Quick answer
What is jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery)?
Jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, is an operation that repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw or chin to correct a misaligned bite, facial asymmetry or airway problems. In Turkey, oral and maxillofacial surgeons plan each movement with CBCT scans and 3D virtual surgical planning, and treatment is usually combined with orthodontic braces before and after surgery.
Jaw Surgery at a glance
- Procedure time
- 2–5 hours
- Anaesthesia
- General
- Hospital stay
- 2–3 nights
- Time in Istanbul
- 10–14 days
- Back to work
- 3–4 weeks (desk work)
- Price
- Written quote after review
Jaw Surgery in Istanbul: overview
Orthognathic surgery corrects skeletal problems that braces alone cannot fix, such as a Class II overbite, a Class III underbite, an open bite or a jaw that sits off-centre. Unlike purely cosmetic procedures, it changes how the teeth meet, how you chew and speak, and sometimes how you breathe at night. Through Med World Türkiye, patients are treated by oral and maxillofacial surgeons at JCI-accredited partner hospitals in Istanbul, where each case is planned on CBCT data and 3D virtual surgical planning software before the operation date is confirmed.
Most patients need orthodontic treatment for 12–18 months before surgery to align the teeth within each jaw, followed by 6–12 months of finishing orthodontics afterwards. You can usually complete both phases with your own orthodontist at home, while our team shares records and coordinates timing with the partner surgeon in Istanbul. The surgical trip itself lasts around 10–14 days and covers pre-operative scans, the operation, a 2–3 night hospital stay and early follow-up checks. Your final plan and price are confirmed only after the surgeon has reviewed your scans and orthodontic records.
Which Jaw Surgery techniques are available?
Le Fort I osteotomy
The upper jaw (maxilla) is cut above the tooth roots, moved forwards, backwards, up or down, then fixed with titanium plates. It suits patients with a retruded midface, a gummy smile, vertical excess or an open bite.
Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO)
The lower jaw (mandible) is split on both sides behind the molars so the tooth-bearing segment can be advanced or set back. It is the standard approach for a retruded Class II lower jaw or a prominent Class III lower jaw.
Bimaxillary (double jaw) surgery
Le Fort I and BSSO are performed in the same operation when both jaws contribute to the problem, as in many severe underbites, asymmetries and open bites. Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA), a form of double jaw surgery, moves both jaws forwards to enlarge the airway in selected obstructive sleep apnoea patients.
Genioplasty
The chin bone is cut and repositioned forwards, backwards, vertically or sideways to refine the facial profile. It can be done on its own or added to single or double jaw surgery for better overall balance.
Why choose Med World Türkiye for Jaw Surgery?
3D virtual surgical planning
Jaw movements are simulated on CBCT-based 3D models, and custom splints are printed to transfer the plan precisely to the operating theatre.
Function and facial balance together
One operation can improve the bite, chewing efficiency and facial proportions at the same time, rather than treating appearance alone.
Itemised written quote
Treatment in Turkey often costs less than private treatment in the UK, mainly because of lower operating costs – the partner hospital's written quote shows exactly what you pay.
Coordinated with your orthodontist
We share scans and timing with your home orthodontist so pre- and post-surgical braces can continue locally.
Who is a good candidate for Jaw Surgery?
- Adults with a Class II overbite or Class III underbite that orthodontics alone cannot correct.
- People with an open bite, where the front teeth do not meet when the back teeth are closed.
- Patients with visible facial or jaw asymmetry caused by uneven skeletal growth.
- Adults with obstructive sleep apnoea who have been assessed for maxillomandibular advancement by a sleep specialist.
- Patients whose jaw growth has finished, usually around 17–18 for women and 18–21 for men.
What does a Jaw Surgery trip to Istanbul look like?
- 1
Day 1 – Arrival & consultation
VIP airport transfer to your hotel, then CBCT imaging, photographs and a consultation with the maxillofacial surgeon to confirm the 3D surgical plan.
- 2
Days 2–4 – Surgery & hospital stay
The operation takes 2–5 hours under general anaesthesia, followed by 2–3 nights in hospital for monitoring, pain control and swelling management.
- 3
Days 5–10 – Hotel recovery
You rest at the hotel on a liquid diet, with check-ups to review swelling, bite position and guiding elastics.
- 4
Days 11–14 – Final check & flight home
The surgeon reviews healing and the bite, gives written aftercare instructions, and our team arranges follow-up with your orthodontist at home.
What is recovery like after Jaw Surgery?
