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.