of procedures for transparency. A separate, dedicated aftercare center supports complete and systematic post-procedure care. Recognized with the 2022 Korea No.1 Award and 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, and selected as an Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons with certification by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society, Made Young is a trusted destination in Korea for balanced, natural-looking protruding jaw correction.
You can check out their website here: Made Young Plastic Surgery Website
View Plastic Surgery
View Plastic Surgery Clinic is a top choice in Korea for protruding jaw (lantern jaw) because it combines a safety-first philosophy with comprehensive lower-face solutions tailored for true balance and harmony. The clinic offers specialized Double Jaw Surgery for lantern jaw correction and facial asymmetry correction, and complements these with precise facial contouring options—such as V-line surgery, square jaw surgery, and front chin surgery—to refine the jawline and profile from every angle. With dedicated programs for both men and women, and a broad spectrum of related facial procedures under one roof, patients benefit from coordinated planning, natural-looking outcomes, and a steadfast emphasis on safety throughout the entire treatment journey.
Find more about this clinic here: View Plastic Surgery Website
Nana Plastic Surgery Clinic
Nana Plastic Surgery Clinic, conveniently located at Sinnonhyeon Station, is renowned for advanced aesthetic procedures backed by extensive clinical data and a wide range of surgical experience. With a strong portfolio in facial contouring—particularly jawline reshaping and chin balance—the clinic stands out in Korea for patients seeking aesthetic improvement of a protruding jaw, prioritizing natural harmony, safety, and long-term results.
- Renowned facial contouring expertise for jaw-related concerns: V Line Surgery to refine the jawline, Genioplasty to adjust chin projection for profile harmony, Cheekbone Reduction for balanced midface proportions, and Facial Implant Surgery for durable contour enhancement.
- Evidence-based planning and outcomes: advanced aesthetic procedures are backed by extensive clinical data, with techniques such as intraoral incisions (used in cheekbone reduction) to minimize visible scarring.
- Comprehensive profile harmony beyond the jaw: a full spectrum of nose procedures (including flat, bulbous/hump, short/long, deviated/wide, alar reduction, and revision rhinoplasty) to complement jawline corrections for a balanced facial profile.
- Soft-tissue refinement that completes bony contouring: Neck Lifting and Platysma Plasty to define the neck–jawline angle, plus Thread Lifting and Mini Face Lifting for precise tightening with minimal downtime.
- Full-spectrum aesthetic support: non-surgical dermatology options—tightening, petit sculpting (fillers/Botox), slimming treatments, and lasers—help optimize skin quality and maintain results after surgical contouring.
- Proven experience across diverse procedures: from face to breast and body, the clinic’s broad surgical repertoire reflects the depth and versatility needed for individualized protruding jaw aesthetics.
- Skilled in addressing complex or prior surgeries: dedicated revision services (such as revision rhinoplasty and breast revision) underscore meticulous planning and problem-solving for challenging cases.
- Commitment to ongoing outcome management: structured evaluation practices, exemplified by dedicated breast check-ups, reflect a culture of sustained follow-up and quality assurance.
- Accessible and patient-friendly location: situated at Sinnonhyeon Station, making consultations and postoperative visits convenient for both local and international patients.
Find more about this clinic here: Nana Plastic Surgery Clinic Website
The Patient Journey: Getting Double Jaw Surgery in South Korea
Choosing double jaw surgery involves a multi-phase process over several years, with orthodontists and oral surgeons working closely together. Success depends on patient commitment to every phase.
Initial Consultation and Assessment
Everything begins with consultations between the patient, orthodontist, and surgeon. International patients can often start with virtual consultations (submitted photos or video calls) to determine initial suitability. Upon arrival in Korea, further in-depth diagnostics—advanced X-rays, 3D CT scans, plaster molds of teeth, and facial analysis—are performed. 3D modeling and virtual designs help create precise, personalized surgical plans.
Pre-Surgical Orthodontic Treatment
Patients wear braces or aligners for 12 to 18 months to align teeth and undo compensations, so the arches fit together perfectly after surgery.
Preparing for Surgery
Preparation includes:
- Full disclosure of medical history.
- Avoiding smoking or alcohol (especially near the surgery date).
- Transitioning to a liquid diet pre-surgery.
- Removing jewelry and nail products the day of, and dressing comfortably for hospital stay.
The Surgical Procedure
Under general anesthesia, oral incisions are made for jaw access. The upper jaw is corrected via Le Fort I Osteotomy and the lower with either BSSO or IVRO, as planned. Jaws are secured with titanium plates and screws. If needed, bone grafts may be used to aid healing. After surgery, patients are monitored in a recovery unit.
Post-Surgical Recovery and Hospital Stay
Patients stay in the hospital for 1 to 4 days. Swelling peaks after 48 hours then decreases. Medication, cold packs, and later warm packs help manage swelling and pain.
