The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic in a private hospital. This operation can take anywhere from 2 hours for a lower jaw procedure to in excess of four hours for a complicated two-jaw operation. The surgeon carefully makes small cuts in the bone and then
moves the jaw(s) as required. All incisons are made inside the mouth so there are no facial scars.
The jaws are
stabilized in their new position with titanium plates and screws at the time of surgery, eliminating the need for the two jaws to be wired together. Initially the jaws are supported by a thin plastic splint
attached to the top teeth and small elastic bands between the upper and lower teeth. Following surgery, most patients spend a one to three nights in hospital, with a further 2 weeks to recover prior to returning to work. It may take several months before contact sports can be recommenced.