One Jaw Surgery in Korea

One jaw surgery — also called single-jaw orthognathic surgery — corrects skeletal irregularities by repositioning either the upper jaw (maxilla) or the lower jaw (mandible), but not both. It is indicated when the misalignment originates primarily in one jaw while the other is in an acceptable position. Common scenarios include a receding lower jaw (mandibular retrognathia), a protruding lower jaw (mandibular prognathism), or a vertically excessive upper jaw causing a gummy smile.

Korea's oral-maxillofacial surgery centres have refined one-jaw procedures through exceptionally high case volumes, integrating computer-assisted surgical simulation, custom cutting guides, and meticulous orthodontic-surgical coordination. For international patients, this translates into predictable outcomes and a well-organised care pathway.

The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not replace a professional medical consultation. Individual anatomy, health status, and surgical goals vary — always consult a qualified surgeon before making decisions.

One jaw surgery uses well-established orthognathic osteotomy techniques to move the jaw into a corrected position. The specific technique depends on which jaw is treated: a Le Fort I osteotomy for the upper jaw or a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) for the lower jaw.

1. Planning — 3-D CT scans, cephalometric analysis, and dental models are used to simulate the jaw movement digitally. A surgical splint (wafer) is fabricated to guide the new bite position during surgery. Pre-surgical orthodontics may be required for 6 – 12 months to align the teeth so they fit correctly after the jaw is moved.
2. Anaesthesia — General anaesthesia with nasotracheal intubation is administered.
3. Access — For a Le Fort I (upper jaw), an incision is made inside the mouth above the upper teeth. For a BSSO (lower jaw), incisions are placed along the inner gum behind the lower molars bilaterally.
4. Reshaping — Le Fort I: The maxilla is cut horizontally and separated from the skull base. It is repositioned forward, backward, upward, or downward as planned, then secured with titanium plates and screws. BSSO: The mandible is split sagittally on both sides. The tooth-bearing segment is moved forward or backward into the planned occlusion and fixed with titanium plates or bicortical screws.
5. Closing — Incisions are sutured with absorbable material. The surgical splint is wired or banded to the teeth temporarily to maintain the new bite. Elastic bands guide jaw movement during early healing.

Seoul Medical Insider ensures transparent pricing with no intermediary mark-ups. You receive the clinic's direct fee schedule and a clear explanation of what is included — surgical fee, anaesthesia, hospital stay, and standard follow-up visits.

One jaw surgery in Korea typically ranges from KRW 6,000,000 to KRW 12,000,000 (approximately USD 4,500 – 9,000). Cost varies depending on whether the upper or lower jaw is treated, the complexity of the movement (simple advancement versus multi-directional repositioning), and whether custom surgical guides are used. Pre-surgical orthodontics, if performed in Korea, is an additional cost; many international patients complete this phase at home to save time.

All pricing information is reviewed and updated as of 2026. Request a personalised quote through Seoul Medical Insider for exact figures based on your clinical situation.

One jaw surgery is appropriate when the skeletal problem is localised to a single jaw and the opposing jaw is in a normal or near-normal position relative to the skull base.

• Suited: Patients with mandibular prognathism (protruding lower jaw) creating an underbite, where the upper jaw position is normal.
• Suited: Patients with mandibular retrognathia (receding lower jaw) resulting in a severe overbite and a weak chin profile.
• Suited: Individuals with vertical maxillary excess (long upper jaw) causing excessive gum display when smiling.
• Suited: Adults who have completed jaw growth (typically 18+ for females, 20+ for males) and have completed or are willing to undergo pre-surgical orthodontics.
• Discuss carefully: Patients whose malocclusion involves both jaws — two-jaw surgery may deliver a more stable and balanced result.
• Discuss carefully: Those with obstructive sleep apnoea caused by jaw position — a single-jaw procedure may not open the airway sufficiently.
• Discuss carefully: Patients with cleft palate or craniofacial syndromes, who may require a more complex multidisciplinary approach.

• Week 1 — Significant facial swelling, particularly around the operated jaw. Elastic bands limit jaw opening; diet is strictly liquid (syringed or through a straw). Nasal congestion is common after upper-jaw surgery. Pain and discomfort are managed with medication. Numbness of the lower lip (after BSSO) or upper lip (after Le Fort I) is expected.
• Weeks 2 – 3 — Swelling gradually reduces. Elastic bands are adjusted to allow gentle jaw movement. Patients transition from liquids to blended or very soft foods. Light walking is encouraged; strenuous activity is not.
• Weeks 4 – 8 — Soft-food diet continues; most patients can eat soft solids by week 6. Elastics are reduced or removed. Post-surgical orthodontic adjustments may begin. Moderate exercise is permitted from week 6.
• Months 3 – 12 — Bone healing consolidates fully by 3 – 4 months. Nerve sensation progressively returns over 6 – 12 months, though some patients report minor residual numbness. The final bite, facial profile, and soft-tissue drape stabilise during this period.

International patients should stay in Korea for a minimum of 10 – 14 days. The surgical team will need to verify bone position with imaging, adjust elastics, and ensure the bite is tracking correctly before clearing you for travel.

One jaw surgery is a well-established orthognathic procedure, but it carries risks inherent to bone surgery near critical structures. Key risks include temporary or, less commonly, permanent numbness of the lower lip and chin (inferior alveolar nerve injury in BSSO) or the upper lip and palate (infraorbital nerve in Le Fort I); unfavourable splits during BSSO (a "bad split") requiring additional fixation; post-operative malocclusion or relapse if bone healing or orthodontic compliance is suboptimal; infection at the osteotomy site or around hardware; TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain or dysfunction, especially if the condyle is displaced during mandibular surgery; haemorrhage from the maxillary artery or pterygoid venous plexus during Le Fort I surgery; nasal septum deviation or breathing changes after upper-jaw repositioning; and delayed bone union, particularly in smokers or patients with poor nutrition. Thorough virtual surgical planning and experienced surgical execution are the most effective ways to mitigate these complications.

• Complete pre-surgical orthodontics before travelling to Korea — coordinate with your home orthodontist and the Korean surgical team to ensure the teeth are in the correct pre-surgical position.
• Bring a complete set of records: 3-D CT, cephalometric X-ray, dental models or intraoral scans, and orthodontic treatment notes.
• Stop smoking at least 4 weeks before surgery — nicotine significantly impairs bone healing and increases infection risk.
• Prepare a liquid-diet kit: syringes (for directing fluids into the mouth), protein shakes, electrolyte solutions, and a portable blender.
• Pack nasal saline spray and a humidifier if having upper-jaw surgery — nasal congestion is common for the first week.
• Plan to stay in Seoul for 10 – 14 days for follow-up imaging, elastic-band adjustments, and surgeon clearance.
• Arrange for post-surgical orthodontic follow-up at home within 2 – 4 weeks of returning; the Korean surgeon will provide detailed instructions for your home orthodontist.