Diet is liquid for weeks, progressing slowly to soft food. Lying with the head elevated and walking gently aid recovery, while strenuous activity, smoking, and alcohol are off-limits for weeks.
Essential Aftercare and Follow-up Appointments
Care includes oral hygiene with special rinses, ongoing orthodontic work for bite refinement, and regular surgical follow-ups. Top Korean clinics often offer advanced therapies like lymph drainage and laser treatments to speed healing. Most initial jaw healing takes about six weeks, with full recovery stretching to several months. International patients should stay in Korea for 2 to 4 weeks for early follow-ups.
Potential Risks and Recovery Challenges
Recovery is often more difficult than patients expect. Potential risks include:
- Nerve trauma (temporary or permanent numbness).
- Changes in hearing.
- Jaw relapse (rare with modern fixation).
- Surgical complications such as bone fractures or bleeding.
- Exacerbation of TMJ problems.
- Other side effects like constipation and drooling.
- The need for strong caretaker support in the first weeks.
Costs and Value: Double Jaw Surgery in South Korea vs. Other Countries
Average Cost of Double Jaw Surgery in South Korea
Typical prices are $11,000 to $25,000 USD, averaging around $12,833 USD. A 10% deposit is customary for booking procedures.
What's Typically Included in the Cost
- Pre-operative consultations.
- Hospitalization (2-4 days).
- General anesthesia.
- Medications for pain and infection.
- Follow-up appointments.
- Compression bandage.
Factors Influencing the Cost
Final costs vary by:
- Surgeon’s expertise.
- Clinic location and reputation.
- Case complexity.
- Combined procedures (like genioplasty).
- Orthodontic treatment (usually a separate cost).
- Accommodation and travel for foreigners.
Table 1: Cost Comparison of Double Jaw Surgery Across Key Medical Tourism Destinations
| Destination | Procedure Type | Cost (USD) Range / Average | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | Double Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic) | $7,000 - $25,330 (Avg: $12,833) | Advanced expertise, competitive pricing |
| USA | Orthognathic Surgery (Double Jaw) | $18,000 - $56,000 | Much higher compared to other countries |
| Mexico | Double Jaw Orthognathic Surgery | $9,000 - $13,300 | Cost-effective option |
| Turkey | Double Jaw Surgery | $2,200 - $15,000 | Rapidly growing destination, lower prices |
| Thailand | Orthognathic Surgery | $4,200 - $14,799 | Popular medical tourism location |
| United Kingdom | Orthognathic Surgery (Double Jaw) | $19,200 - $51,000 | Higher end pricing |
| Australia | Bi-maxillary Surgery | $6,880 - $9,632 | Subject to exchange rate fluctuations |
| Europe | Orthognathic Surgery | $8,800 - $18,700 | Mid-range pricing |
Note: Prices are estimates subject to case details and exchange rates.
Why South Korea is a Competitive Choice for Medical Tourists
South Korea offers world-class care, with prices often 30-60% lower than in the US or Europe, yet equal or superior in quality. High procedure volume brings experience, while technology like 3D planning ensures safety and predictability. Korean clinics also provide comprehensive international support, from virtual consults to accommodation help.
Life After Double Jaw Surgery: Patient Experiences and Outcomes
Double jaw surgery profoundly improves both function and appearance, usually changing lives for the better.
Addressing Functional Issues
Patients commonly experience:
- Dramatically better chewing and biting ability.
- Improved speech clarity, boosting confidence.
- Enhanced breathing, often alleviating sleep apnea.
- Relief from jaw pain and TMJ issues.
Achieving Aesthetic Transformations
The surgery rebalances facial features:
- Achieving facial symmetry.
- Creating more natural and appealing profiles.
- Enabling comfortable lip closure.
- Refining chin contours, sometimes with added procedures.
Psychological Benefits
- Greater self-esteem and confidence.
- Enhanced quality of life—patients often wish they’d pursued surgery sooner.
- More comfort in social and professional settings.
Common Patient Experiences During Recovery
- Swelling and numbness, improving slowly.
- Liquid then soft-food diet, which can be tough.
- Temporary drooling and occasionally constipation.
- A high need for supportive care and motivation during this period.
Overall Success Rates and Long-Term Outlook
Success rates are high—typically 93.9% to 95%—with most patients reporting better function and life satisfaction. Continued orthodontic care post-surgery is important for maintaining results.
Conclusion
A protruding jaw, or prognathism, is a complex issue that affects both function and facial appearance, often requiring more than cosmetic improvement. Double jaw surgery (bimaxillary osteotomy) offers a reliable, comprehensive solution that brings lasting functional, aesthetic, and psychological benefits. South Korea stands out for its expertise, cost-effectiveness, advanced technology, and robust patient support, making it a top choice for medical tourists. For those considering this life-changing procedure, understanding the commitment involved and the broad spectrum of benefits is key to making the best decision for their health and well-being.
References
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