In the first week, swelling peaks around 48–72 hours, the lips and chin may feel numb, and you follow a liquid diet while elastics guide the bite. By one month most patients are back at desk work, typically from weeks 3–4, and swelling has clearly reduced, although the diet stays liquid to soft for about 6 weeks while the bone heals. At around 3 months most visible swelling has gone and post-surgical orthodontics continues to fine-tune the bite. Final facial contours and nerve sensation settle over 9–12 months; some patients keep mild residual numbness, which the surgeon discusses beforehand.
How much does Jaw Surgery cost in Turkey?
The price of jaw surgery in Istanbul depends mainly on whether one or both jaws are moved, the technique (Le Fort I, BSSO or bimaxillary surgery), whether a genioplasty is added, the fixation hardware and surgical splints, the extent of 3D planning, time under general anaesthesia, the number of hospital nights and the partner hospital itself. With Med World Türkiye, a partner maxillofacial surgeon first reviews your photos, CBCT scans and orthodontic records. You then receive a written, itemised quote from the partner hospital before you book anything. Orthodontic treatment before and after surgery is usually priced separately.
What your written quote itemises
- Surgeon & anaesthesia fees
- CBCT scan & 3D virtual surgical planning
- Printed surgical splints & titanium fixation
- Hospital stay
- Hotel accommodation & VIP transfers
- Interpreter & aftercare follow-up
Med World Türkiye does not publish a price list. Every price comes from a written, itemised quote issued by the partner hospital after a surgeon has reviewed your photos, scans or medical records.
Jaw Surgery: frequently asked questions
How much does jaw surgery cost in Turkey?
The cost of jaw surgery in Turkey depends mainly on whether one or both jaws are moved, whether a genioplasty is added, the fixation hardware and the number of hospital nights at the partner hospital in Istanbul. The written quote usually itemises surgeon and anaesthesia fees, 3D planning, hospital stay, hotel and transfers. Orthodontic treatment before and after surgery is usually priced separately. Your initial consultation is free, and you receive the written quote once the surgeon has reviewed your CBCT scans and records, before you book anything.
Is it safe to have orthognathic surgery in Istanbul?
Orthognathic surgery in Istanbul can be a safe choice when it is performed by an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon in a properly equipped hospital, which is why we coordinate only with JCI-accredited partner hospitals. Like any major operation it carries risks, including bleeding, infection, numbness of the lip or chin, relapse and occasionally the need for plate removal. Your surgeon explains these risks in detail during consultation.
How long do I need to stay in Istanbul after jaw surgery?
Plan to stay in Istanbul for around 10–14 days for jaw surgery. This allows time for pre-operative scans, the operation, 2–3 nights in hospital and several post-operative checks of swelling and bite before you are cleared to fly. Most patients find it helpful to bring a companion, as the first week involves a liquid diet and significant facial swelling.
Is jaw surgery painful and how long is recovery?
Most patients describe jaw surgery recovery as more uncomfortable than painful, with swelling, pressure and numbness being the main complaints, managed with prescribed pain relief. Swelling peaks at 48–72 hours, desk work is usually possible after 3–4 weeks, and a liquid to soft diet continues for about 6 weeks. Contact sports and heavy exercise are avoided until your surgeon confirms bone healing.
When will I see the final results of double jaw surgery?
Final results of double jaw surgery usually appear after 9–12 months, once residual swelling has resolved and the bone has fully remodelled. Most visible swelling disappears within about 3 months. The skeletal change itself is long-term, although a small amount of relapse can occur, which is one reason post-surgical orthodontics and regular follow-up are important.
What is the right age for jaw surgery?
Jaw surgery is normally performed once jaw growth has stopped, typically around 17–18 for women and 18–21 for men, so the correction is not undone by further growth. There is no strict upper age limit; healthy adults in their 40s, 50s and beyond can be candidates after medical assessment. Serial X-rays or cephalometric records can help confirm that growth has finished.
Do I need braces before and after jaw surgery?
Most patients need braces before and after jaw surgery, usually for 12–18 months beforehand and 6–12 months afterwards. Pre-surgical orthodontics positions the teeth correctly within each jaw so the surgeon can align the jaws accurately, and post-surgical orthodontics fine-tunes the bite. You can complete both phases with your local orthodontist while our team coordinates records and timing with the partner surgeon in Istanbul.
Related procedures
Part of our specialty: Dental & Oral Health
This page provides general information and is not medical advice. Whether a procedure is right for you, which technique is used and what results to expect can only be decided after a consultation with a qualified specialist. All surgery carries risks, which your surgeon will explain before you consent.